What is Screencrib?
Screencrib is a new revolutionary model that serves to make film financing easier, fun and more predictable. With Screencrib, investors, creatives and audiences are part of a community.
The screencrib model flips the current film development process into a simpler, more inclusive model:
Audiences get exclusive access to engage with, and invest in, films they want to watch, enabling them to become part of the filmmaking process
Creatives are given the opportunity to build audience support from a financing stage and convert project specific fans into investors.
In one platform, producers, audiences and investors come together to empower the film industry/creatives so that great stories get told.
What are Screencrib's beliefs?
The Screencrib beliefs are:
Transparency. The film industry can be opaque: there is little to no information on how to invest, no real understanding of contracts or good communication between investors and creatives. So we created Screencrib, a platform that is transparent from a legal and financial standpoint, so everyone can be clear on what they invest in and at the same time, build trusting bonds between investors, creators and audiences.
Empowerment of audiences, creators and investors. Screncrib empowers audiences by giving them the opportunity to invest and engage with films they want to watch. We empower creators by enabling them to go straight to the people that are going to watch their content and the people who will be investing in it. Investors are empowered knowing that investing in film is now made simple.
Security. Screencrib is an all-in-one platform where there are safe transactions between parties, due diligence checks, standardising of legal contracts and SPV management. So you can focus on investing on the films you are passionate about, without having the usual challenges that come with film investment.
Nurturing. The crib in Screencrib symbolises the element of nurturing - the idea that Screencrib will nurture you though the process of investing in film.
Increased access and reduced time. Our platform enables an increased access to necessary functionalities for film investment, in a reduced amount of time.
Why did you create Screencrib?
Having met whilst executive producing an independent feature film The Last Swim, James and Ruby realised how opaque the film industry was and how there was no space for creatives and investors to come together to discuss great film projects. With current issues surrounding distribution and the shifts right now from theatrical releases to subscription services such as Netflix, they also realised how difficult it was to get a provable audience for independent filmmakers.
Having been inspired by an Audience Design workshop they undertook at the European Film Market (https://issuu.com/torinofilmlab/docs/tfl_audience_design_-_an_introducti) they decided to create a pre-marketing engine which would promote films at a financing stage allowing people to discover great film projects to invest in with knowable audiences, expressed through social elements such as liking/sharing.
Having both connected on the story core of The Last Swim, a story about a young girl who is battling suicidal thoughts due to an untimely diagnosis, they wanted to create a platform which would allow others to invest in films where the story core really connected with them whilst also being able to receive returns should the film be a success.
How is this legal?
According to sections 3(c)1 and 3(c)7 of the Investment Company Act (ICA), only accredited investors will be accepted onto the platform to invest in our films. Section 3(c)1 structures funds to be owned by no more than 100 beneficial owners and section 3(c)7 involves restricting investment only to "qualified purchasers".
Pursuant to section 3(c)7 ICA, the requirements to meet the qualification for accreditation are:
Income over $200,000 per year for the last two years and expect it will remain the same
Income over $300,000 per year for the last two years if joint with a spouse
Have over $1 million in assets/net worth individually or joint with your spouse, excluding the primary residence
Verification by a licensed professional: Investment professionals in good standing holding the general securities representative license (Series 7), the investment adviser representative license (Series 65), or the private securities offerings representative license (Series 82).
If you meet the accreditation qualifications, you will need to submit documentation that confirms your net worth.
The documentation can be a letter from a lawyer, accountant, dealer-broker, or investment advisor indicating that they have seen the investor’s financials and can confirm that they meet the accreditation requirements, tax forms like W-2s, 1099s, K-1s, etc and certificates of deposit, tax assessment, or appraisals.
You will also go through a KYC (know your customer) process to help Screencrib confirm your identity.
Why should I invest in film?
Don’t invest for money, invest for love!
There are many reasons to invest in film but making money/profit is not one of them. Investing in film is risky and you may not always make returns. Therefore, you should only invest on a project you really love and are passionate about.
It would be cynical not to mention that film investment can lead to one of the greatest turnarounds in profit. Our advice? Invest only in film projects you love and do your research! We only onboard exceptional films with thought-out timelines of production and financing. However, we still highly encourage investors to do their own due diligence on the film and its team.
