What We Look for When Approving a Film Loan
How to prepare your project for a fast “yes” from FilmMoney and FM Lending LLC
Getting a loan for your film doesn’t have to be a mystery. At FilmMoney and FM Lending LLC, we’re not bankers—we’re filmmakers. Our founder, David Brown, built this company after years of producing films and dealing with broken finance models that didn’t understand the business of production.
That’s why we approach lending differently. Fast approvals. Smart underwriting. Real communication. But just like in casting, preparation matters.
If you’re thinking about applying for financing, here’s exactly what we look for—and how to set your project up for a fast, confident yes.
✅ 1. A Clean, Clear Budget
We don’t need 47 spreadsheets. We do need a fully itemized budget that matches your shooting location, union status, and incentive eligibility.
Pro Tip:
Use line producers with real experience. Unrealistic or padded numbers are red flags.
✅ 2. Confirmed Collateral
Our loans are asset-based, so we need to verify the value of what you’re borrowing against.
Typical collateral includes:
Signed Minimum Guarantees (MGs) or pre-sale agreements
Approved state tax credits or cash rebates
Verified union deposit refunds
Post-delivery payouts from distributors
David Brown and the FilmMoney team are happy to guide you on what qualifies.
✅ 3. Delivery Plan or Completion Strategy
Even if you’re borrowing mid-production, we want to know how you’ll cross the finish line. That means:
Delivery schedule or sales strategy
Post-production vendors lined up
Plans for deliverables and fulfillment
✅ 4. A Strong Paper Trail
We ask for:
Chain of title or script ownership
Corporate docs (LLC, EIN, banking info)
Proof of insurance or bond (if required)
Basic org chart or key crew list
Pro Tip:
Put it all in one organized folder. We love producers who are buttoned up.
✅ 5. Realism, Not Perfection
You don’t need a 10/10 package to get approved. You need a credible plan with clear repayment. At FM Lending LLC, we know how messy indie film can be—but we back strong vision with structure.
🧠 Final Thoughts
If you’ve got a production-ready project and real collateral to back it, we can help you fund it—fast. Preparing the right materials upfront doesn’t just improve your chances of approval—it accelerates the timeline and builds trust from day one.
Ready to submit your project? Reach out to David Brown and the team at FilmMoney and FM Lending LLC for a checklist and a custom quote.