The Power of Partnerships: Why Use Them in Filmmaking
The Power of Partnerships: Why Use Them in Filmmaking
Why a Filmmaker Might Choose a General Partnership When Producing Their Feature Film
Filmmakers have many options when it comes to incorporating their company, but a general partnership can be a powerful tool for collaboration and creativity.
With so many choices available for incorporating a film company, it can be difficult for filmmakers to decide which is the best option for them.
As a filmmaker myself, I know how overwhelming it can be to make these important business decisions, and that's why I want to share my insights on why a general partnership might be the right choice for some filmmakers.
WHY IT MATTERS:
The structure of your film company can have a significant impact on your ability to work with others, secure funding, and protect your assets. It's important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each option before making a decision.
THE BIG PICTURE:
A general partnership is a type of business structure where two or more people share ownership and responsibility for the company. This structure is popular among filmmakers because it allows for shared decision-making and creativity, as well as the ability to raise funds from multiple partners.
ZOOM OUT:
One example of a film produced through a general partnership is the 2010 indie hit "Winter's Bone." The film was produced by a partnership between director Debra Granik, producer Anne Rosellini, and investors including Code Red Films and Anonymous Content. The partnership allowed for shared decision-making and collaboration throughout the production process.
ZOOM IN:
One key benefit of a general partnership is the ability to pool resources and share the workload. In a film production, this can mean sharing creative ideas, networking contacts, and financial contributions. It also means that all partners share the risks and rewards of the production, which can be a powerful motivator for success.
ACTION ITEMS:
👉 Identify potential partners who share your vision and values for the film.
👉 Create a clear partnership agreement that outlines each partner's roles, responsibilities, and ownership percentage.
👉 Regularly communicate and collaborate with your partners to ensure that everyone is aligned on the production's goals and progress.
SEE IT IN PRACTICE:
"Clerks" (1994) - Directed by Kevin Smith, produced by Scott Mosier and Kevin Smith as a general partnership.
"The Blair Witch Project" (1999) - Directed by Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez, produced by Haxan Films as a general partnership.
"Little Miss Sunshine" (2006) - Directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris, produced by Albert Berger and Ron Yerxa as a general partnership.
💡 How I Can Help
Whenever you’re ready, here are 3 ways for us to work together:
Grab time with me for a 1:1 session on pitching investors, producing filmmaking, executive producing, or anything else.
Grab my free notion courses and templates for filmmakers on Gumroad.
Follow my short-to-feature journey by joining my Patreon community. Every week, I’m sharing insights, documents, and Q&As — a complete behind-the-scenes look. See Scripts, Storyboards, Sales Forecasts, Casting Offers, Budgets, Table Reads, Crew Contracts, and so much more.