Your Investors Don’t Need a Better Pitch. They Need a Better Deal.
You’re a filmmaker — not a securities attorney. We handle the financial structure, the legal compliance, and the investor package. You handle the film.
You’re a filmmaker — not a securities attorney. We handle the financial structure, the legal compliance, and the investor package. You handle the film.
You’ve got a great script, meaningful talent interest, and a production plan. But every investor meeting ends the same way: “Let me think about it.”
The problem isn’t your project. It’s the package. Sophisticated investors don’t fund passion — they fund deals. They need to see downside protection, tax efficiency, projected returns, and a legal structure that their advisors can verify.
That’s where we come in.
Act One Media was founded by a UChicago Law private equity attorney who also writes and directs films. We understand both sides of the table — the creative vision that drives you and the financial structure that motivates investors. We turn your project into an investment opportunity that serious capital can back.
Everything you need to walk into an investor meeting with a real value proposition — not just a pitch deck.
Investor-grade revenue projections across all distribution windows — theatrical, streaming, international, home video. Conservative assumptions backed by comparable data, not wishful thinking.
We structure deals using IRC Section 181, Section 168(k), and Regulation D — giving your investors tax efficiency alongside profit-motivated returns. This is what turns “maybe” into “yes.”
SPV formation, operating agreements, PPMs, subscription documents — everything required for a Regulation D private placement, coordinated with securities counsel.
We structure your budget to maximize state tax rebates and production incentives — reducing your effective budget and improving the deal for investors.
Direct introductions to our network of qualified investors who understand film investment and are actively looking for opportunities.
Production counsel at discounted rates, entertainment accountants, insurance brokers, completion bond companies — the professional support every deal demands.
Before we can help you raise capital, your project needs to check these boxes. We help you get there.
Compelling script, key talent attached, realistic production plan, clear creative vision.
Detailed, defensible budget that reflects actual costs. We help refine budgets to be both efficient and credible.
Revenue estimates backed by comparable data, not wishful thinking. We build the models.
Investors expect tax efficiency. We structure deals using 181, 168(k), and Reg D.
A producing team with relevant credits and a track record of completing films on time and on budget.
Clear chain of title, proper entity structure, and the legal framework for a compliant capital raise.
We work across genres and budget levels, but the projects we take on share a few things in common.
Experienced producers who deliver on time and on budget — and talented newcomers who demonstrate strong executional skills.
Realistic financial models with high sales-to-budget ratios grounded in comparable data.
Confirmed or likely talent that strengthens the package’s market value and investor appeal.
Producers who bring momentum — their own investor relationships, partial financing, or other commitments that show conviction.
We’re proud to be based in Chicago. Illinois offers competitive tax incentives, world-class crews, and diverse locations.
Projects filming in states with strong tax incentive programs have a built-in advantage we can leverage.
When we’re done, your investors won’t see a pitch deck — they’ll see a structured investment opportunity.
Pro forma models. Tax efficiency. Downside protection. A revenue waterfall. Legal compliance. And a CPA package they can hand to their accountant. That’s what closes deals.
Show your investors what we show ours.
The Film Finance Blueprint is a free guide covering capital stacks, Section 168(k), investor communication, and the framework for structuring your first tax-advantaged deal.
Tell us about your film and we’ll let you know if we can help you get it funded.
Submit Your Project