We believe that the current models of film investment are disconnected, and our aim is to disrupt and revolutionise film investment so that unique narratives reach their audiences. We are of the opinion that film investment should not solely be about earning returns. To invest in something as risky as film, you must be dedicated to a lot more than just the potential financial gain. You must love film and be passionate about making great stories heard. Investing in film is a greatly rewarding and fulfilling endeavour. You will have provided the means to make an exceptional film with a message that will connect and inspire audiences and support creatives, whilst being part of the entire process of the film and forming part of a community of likeminded individuals.
“Good stories, and the belief systems they communicate, are intrinsic to humankind and must be shared.”
Any advice for a first-time investor on Screencrib?
First time investor tips:
Only invest an amount you can afford to lose.
Only invest in what you understand - ideally, in a film or creative team that you love.
Do your research: look at the creative team, their accolades and social accounts. Unlock and read the script, view the financials and ensure that the project is one you believe in. If you still have questions, reach out to us in our contact section - we are always happy to help!
Branch out. It is better to have multiple small investments rather than one large one.
Look at audience support. We allow the audience to express interest in the projects they want to watch, to help you make a judgement on what will have a good viewing potential in the future.
For more tips, check out the links below:
https://www.investopedia.com/financial-edge/0512/how-to-invest-in-movies.aspx
https://www.stage32.com/blog/tags/financing-85
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/movies-inc-the-business-of-film/id1608731169
What kind of films are on Screencrib?
The films on Screencrib may be in the following stages:
Speculative: films which are in early-stage development – the filmmaker will be in writing the script and creating the vision for the production, whilst securing all necessary resources. These are films which have not yet sourced any financing and are usually seeking script financing to develop out concepts or looking to finance important elements for their pre-production.
Financing: These films have started the financing stage of production. A financing film may have sourced some capital but need further investment to finish financing and push their films into production. This is when the actual shooting/recording of film happens (principal photography).
Distribution: These films will be at the stage of post-production, where production is completed, and various elements come together to essentially finish the film. This includes editing, colour grading, etc. These films require a final piece of equity to push the project into the world, such as gap financing, deliverables, premiere/marketing or post-production financing.
After I invest, how often should I expect updates?
The answer? It depends.
You will receive updates when the film has moved from one stage of production to the next. For example, from pre-production to production. How long this takes will very much depend on each individual project.
As well as this, Screencrib has an Updates section, where creatives will be encouraged to post updates from set, BTS content and message investors directly. So, you may be receiving updates more frequently than expected.
Is the creative not publishing updates?
Screencrib's in house team is in direct communication with the creatives behind each project and reminds them to interact with their community through sharing updates / BTS and exclusive content for us to host on the site.
How long until I see a return?
The amount of time it takes to see a return is highly dependent on the type of investment contract.
If you have invested in a Speculative Film, note that:
A Speculative film takes the longest amount of time to earn returns, as it requires the production to be filmed and delivered.
Recoupment usually occurs once the script’s pre-production assets have been made and the film has raised the financing to move into production.
Investment returns will be given as a premium (for example, investment +20%) on the date of principal photography.
Some films may offer the opportunity to let your investment vest into the production with your premium, giving you the opportunity to take a percentage of net profits, should the production be successful.
This is the riskiest investment as there is no guarantee that the film will succeed into production - it may be unable to raise its financing stage of funding.
If you have invested in a Financing film, note that:
Earning returns with financing films will require less time than speculative films, but more time than distribution films.
Recoupment occurs once the film has been delivered at the end of both production and post-production phases.
Offers the opportunity to receive a percentage of the net profits.
Less risky investment than a speculative film since the film will have raised all the all the necessary financing to be produced and made.
If you have invested in a Distribution film, note that:
These films show returns in the shortest amount of time, as financing is already completed.
Nonetheless, it may need an extra top-up of financing to ensure the film is delivered in the desired way – for example, with better marketing, more post-production time, etc.
Least risky investments, as the film is guaranteed to be completed. However, this does mean that it will offer less returns than a speculative or financing film.
