IKIGAI International

Excitement is building as we gear up to attend the Berlinale European Film Market (EFM) this year! The Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) is renowned not only for its celebration of global storytelling but also as a pivotal hub for the business of filmmaking. The European Film Market brings together producers, distributors, sales agents, and financiers to discuss the future of cinema, forge partnerships, and discover the next wave of impactful stories. This year, we’re anticipating: - A spotlight on international cinema and emerging voices that transcend borders - Exciting updates on new financing models and co-production opportunities - Industry conversations around the evolving relationship between theatrical releases, streaming platforms, and audience trends - Opportunities to connect with seasoned professionals and innovative thinkers shaping the future of independent filmmaking At IKIGAI International, we’re thrilled to attend as a film financing company, eager to: - Build relationships with producers and creative teams - Explore new projects that align with our rigorous investment strategy - Share insights on the importance of evaluating films not just for their creative potential but also for their investment viability For us, attending the EFM is about more than just deals; it’s about strengthening the independent film ecosystem and supporting projects that combine compelling storytelling with solid business fundamentals. To all attending, let’s connect. Whether you’re a filmmaker, producer, or investor, we’d love to chat about how we can collaborate to bring great stories to life. See you in Berlin!

When I first transitioned into the creative industry seven years ago, I assumed I’d need to learn entirely new skills to succeed. And while I did dive into creative areas like videography, design, and event planning... …I quickly realized that scaling a business in filmmaking relied heavily on the skills I had already developed in my corporate roles. The business of filmmaking often mirrors the mechanics and practices of other industries—and much of my success came from applying those transferable skills. At IKIGAI International, our focus on the health and investment potential of film projects is weighed just as heavily, if not more so, as the creative vision of the film. This involves: - Conducting due diligence on multi-million-dollar budgets - Reviewing legal frameworks - Assessing domestic and international distribution deals - Navigating tax incentives and rebates - Evaluating the experience and track record of the producing team - Analyzing the project's comparable films (genre, budget, audience reception, revenue performance) - Assessing market trends to determine timing and viability for release - Validating partnerships with production companies, sales agents, and distributors - Reviewing any festival or awards potential that could boost visibility and marketability - Ensuring the deal structure and financial terms protect investor capital and maximize ROI potential Ultimately, our job is to analyze this information and determine if a project is financially sound and strategically positioned to succeed. While I love reading scripts and exploring stories, our success stems from approaching film financing with the rigor and precision of seasoned business professionals. The creative industry may feel unique, but at its core, business is business. It’s a reminder that the skills we develop in one industry can often translate into another, creating opportunities to thrive in unexpected ways.

?? Perseverance Amid Change As an entrepreneur, my journey has always been about uniting the business and creative communities to bring meaningful stories to audiences locally and nationally. Transitioning into film producing during a global pandemic and the largest industry strike since the ’80s wasn’t easy, but I stayed the course—driven by the vast potential I saw in the future of filmmaking. We’re finally emerging from four unprecedented years, and as this article highlights, the industry is entering a new revolution. Audiences worldwide are hungry for impactful stories, whether on the silver screen or in their living rooms. At IKIGAI International, we’re proud to be a change agent and catalyst in this multibillion-dollar industry—bridging vision, talent, and investment to shape the next chapter of filmmaking. https://lnkd.in/et3dBBJ3

A European fund is reshaping indie film financing by channeling Nordic private equity into globally acclaimed projects from companies like A24 and XYZ FILMS. With a focus on risk diversification and cultural impact, this innovative model positions indie films as a high-potential investment opportunity. It’s a compelling case for why the film sector deserves a seat at the table alongside traditional markets. IKIGAI International aligns with this fund's vision by using strategic equity and debt financing to support high-potential films with global appeal. Like the European model, IKIGAI focuses on reducing investor risk while tapping into the cultural and financial power of independent cinema.Could cinema be your next big investment strategy? https://lnkd.in/eUTwBMCV

?? This year, IKIGAI International had the exciting opportunity to attend the American Film Market (AFM) at the Palms Resort in Las Vegas! AFM is one of the largest film industry events, where filmmakers, financiers, distributors, and sales agents converge to showcase and exchange groundbreaking ideas and projects. Our time at AFM was invaluable—meeting top distribution companies, international sales agents, independent producers, and emerging filmmakers ready to sell their first screenplays. As a dedicated financier in the independent film space, we used this trip to engage deeply with industry needs and align our financing structure to empower projects that truly resonate. Our flexible approach includes debt financing, gap lending, and equity investments designed to fit each film’s unique production path. By offering a blend of creative and strategic financing options, we help filmmakers achieve their vision and reach new audiences. ?? Connecting with the global film community at AFM reinforces our commitment to creating sustainable, impactful financing models for independent films. Looking forward to more partnerships and inspiring stories on the horizon! #IKIGAIInternational #AmericanFilmMarket #FilmFinancing #IndependentFilm