How to Finance an Animated Film or TV Series

How to find finance?

Our animation students at BNU aren't just technicians, they are creative artists developing their own ideas. Many will be pitching original content for games, films and TV series.  

Of course, the business of content creation involves finance, and one of the most common questions we get asked at BNU is how to secure project finance for an animated film or TV series. 

Film finance is never easy, but it can be done, if you follow the right steps. 

The Business of Film Finance

Remember that making a great film isn't just about having a great story, and some great characters (though these things are very important). You - or your producing partner - need to be able to show that the investors in the film will be able to recoup their investment, and (ideally) make a decent profit.  Soft money and tax credits will help, but in the end you need a proper business plan that plots the route to market success. 

Film Finance Resources at BNU

Below is a round-up of resources to consider if you want to get your animated film or TV series funded.

• Introduction to Independent Film Finance
• What Sort of Deal Terms Do Investors Want?
• How The Tax Man Can Help Finance Your Animated Film
• Claus Toksvig Explains Independent Film Finance
• Producing Masterclass with David Thompson
• The Econonics of Animated Short Films
• Who Invests in Animated Feature Films?
• Financing a film at Kickstarter

For more on the experience of studying at Bucks New University, come and visit us at one of our Open Days, take a virtual tour of one of our animation studios, check out what our students think of our course, and see why we're ranked in the top 12 creative universities in the UK.