Please note that each project will be unique and will provide a specific production schedule that you should refer to when determining your investment.
Is Screencrib regulated?
Yes! We are regulated by the SEC and we work diligently to ensure we abide by the processes and regulations of our compliance manual.
Where does my money go after I invest?
Your money’s journey is as follows:
Your money will be held by Screencrib in an SPV.
When the raise to the film’s SPV is complete, your money will be shared from your SPV. This will be managed by a collection account management agreement (Film entertainment freeway or Fintage house).
Once the money is in their account, it will be used to complete tasks in line with the production and financing schedule.
Do you recommend good investments?
We do not recommend investments nor are we endorsing any films.
Films on the platform have passed through a due diligence process to ensure they have well-thought-out financial timelines and that we can accurately present them to investors with maximum security. All films on the platform will fall within one of the three stages of speculative, financing or distribution. This allows the investor to know exactly at what point in the development of the film they are investing in and to go through a standardised legal process. This way, investors can focus on investing in stories they are passionate about.
How risky is investing in film?
Very! Only invest what you can afford to lose. Film investment is riskier than other types of investments – you may lose every dollar you invest in a film.
The level of risk per film depends on the type of film you have invested in:
Speculative: High risk films as they are in the early stages of development. There is no guarantee that the film will succeed to production as it may not raise the complete financing. In this case, investing in an independent film with a lower budget can potentially provide an opportunity for greater returns and may be less risky than a big budget film. Still, there are no guarantees.
Financing: Lesser of a risk as by this stage all of the financing will be raised. Although less risky, there are still great risks associated with this stage of production. A common example is when the film goes over budget and cannot raise additional funding.
Distribution: Lower risk of the three stages as film is guaranteed to be completed. However, this means there will be fewer returns than a speculative or financing film. For example, box office takings are often misleading and there will be numerous other stakeholders who will claim a percentage of the film’s revenue. Other risks you may come across at this stage include, failure to deliver the film to the distributor within the contractual period, granting the distributor the ability to cancel the contract.
How do I receive equity in a film?
Accredited investors can purchase Executive Producer titles. These are limited to a set number of titles per production, as agreed upon with the creatives at the time of onboarding.
Each title will have a minimum cost and you are welcome to purchase more than one title. You will not be able to purchase half a title so always round down your investment if you can’t afford to lose more. Screencrib does this to limit the number of investors in the recoupment of net profits later down the line and limit the dilution of shares for those purchasing a title on a project.
Screencrib is currently only open to accredited investors only, but we are hoping to open up to full Reg D crowdfunding in the future. If you are unable to purchase a title, you can still follow along a project for exclusive updates or express your interest in purchasing seats at a later date.
Is an equity investment appropriate for me?
The answer is yes if you can afford to lose every dollar you invest on a film and are prepared to wait three to ten years to generate any financial returns.
Film investment is very risky. You can lose your entire investment if the project does not get completed, and even if it does achieve completion, there is still no guarantee that you will make returns.
Specially at a speculative stage film, the risks of losing your investment are very high. This is due to the fact that an array of problems may develop from the point of production to when it is completed and distributed. Examples of this could be when the film never gets finalised because it went over budget and cannot raise additional financing, or there could be problems on set which become an obstacle for finalisation.
Alternatively, do not rely on the quick returns of a distribution stage film, as again, there is no guarantee that the film will be picked up by distributors or buyers.
Be prepared to lose it all.
Is debt investment appropriate for me?
Although loans may be slightly less risky than equity investments, you should assume that it may not be paid back – so only invest what you can afford to lose. Expect smaller returns with debt investment.
Will my percentage ownership be diluted?
Your percentage ownership may be diluted depending on what stage the film is when you invest:
Speculative: If you invest on the day of principal photography, your investment will not be diluted. However, if you allow your investment to vest, the percentage of equity taken in the 50/50 split of net profits will be diluted. This happens when the film needs to raise more money post-production, to ensure completion of the shoot.
Financing: Your percentage ownership will be diluted should a film require extra funding to complete distribution financing. We aim to ensure that all film projects brought on the platform have feasible financial plans and timelines with room for contingency. However, disturbances to production timelines can occur and Screencrib cannot interfere with creatives raising more capital for the completion of production.
