Summary
BOMBAY DEATHTRAP
Film First Entertainment is an independent film production company located in Long Beach, California. This plan covers the first film in the Deathtrap Trilogy entitled: "Bombay Deathtrap", and has been prepared for the purpose of acquiring funding for the production.
1.0 Financial Projections
The budget for "Bombay Deathtrap" is 20,000,000.00 The projected US/Foreign theatrical gross for this film is 100,000,000.00.Sales from ancillary markets are projected to be 30,000.000.00 "Bombay Deathtrap" also is fashioned to provide a second and third installment. For additional streams of revenue it has been conceptualized as a video game(outline available).The financial projections are commensurate to similar films produced in this budget range. The synergy between Hollywood and Bollywood has never been stronger thanks the Oscar winning film "Slumdog Millionaire", which in addition to critical acclaim also has done over 340 million dollars worldwide in theatrical release. The Asian market in general has exploded in recent years with additional screens/multiplexes. Co-production funding and creative partnerships are on the upswing.
1.1 Objectives
Projected Theatrical Domestic Gross: 60 million by 2017
Projected Theatrical Foreign Gross: 40 million by 2017
Net income more than 10% of sales by third year
1.2 Mission
FilmFirst Entertainment produces high quality motion pictures that appeal to audiences worldwide, and provides a viable alternative to the mega-budget studio picture. FilmFirst is an emerging force in independent film production, and offers a professional, low cost strategy to developing feature films that not only do significant business in the United States, but also penetrate the foreign market.
1.3 Keys to Success
Produce a high concept action film on time and on budget. Develop a marketing strategy that maximizes the film's ability to perform in the US and foreign territories.
2.0 Company Summary
FilmFirst Entertainment located in Long Beach California, is a new company that produces full length motion pictures. As the company grows, it will expand into other markets such as Television/ Cable programming, and live performances that will include stage plays, stand up comedy, and music.
2.1 Company Ownership
FilmFirst Entertainment is an independent film production company presently operating as a sole proprietorship owned by Barry L. Ray . As of this writing it has not been chartered and is still considering alternatives regarding legal formation.
2.2 Start-up Summary
Our start up cost come to 500,000.00.This covers story, script, office and legal expenses. The startup costs are to be financed by direct owner investment.
3.0 Services
FilmFirst offers feature films that target mass market audiences. The primary focus is action features, but the production slate also includes comedies, psychological dramas, suspense/thrillers, and theatrical stage productions.
4.0 Market Analysis Summary
By utilizing the latest trends in market research, FilmFirst Entertainment will capitalize on the expanding worldwide audience for feature films. This involves careful planning for the numerous territories abroad. Key element such as market positioning, tracking, competitive positioning, DVD studies, title testing, screenings, sneak previews, and focus groups will create a winning strategy for release patterns throughout the foreign market.
4.1 Market Segmentation
Domestic distribution is a critical element in maximizing the profit potential of any film. Major studios now release independent film frequently due to the higher quality product now available, and the low financial risk these films present. The market segment with the greatest potential are within the densely populated urban cities. Though the demographic vary, the general awareness of unreleased films, "coming attractions" trailers, word of mouth and "street advertising" creates a buzz that is closely associated with young hip males who are repeat moviegoers as well as trend setters. Foreign distribution is equally, if not more significant.
Due to the rising cost of producing and marketing major films, it becomes essential that filmmakers begin to envision ways to create compelling stories that appeal to international audiences. Specialized marketing campaigns will continue to improve attendance in foreign territories.
4.2 Target Market Segment Strategy
One of the key considerations in marketing specific groups is their access to disposable income. All forms of entertainment music, dance, theater, rely on individuals who not only enjoy the performance experience but also can afford to attend many different types of events and in some cases, even return to view it a second time. These people within their respective circles are highly opinionated and influence friends, family, and co-workers who in addition to critical reviews, also will decide to attend an event or view a film just based on feedback from those individuals who lead the pack as "first attendees". They put out the initial buzz on the quality of production and others factor their feedback into their decision to attend. Secondary groups are equally important but the target group is the segment that has instant impact. This is especially true in the film industry, because of the competition for screens and play dates. The first week/weekend normally determines if a film can sustain the box office strength necessary to maintain its position in theaters.
4.3 Service Business Analysis
The motion picture business is a service comprised of three basic components: production, distribution, and exhibition. The service provides a visual product created as a commercial art form. The industry's largest provider are the major studios, Paramount, Universal, MGM/UA, Warner Bros, and Columbia are a few. Mini-majors include Fox/Searchlight, New Line Cinema, Dreamworks, Lionsgate, and the Weinstein Co. They are largely responsible for most major films-either through financing or acquisition-that receive distribution in the US.
4.3.1 Competition and Buying Patterns
The motion picture business is largely star-driven. The cost of producing and distributing films has become astronomical. The ability of a movie to "open" the first weekend determines it's profitability. This defines the nature of competition. Technology is redefining the way film are produced, and eventually all films will be shot on digital video. FilmFirst Entertainment will be on the cutting edge of this new wave of cinema. "Bombay Deathtrap will also have the advantage of being released in 3D. By producing high concept low cost action packed films, and titles fashioned around international mystery and intrigue. This allows us to mitigate risk, and utilize exceptional marketing strategies to reach audiences worldwide.
