*100% Tax Deductible through IRS section 181and deductable as a donation to a non-profit organization.
*Money is repaid to Maine Film Fund, not the investor
*The investor is given Executive Producer credit (and given product placement opportunities, if available).
*Maine Production Companies Only
Initial investment can be used over and over.
Encourages productions to come to Maine for favorable numbers.
Non-profit status will allow for easier fundraising.
MFC will employ fundraiser to help raise funds, so filmmakers can concentrate on making films!
Reduces the need for incentives, but encourages the state to support positive legislation for the industry.
Gives Maine filmmakers a united, strong voice!
To apply for the Maine Film Fund:
MFF Funding Process
Please do not send or deliver scripts to The Maine Studios, unless asked to do so. They will not be read!
*IMPORTANT* First (before sending anything), please use the following "Request to Submit" form.
1. Script Submission - MFF will consider scripts for green light consideration in only 2 ways. A. A Maine based Production Company can submit a developed business plan and script that they feel is a commercially viable film that can be made for under $10 million. B. MFF will accept business plans and scripts from outside sources such as agents, managers, talent or other producers, - BUT those scripts will only be funded if a Maine Production Company chooses to produce it.
2. Production Dep’t Analysis – Business Plan and script submissions should be made to the Maine Film Co-Op, Executive Director. The ED will review all scripts and business plans. Then, the Board of Advisers will analyze the quality of the package's creative merit, commercial viability and where it fits into the current schedule. They will consider any talent that may be attached or interested; as well as seek out a meeting with the filmmakers should it seem appropriate. They will also consider what tax incentive options might be available for the film. If all required documentation is provided. The Board will make a recommendation for funding the project.
3. Distribution Dep’t Analysis - If the Board feels a script has potential, they will share it with the distribution advisors who will consider the following factors: Is this a commercially viable film? What audience is it targeting? Will a significant audience be willing to buy a ticket to see this movie? Will this film fit into our distribution output deals with our foreign sales partners? Television partner? DVD partner? VOD partner? Etc. Does this film fit into the MFF slate by genre? Release timing? Does this film offer auxiliary revenue streams such as branded entertainment opportunities or soundtrack cross promotions/income or a book, video game, board game? Does this film offer prestige and brand building benefits such as award winning potential? Does this film have wide release, platform release or limited release potential? Does this film have a marketing hook? Is there a non-profit partner that could significantly increase the visibility and/or sales of this film? Is there an existing loyal following that can be tapped into online or offline or both? Is it based on a book or a true story that we can build a foundation upon? Can you visualize the poster for this film? Is there a similar film in development or production already by one or more other producers that could derail the box office success of this film? Is the title as good as it could be?
4. Meeting with Filmmakers - If the Distribution team agrees that a script has potential, they will send their questions and suggestions to the Board which will then set up a meeting with the filmmakers and producers involved. In this meeting there will be sharing of all relevant feedback including notes and suggestions regarding casting, script, production issues, distribution strategy & potential marketing opportunities and commercial viability.
5. Producer Prep Time - If all goes well in step 4 and both parties feel they are envisioning the same movie, the producer then needs to: Work with the production team on any script issues and cast attachments. Director and lead cast must be mutually approved before full greenlight. Provide proof of chain of title and an available budget under $10 million. Budgets must meet the parameters set by the distribution division and/or what is available for funding allocation. The cost of preparing the budget is paid for by the producer, but reimbursed out of the film budget if green-lit by MFF. Work with the completion bond company to make sure the film is bondable. Work with the distribution team to make any changes in title.
6. Green light process final steps - If the budget, film locations, script, casting and title are approved, then a film will be officially green-lit. This means: MFF will be financing up to 100% of film production costs. MFF will not review projects, which do have a completed script and business plan. MFF will not fund films with an “X” rating. MFF has the right to refuse to fund any film or to only partially fund films. MFF has the right to negotiate all contracts between the Fund and the Production Company. MFF has the right to change the funding order of projects.
Project Checklist
*Completed Script (edited)
Chain of Title
*Production Company Resume (can be on file with MFF)
*Executive Summary
*Project Abstract
*Character Breakdowns
*Production Team
*Key Crew
*Key Cast (Dream Sheet)
*Marketing Plan
*Distribution Plan
*Funding Considerations
*Shooting Schedule
Letters Of Interest (cast and/or crew)
*Budget (Top Sheet Only for initial submissions)
Script Breakdowns
Any Additional relevant materials
*Not accepted without.