Distribution: Your percentage ownership will not be diluted as financing will already be completed and no further raising should take place, aside from the equity titles offered.
Accredited investors can purchase Executive Producer titles. For more information on purchasing equity, refer to “How do I receive equity in a film?”.
Will films premiere on the platform?
Screencrib does not have the functionalities to distribute films on our platform yet, but we are hoping to have this feature in the future!
Nonetheless, investors will be kept in the loop, receiving multiple updates throughout their investment journey and notifications regarding film details upon launch, as well as receiving an invitation to a Screencrib exclusive pre-release premiere to meet the key creatives and watch the film before it is publicly available.
Will the filmmaker/creative fundraise on Screencrib again in the future?
Although Screencrib provides film projects with free continued access to our platform, filmmakers are not guaranteed to continue using our services. Despite this, we will continue to provide reporting on the film’s returns until the effective close of the SPV.
As an investor, do I get IP? Or control of the film?
You will not get IP or control of the film.
We do not give away IP as a means to protect our business assets, core services and to avoid any expensive legal disputes. Screencrib also does not hold any creative rights over a project – we are purely financial partners focused on the financing of films. Therefore, investors will not have any creative control of the film.
When will I hear back about my investor application?
It can take up to 24-48 hours for your application to be reviewed and for a decision to be made. As soon as your application has been reviewed, you’ll receive a follow-up email and be notified on your account.
How do SPVs work?
We use special-purpose vehicles (SPVs) for all films on the platform. This is a separate legal entity that allows investors to collectively invest in a single film. Each film project on screencrib will have an associated SPV that exists for the sole purpose of investing and collecting money for the film. All investors pool their capital into the SPV, which then invests in the film as one entity.
Once all Executive Producer titles have been sold, the SPV will enter into a Collection Account Management Agreement (CAMA) where Film Entertainment Freeway or Fintage house will create the film’s own collection account/SPV. The CAMA includes the recoupment Schedule of the film, therefore the collection account/SPV allocates and disburses the revenues to the investors in accordance with the recoupment plan in the CAMA. Screencrib will receive and supply the investors with all the relevant information concerning the recoupment plan and their revenues. So, we deal with the entire collection account management, whilst you focus on investing in films you are passionate about.
Screencrib is also an SLP (series limited partner). This is beneficial for investors, because if you have invested and have income in one country, and are resident in another, you may be liable to pay tax in both countries, for the same source of income. An SLP solves this issue as it is not taxable in its own right. Instead, it is taxable on their share of the partnership’s profits and gains, whether or not the profits are distributed to the partners. This means that any earnings pass directly to the individuals/investors, and so does the tax liability, therefore investors will only be taxed once.
The UK and US have also signed Double Tax Treaties, which generally grant the power of taxation of such income to the state where the head office is situated.
This is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as tax or legal advice.
Why do film makers/film projects use SPVs?
Film makers use SPVs to ensure their films can get the necessary financing in the most efficient way possible:
SPVs allow for easy aggregation of investors into “one line on the cap table,” which means that film makers can have an unlimited number of smaller investors grouped into one entity.
An SPV also gives Screencrib the ability to vote on behalf of the SPV and its investors, whilst charging no additional fees.
Will I be investing via the custodian or SPV?
You will be investing via the custodian. This way, we can ensure easy aggregation of investors into one entity.
What is a Custodian?
Screencrib acts as a custodian.
A custodian is the entity which holds the money/securities you have invested, on behalf of the investors. Therefore, the custodian is the only entity on the Collection Account Management Agreement, meaning investors will liaise with Screencrib, rather than the filmmakers themselves.
Why are my securities held by the Custodian?
Using a Custodian improves the quality of films on Screencrib by allowing only one entity to be listed on the Collection Account Management Agreement.
Filmmakers and investors get uncomfortable when there are many small investors on the cap table, therefore with a Custodian, all the smaller investors will be represented by one entity.
This also means that the Custodian holds all voting rights, allowing Screencrib to vote on behalf of the investors.
