The constant issue for the indie filmmaker is the search for cash. You can raise money from equity investors. You can even put the whole thing on a credit card. One way or another, though — it might actually be smarter to find a way to sell your movie before it's made and raise cash against the sale. There are two kinds of people that can help you in that respect: the foreign-sales agent and the producer's rep.

Whether you go with an "agent" or a "rep," they will try to do the same thing — pre-sell your movie at the various markets like AFM in the Los Angeles area in February, Marché International du Film, or MIF, in Cannes in May, and Mercato Internazionale Filme e Documentario, or  MIFED, in Milan in October.

Before you get to that stage, however — there will be talk of your "package." This is basically your movie (for want of a better word) in proposal form for display and sales purposes. There are certain ingredients that you will need in your package, regardless of what your movie is about or its genre.

Items that are crucial to your package:

I) THE SCRIPT

When including the script in your package &madsh; no fancy covers or illustrative art &madsh; unless you have had a professional design a poster. And even then, use mock-up posters at your peril. Included with the script should be a punchy one-page synopsis &madsh; written in the style of sales copy (like you might find on the back of a DVD). If you don’t have a character breakdown &madsh; write one. Beside the description of each character, you should include the names of the actors you are considering.

II) FINANCE PLAN

This can be as simple as the "top-sheet" of a budget, or a more detailed breakdown of how you intend to raise finances. By including something of this kind, you will show finance/sales people that you are serious and have considered the financial aspect of your project. Obviously, there is a huge difference between trying to raise $10k and $1M. But going in, the people that you are trying to "sell" will need to know what sort of money you are talking about. So be bold, but realistic.

III) THE DIRECTOR

Include a bio/credentials pitch on the director. If he or she has credits &madsh; great. List them and write up a short description of each, highlighting his or her's value and creativity. If he or she has no credits &madsh; write up a creative bio for this person that details what they bring to the project. For instance, if you are making a movie about house painters, it might help that your newbie director was a house painter for five years. Talk this person up. Give him or her confidence. Make him or her seem like a good choice to people you approach.

IV) THE CAST

Ideally, this might include somebody who has been in movies. If you have anybody of note &madsh; this is a big plus. Include the actor's filmographies, bios and Letters of intent &madsh; if you have been smart enough to get them. The more interesting your cast seems &madsh; the closer you can get to finance and distribution.

V) THE CREW

Do you have a track record as a producer? Does the writer or cameraman or composer have credits? Include details about the behind-the-scenes people. This will bring credibility to your package and re-enforce that you CAN actually make a movie and deliver.

Well there you have it. One through five. It sounds simple &madsh; but there are many shades of gray and levels in packages.

Just make sure it makes sense and that you proofread it.

For further ideas on film finance you might try the following books:

Filmmaker's Guide to Business Plans

Finance for Indie Filmmakers

43 Ways to Finance your Film