5.0 Strategy and Implementation Summary
Markets: United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. The industry’s biggest moneymaking genre world wide is action. Currently, the biggest hit this year is Furious 7 clocking in at over 1 Billion dollars worldwide. Bombay Deathtrap is a high concept, action film that features martial arts - as does some of the film industry's biggest hits including: Crouching Tiger,Hidden Dragon, Hero, Fearless, Kill Bill, Batman Begins, Catwoman, The Matrix Series, Daredevil, Blade/Blade2/Blade3, Daredevil, Rush Hour/ Rush Hour 2/Rush Hour 3, and the animated block buster "Kung-Fu Panda". Another popular Hollywood strategy recently has been bringing comic book characters to the big screen and remakes of popular foreign films.Hugely successful re-released hits from Asia include Kung-Fu Hustle and Shaolin Soccer. The target customer is male 18-35
5.1 Competitive Edge
Our competitive edge? It is often noted that business people lack creative vision. And conversely, creative people never develop a sense of business acumen. With over 30 years of show business experience, a keen sense of audience awareness, five years of film-related market research training (NRG), stage and film experience both in front of and behind the camera, and specialized training in film production at the UCLA Extension. Several short films were produced including the online award winning short film: "Enter...the Afro", and a Producer credit received under the stage name Jesse Kitten on the 2005 Lion's Gate films worldwide DVD release "Vampire Assassin". This combination sets FilmFirst Entertainment apart from all competitors.
5.2 Marketing Strategy
Our marketing strategy will utilize the major studio distribution arm to cover domestic and foreign ,street campaigns, and product tie-ins showcased in TV advertising. Additionally, awareness will be increased through focus group studies with high school and college students in key cities located in densely populated urban areas. Product recognition will also be developed through Internet blogs, forums, message boards, and movie websites, and the creation of a "Bombay Deathtrap" website that contains trailer footage.
5.3 Sales Strategy
Sales in the film business are often built on time-honored relationships. Repeat business comes from customer satisfaction. The AFM, Cannes Film Market, Sundance, and MIFED provide a platform on which independent producers, major studios, exhibitors, and distributors interact through a unique combination of art/commerce.
5.3.1 Sales Forecast
Due to the nature of the film production process, profit projections are based upon box office revenue. This covers a maximum period of 4-6 months and includes first run box office returns, income derived from secondary theater bookings, foreign box office results, and income from ancillary sources such as DVD,PPV,OD, mobile devices, online streaming, and various internet platforms. The film is targeted for release in the spring of 2017, an excellent period that coincides with spring break, which not only accommodates our target audience but also allows our film to avoid going up against studio pictures that will have already locked in the best play dates for their biggest summer releases. "Bombay Deathtrap" creates special interest for moviegoers, due to the martial arts action, exotic atmosphere, and locations unfamiliar to most US audiences. Asian audiences are expected to embrace the film because it will features many of India's leading actors. Also, the excitement and publicity gained during the filming will enhance our ability to negotiate pre-sales in key markets and territories across Asia.
6.0 Web Plan Summary
The FilmFirst Entertainment website will serve as the on line headquarters for our company. It will feature information on key company personnel, and serve as the portfolio for past productions and projects in development. The current website content will be absorbed and the overall site redesigned, fast loading, and userfriendly.
6.1 Website Marketing Strategy
The purpose of the website will be to establish an Internet corporate identity. FilmFirst Entertainment Online! will be an entertaining and informative site that develops a fan base for "Bombay Deathtrap". It will include photos, a message board, guestbook, chat, photos and selected clips from the film. The site will also house links to film production partners. Our marketing strategy will target Internet news media, trade shows, E-magazines, show business and film-related websites, utilize banners, virtual on line, and mobile device marketing. Our strategy also targets the Asian-Indian market through Bollywood websites, Indian news groups, celebrity gossip pages, podcasts, and show business trade magazines. Niche websites (such as martial arts) will also be exploited. As a result, we will establish a strong database and web presence that will build product recognition and word of mouth advertising. This source will also be important for market research reports.
6.2 Development Requirements
The FilmFirst Entertainment website is currently in development. The hosting provider is TBA. An independent web designer will be hired to create a company logo, graphics, and website for the trilogy titled: Deathtrap Productions.
7.0 Management Summary
The management team is headed by the creator and founder Barry L. Ray. Additional team members will be selected once pre-production begins.
7.1 Personnel Plan
Our personnel expenditures for the year 2016/2017 generally covers the development, pre-production, and production phase. Compensation will generate upon the theatrical release of the film. Additional expenditures are listed in the itemized budget.
8.0 Financial Plan
FilmFirst Entertainment's growth will be closely tied to the success of "Bombay Deathtrap". We intend to finance the growth by raising additional capital through entertainment lenders, production deals with film studios and DVD/Video distributors. A sequel is in the planning stages, and new sources of revenue/merchandising are being explored. An example: "Bombay Deathtrap" being developed as a video game concept.(outline available)
8.1 Important Assumptions
The financial plan is based on industry trends which indicate the popularity and box office strength of various genres. Currently the action based film maintains its position as the highest grossing genre worldwide.
"Bombay Deathtrap"
FilmFirst Entertainment
P.O. Box 13
Long Beach, California. 90801
(562)607-6852 Fax(562) 590-9051