How do I earn a return?
Returns will be allocated and distributed according to the Recoupment scheme of the film project. Most recoupment plans will be individual to the film project, therefore the order of payment of entitlements will depend on what has been negotiated and agreed on.
Despite this, most recoupment plans follow a common overview of prioritisation:
The Collection Account Manager (CAM) is paid its commissions/expenses for administering the revenues on behalf of the investors.
Residuals are due to the guild members, on their behalf.
The international and domestic sales agents are paid their sales commissions and recoup expenses.
Investors recoup respectively to their investments.
Producers and talent are paid deferred fees and bonuses.
Completion guarantor recoups any amounts advanced towards the production.
Once production costs are recouped in full, producers, financiers and talent are paid their profit participations from the net profits.
Bear in mind that if a bank or production lenders provided a production loan, they will recoup in first position and all revenues will go straight to them until their production loan is fully recouped.
Your recoupment plan will be clearly defined and outlined in your contract.
How long until I see a return?
The amount of time it takes to see a return is highly dependent on the type of investment contract.
If you have invested in a Speculative Film, note that:
A Speculative film takes the longest amount of time to earn returns, as it requires the production to be filmed and delivered.
Recoupment usually occurs once the script’s pre-production assets have been made and the film has raised the financing to move into production.
Investment returns will be given as a premium (for example, investment +20%) on the date of principal photography.
Some films may offer the opportunity to let your investment vest into the production with your premium, giving you the opportunity to take a percentage of net profits, should the production be successful.
This is the riskiest investment as there is no guarantee that the film will succeed into production - it may be unable to raise its financing stage of funding.
If you have invested in a Financing film, note that:
Earning returns with financing films will require less time than speculative films, but more time than distribution films.
Recoupment occurs once the film has been delivered at the end of both production and post-production phases.
Offers the opportunity to receive a percentage of the net profits.
Less risky investment than a speculative film since the film will have raised all the all the necessary financing to be produced and made.
If you have invested in a Distribution film, note that:
These films show returns in the shortest amount of time, as financing is already completed.
Nonetheless, it may need an extra top-up of financing to ensure the film is delivered in the desired way – for example, with better marketing, more post-production time, etc.
Least risky investments, as the film is guaranteed to be completed. However, this does mean that it will offer less returns than a speculative or financing film.
Please note that each project will be unique and will provide a specific production schedule that you should refer to when determining your investment.
Where can I get more advice on film investment?
Here are some links providing some guidance and advice on the film investment:
https://stephenfollows.com/how-a-cinemas-box-office-income-is-distributed/
https://stephenfollows.com/film-financing-budget-660k-feature/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-film-funding/id1296621306
Do the films on Screencrib qualify for SEIS/EIS?
Currently, films on Screencrib do not qualify for SEIS/EIS.
What is a Speculative, Financing and Distribution film?
Speculative, financing and distribution are the three stages of film production.
In detail:
Speculative: films which are in early-stage development – the filmmaker will be in writing the script and creating the vision for the production, whilst securing all necessary resources. These are films which have not yet sourced any financing and are usually seeking script financing to develop out concepts or looking to finance important elements for their pre-production.
Financing: These films have started the financing stage of production. A financing film may have sourced some capital but need further investment to finish financing and push their films into production. This is when the actual shooting/recording of film happens (principal photography).
Distribution: These films will be at the stage of post-production, where production is completed, and various elements come together to essentially finish the film. This includes editing, colour grading, etc. These films require a final piece of equity to push the project into the world, such as gap financing, deliverables, premiere/marketing or post-production financing.
How does the recoupment scheme work?
Returns will be distributed according to the recoupment scheme of the film project. Each recoupment scheme is highly dependent on the film project itself and what has been agreed upon.
Nonetheless, most will recoupment schemes follow a similar structure:
The Collection Account Manager (CAM) is paid its commissions/expenses for administering the revenues on behalf of the investors.
Residuals are due to the guild members, on their behalf.
The international and domestic sales agents are paid their sales commissions and recoup expenses.
Investors recoup respectively to their investments.
Producers and talent are paid deferred fees and bonuses.
