Bankroll, 2nd edition: A New Approach to Financing Feature Films Paperback – May 1, 2012

Tom Malloy wrote a book "Bankroll" for a select few, those brave enough or crazy enough to make independent films. Fellow filmmakers, we have a lot in common and a lot of differences but the hardest thing to do and the thing most of us put off and find the most difficult is to ask for the MONEY. Tom tells you how to ask for the MONEY.Most of us read books about film-making and we learn something from all of them but you don't really know what it's all about until you actually make a movie. Tom makes movies, he doesn't have a "day job" like most of us, movie making is his life. The great thing about the way Tom writes is that you are there with him as he goes through the trials and tribulations of getting the MONEY to make his films. It is real and it is on point.Bankroll is the best book I have read on film financing and in the top 5 of the over 150 books I have read on all aspects of film-making. As you go on this journey with Tom you will learn much more then film financing.I have made a full length movie "Equal Strength" which I financed myself for under $15,000. We won 3 awards in film festivals, including the jury and audience awards for best feature film. We also made a short film that cost about the same that has won awards for best short film, best director, best actress, and best actor. Does that mean anything, not really, we know nothing, but we have been in the trenches and that is a far cry from talking about it.I just finished a full length script that has a budget of $1,400,000 and I am going to use what I learned in Bankroll to get the MONEY, thank you Tom.P.S. I don't know Tom, I call everyone by their first name, even the Presidents of the United States when I was a photojournalist, no one complained during my life, except for one person.

I've read this book three times this Summer. Both the 2008 edition and the current release, which just came out. I was floored at how simple his suggestions were and yet how brilliant. The 2nd Edition is worth paying 100$ for easily.This is the best book hands down on where and how to get the money. Do yourself an enormous favor and buy this book and save yourself at least a year or several trying to learn this the hard way.His advice on lawyers is spot on. That was not news to me as I have many attorneys in my family. Just fyi.The sample business plan is so incredible I'm surprised more people don't adopt his method. His business plan chapter was eye opening for me. I ran it by a family member who is wildly successful and he said it was exactly the way it should be presented.A dynamite find. But what makes this version essential (& I use both) is that it specifically addresses what investors need to see to invest in this post 2008 market. The rules have changed. This puts the reader at an incredible advantage over would be producers who haven't considered it.Also the spirit of the book is very uplifting as Tom details how he overcame obstacles and how incredibly rewarding it is to achieve a successful film.Among the obstacles he addresses providing real solutions:What if my presentation is too successful?What if I'm afraid to approach investors?What if I don't know any rich people?What are my legal requirements to approach an investor?Who must I sell first on my movie?How can I Produce myself into an acting, writing or other creative job?How can I hire a famous actor?How do I find a foreign sales agent?Hands down the best book I read all year. I would put it up there with Sidney Lumet's "Making Movies."

Malloy has done a fantastic job mixing technique and encouragement in his writing. He has a slew of insightful money raising ideas and gives you a clear picture of the current state of the industry and how you can navigate these new waters of tighter fisted cash investors and restrictive bank loan environments.Raising money for your movie is not easy, and Tom's book isn't the only one you should read on the subject (there are many laws, plans, and techniques you should familiarize yourself with), but his is the only one I've read that comes with a big dose of positive energy and mental preparedness, which you will absolutely need to take with you into these ventures. Hollywood is the only place in the world where you can drown in encouragement, but Tom does it with an even hand of realism and a go get 'em spirit. Attitude is everything, and Tom's writing will help you dodge some of the land mines you can step on with investors that will turn them off to you.If you're feeling stuck in a rut with your project, grab this book; it's a great late night motivator to get you back out there shaking hands and making deals.KAM

I, like so many others, live in "Indiewood". I've read a lot of books on the art of funding the project, hoping to have a lightbulb moment, and I have finally found the perfect vehicle for that, which is this book. Tom Malloy doesn't spout a lot of platitudes that other authors may feel necessary to sell books. He doesn't create a fairy tale, he doesn't sugar coat anything - and when you are done reading this book you will never have your confidence as high as to being able to make your dream a reality. It's like going into a battle fully armed. Everyone has their dreams of Academy glory (I know I do), but this book does one better - it gives you the tools you can utilize to have a much higher chance of success. Malloy even manages to write in such a way that you will come up with ideas you may not have even thought of. He doesn't hand you the keys to his rolodex, he hands you the blueprint to create your own. Give a man a fish, as they say. And the end results are far more satisfying. Because Malloy works in the trenches, his insight is invaluable. You really need to read this book!!!

informative

With down to earth, practical thinking, and usage of conversational English, Mr. Malloy has drawn a clear map for indie producers to use to navigate the dark and foreboding waters of producing indie films. Informative, educational, inspiring, motivational, and (at times) entertaining, Malloy's direct honesty makes this book an invaluable tool for all aspiring producers. Simply the best book I've read yet about making indie movies. Worth every dollar!

I was recommended to this book by a friend in the industry, and I'm so glad she did. I feel inspired more than I have in a very long time. I will likely be contacting the author shortly for more steps! Thank you Tom Malloy!

wow amazing book