Chris Perez Unpacks Independent Film Financing and Distribution on the “Legal Vision” Podcast

Chris Perez recently joined host and filmmaker Damien Swaby on the “Legal Vision” podcast in an episode entitled “Backing the Vision: Chris Perez on Financing & Distribution in Independent Film.” In his appearance, Chris delves into the tools – including equity, grants, pre-sales, and tax credits – that indie filmmakers are using to finance their projects.

“In a market like the one we’re in, you have to get really creative – and independent film financing has always been a place for creativity, so you have to use all the tools that are available to you,” Chris tells Damien.

Chris goes on to explain how he helps filmmakers strike a balance between creative freedom and financial reality, adding that examining the complex nuances of a negotiation can often eliminate much of the stress associated with the process.

“Going into the process, you have to think about what’s most important to you – do you want to prioritize creative freedom over a bad premium or a smaller share of net? Or is it the opposite, where maybe you’re bringing on a financier that’s also a production company that knows what they’re doing, and you trust them creatively? In that case, maybe giving up some creative freedom is the more practical thing to do if you’re able to get good financial terms,” he explains.

The Legal Vision podcast series, in collaboration with esteemed filmmaker and podcast host and producer Damien Swaby, is a pro bono project with the mission to inspire creators to explore necessary legal frameworks as they launch creative endeavors. The discussions and subject matter in this podcast do not constitute legal advice. Please consult with an attorney before making any legal decisions.

View the full episode on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.