Completion guarantor recoups any amounts advanced towards the production.
Once production costs are recouped in full, producers, financiers and talent are paid their profit participations from the net profits.
Bear in mind that if a bank or production lenders provided a production loan, they will recoup in first position and all revenues will go straight to them until their production loan is fully recouped. Where a creative or crew member has their payment deferred, they will also receive payment from the profits on the film.
Your recoupment plan will be clearly defined and outlined in your contract.
Do the investment terms on each film differ?
No.
Our contracts are standardised, so investment terms will remain the same for all films.
What are my payment options?
Payment occurs as follows:
When the investor signs the contract for the film they are investing in, they will receive details concerning the bank transfer.
Investors have 48 hours to transfer the funds to the bank before their seat is released.
Once the money is transferred, Screencrib reserves the seat for 5 days whilst the bank checks proof of payment.
Payment will be approved, and investor status will be updated on account page to Executive Producer.
Do my funds enter an escrow account?
Yes.
Funds will be held in escrow with JPMorgan or City National Bank before being transferred to the film’s specific SPV.
Funds are only transferred once a Financing Round has been successful.
How long do I have to send a payment?
If you want to invest in a film, you need to make sure you invest before the Financing Round ends. At the point of investing, you have 48 hours to transfer the funds to the bank, before your seat is released. Once the funds have been sent, Screencrib reserves your seat for 5 days whilst the bank processes your proof of payment. If funds are accepted, your Executive Producer title will be confirmed and updated on your account page.
How do I check my payment status?
Head over to your account page to check the status of a payment. The status will show where you are in the process of submitting a payment. If the investment reads “pending”, this does not necessary refer to a payment. This can mean that we are waiting on the investment to finalise with the bank, before confirming you into the Financing Round. If you need to edit your investment, you may do so, if the Financing Round is still open and your finds have not yet been sent to the film’s SPV.
I'm an international investor and I need the IBAN number.
All payment information will be provided once the investor signs the contract. Details for international payments, such as IBAN/BIC/SWIFT will be included.
What fees do investors pay?
We use bank transfers therefore there are no transaction fees.
We do charge a 7.5% finder's fee for sourcing great projects to invest in and facilitating the investment deal.
Please note: we take money in the currency of the country the film project is filmed in, so there may gains/losses depending on exchange rates at the point of transfer.
Why is my investment still pending?
Your investment may be pending for the following reasons:
We are still processing your payment;
You have action items to complete;
We are waiting for the Financing Round to finalise.
With a bank transfer, expect typical processing times of 3-5 business days to confirm the funds have been successfully deposited.
If you have pending action items, you will need to complete those to submit your application.
How do I know my money is safe?
All our payments and card transactions are handled by bank transfer. We never store your payment information or card details on Screencrib.
Please note that investing on Screencrib does not guarantee returns. We can never absolutely guarantee the delivery of a project or its returns. This is a legal obligation of the creative.
Considering this, all projects on Screencrib have gone through a thorough diligence process to ensure the creatives can deliver the project. All creatives must provide proof of identity, legal status and industry references. We also work closely with our creatives to assist them wherever possible and keep an eye on the progress of projects throughout their lifecycle. We're in this for the long haul, and for the community, so we take considerable care in selecting the people we work with.
Why do you need my SSN?
You need to provide a tax ID to invest on Screencrib. This means an SSN for an individual. This is necessary because when the funds are distributed from the recoupment scheme, we will need to provide tax documents including a Form K-1, which requires us to include your SSN. If you do not provide your SSN, your investment will be cancelled.
We encrypt and store Social Security Numbers (SSNs) on a separate group of servers from screencrib.com. We use an RSA key to encrypt the SSN and isolate the private key from production machines. Access to the database storing encrypted SSNs is restricted within Wefunder on a need-to-know basis. We have a policy for access if and when an employee may need to view an individual's SSNs (for example, if we're preparing a tax filing or investigating fraud).
Why is my investment still in escrow?
We hold money in escrow until all the money for a raise has been collected. Once this happens, we share the money across to the film’s SPV to ensure completion of the shoot. At this point, your investment is confirmed.
