How do you Keep Your Investors Happy?

[Kostas Gogas]

When you have take money to produce a film, how do you manage expectations for your investors? How do you focus in the work rather than trying to make them happy (even if that's your job too)?
Do you think it's best for low budget films to have experienced film investors or just anyone with the money?

 

[writersandfilmmakers]

I'm horrible at this...but you need to update them all the time. Create a schedule where you update them on your goals and accomplishments.

They don't want to waste their time, and they don't want too much detail...but always think from their perspective. Why did they give you the money? Address that, reassure that! and MANAGE their expectations. Some think this will all happen faster than they realize and if you have multiple investors you have that much more work to do!

Optional: Think of possible tasks you know they can solve, so as to engage them, but not burden them.

As per the question:

Do you think it's best for low budget films to have experienced film investors or just anyone with the money?

An experienced film investor is both a blessing and curse. If they compare you to someone else, then you might be doing it 'wrong'. If they can help - and they should want to to get their investment back, then it's a blessing. But really, in the end, the money and what you give in return is of most importance regardless of their experience.

Don't waste their money!

 

[Sweetie]

how do you manage expectations for your investors?

Know your shit and be honest.

How do you focus in the work rather than trying to make them happy (even if that's your job too)?

Are you the producer? If so, it's your job. If not, don't get under foot and let the producer do their job.

Do you think it's best for low budget films to have experienced film investors or just anyone with the money?

Experienced investors are likely to be able to bring more to the table than just money.