How our Film Incentive loan works?
What Are Film Tax Credits & Rebates — And How FilmMoney Helps You Access Them Faster
If you’re a filmmaker navigating the financing landscape, you’ve likely heard of film tax credits and cash rebates. These incentives, offered by more than 38 U.S. states, are powerful tools designed to keep productions shooting locally by rewarding in-state spending and job creation.
But there’s a catch: most of these funds aren’t paid out until after production wraps, often months later. That delay can create a serious cash flow crunch. That’s where FilmMoney and FM Lending LLC come in — with a smart solution built by producers, for producers.
Understanding the Incentives: Tax Credits vs. Cash Rebates
Tax Credits are financial offsets against taxes owed to the state. In film, these are often transferable, meaning producers can sell them to in-state businesses that owe taxes — turning credits into real, spendable cash.
Cash Rebates, on the other hand, are direct payments from the state government. After a third-party audit confirms qualified expenditures, the state writes a check — often 30–90 days after completion.
Example: A $5 million film shooting in a state with a 30% incentive can expect $1.5 million back in tax credits or rebates
How FilmMoney Bridges the Gap
While these incentives are generous, they’re not immediate — and producers still need to pay cast, crew, vendors, and locations now. That’s why David Brown, founder of FM Lending LLC and FilmMoney, created the Film Incentive Loan.
With this product, FilmMoney advances 70% to 80% of your anticipated incentive as it accrues during production. Instead of waiting months, you get liquidity when you need it most — in pre-production and production.
How It Works
Spend First – Producers front the initial capital and begin incurring eligible in-state expenses.
Weekly Audits – FilmMoney conducts ongoing audits to verify qualified spending.
Incremental Funding – As expenses are verified, FilmMoney releases loan funds weekly.
Repayment – For cash rebates, the loan is repaid within ~30 days of project completion. For tax credits, FilmMoney facilitates the credit sale to in-state buyers, with repayment typically occurring within 30–90 days.
Built by a Filmmaker, Not a Bank
David Brown, a former DGA Unit Production Manager and PGA producer, created FilmMoney after years of experiencing financing headaches firsthand. He knows the urgency of cash flow when you’re racing to lock a location, pay your crew, or secure talent.
This isn’t just a loan—it’s a financial partnership built on speed, transparency, and production-savvy support. “We don’t sit back and wait. We engage. Our borrowers aren’t loan numbers — they’re our colleagues.” — David Brown
Your Loan May Be Eligible for Its Own Tax Rebate
In some states, fees and premiums paid to FilmMoney may qualify as a rebatable production expense, letting you earn back 20%–40% of the loan cost itself. That means FilmMoney not only fuels your cash flow — it can enhance your rebate return too.
If you'd like to learn more, I'm more than happy to schedule a zoom or in-person meeting. Additionally, our deck is available upon request: dbrown@filmmoney.com.