Holding funds in escrow protects early-stage investors because the funds will only be released to the film’s production once all contractual obligations have been met and the complete raise has been collected. If these conditions are not met, the funds will not be released to the film’s production and investors have a secured right to the receipt of the money. This is ideal for film investors as it mitigates against the risk of providing funding for a film which may not close/complete Financing Round.
How does purchasing an Executive Producer title on a film work?
Screencrib offers the opportunity to buy EP titles and have an Executive Producer share in film. The more titles you have on multiple films, the more you build your Executive Producer portfolio.
Each title reflects your investment in a film and will provide you with Executive Producer credits/benefits such as a return on your investment (a premium or a percentage of net profits), invites to premieres, access to special film updates/behind the scenes sneak peaks, and your name credited in the credits of the film as an Executive Producer.
Can I purchase half of an Executive Producer title or share the cost of a title with another Executive Producer?
We offer a fixed number of Executive Producer titles, so whilst you can purchase more than one title, you cannot purchase half a title.
Currently, only one bank can purchase an Executive Producer title at a time, and we do not offer the ability to share a title. However, do reach out and let us know if this is something you feel we should offer, and we will consider it to for our next list of new features!
What exactly is expressing interest in a film?
On Screencrib, audiences can like and express interest in the film projects they want to watch. With the ability to show support on our film explore page, we provide the audience with the opportunity to guide investors to the films they want them to invest in. This significantly helps investors to understand which projects have a strong fan/audience base, as well as, having independent creatives display a known audience to distributors and sales agents when selling films to streamers and/or theatres.
We believe that bringing in audience to the early stage of film development is the best and most efficient way to ensure there is an established audience and increase the success of a film at the distribution phase, whilst also making Screencrib the first point of access to new film releases and news for film fans.
This improves the current investment model by preventing investors from investing on a film which will not have an audience to facilitate returns on their investment. Long story short, it facilitates investors to make more informed investment decisions and ensures audiences get to watch films they care about.
Audience interest
Audiences cannot legally invest money into a film project they are interested in unless they are accredited to invest, however we value the audience's opinion and provide our platform as an opportunity for investors to listen to the audience and finance the films that people want to watch. As you express interest in a film you then can opt in to receive updates on the project as it progresses from pre-production through to distribution, finding out about what your favourite actors/actresses/directors/producers are working on at a grassroots phase before the rest of the world does.
How will I receive a refund?
When you cancel your investment, or a Financing Round fails, a complete refund including fees, will automatically be sent back to the bank account used to invest.
How long will it take to receive my refund?
Our typical refund timeframes for bank transfers are within 3-5 business days.
Can I cancel my investment or get a refund?
Once you have signed the contract and the funds have been shared from escrow to the film’s SPV, you will no longer be able to cancel your investment. Do not sign any contract or commit funds before making sure you wish to invest in the film project.
We may be able to refund your money in the case of fraud or in extraordinary circumstances. If this is the case, you can reach out to us by contacting info@screencrib.com and we will assess your case.
Can the film project not accept my investment?
Yes. Screencrib may choose not to accept your investment. Although this is highly unlikely, we do hold the legal right to refuse any payments made.
When will the Financing Round close?
The Financing Round will close at the project’s offering deadline, as specified on the film details page. This will highly depend on what type of project you have invested in:
Speculative: Financing Round will close on Principal Day of Photography (the first day of shooting)
Financing: Financing Round will close on Principal Day of Photography
Distribution: Financing Round will close based on the deadline provided by the Filmmaker, to ensure marketing budgets have been secured.
However, a successful Financing Round almost always closes earlier.
Once a Financing Round has closed, the film will continue to remain on our platform to enable the audience to view public updates and stay in loop of the project’s progression. Investors will gain access to a special link with exclusive Executive Producer updates. This ensures audiences are still involved with the film’s journey and shows other investors what they could have bought a title on and consider what to invest in next time.
What happens if the Financing Round fails?
You will be notified via email and receive a full refund of your investment, including any fees.
How does currency conversion work for refunds?
The amount of your refund reflects the exchange rate on the day we issue the refund. Due to the volatile nature of exchange returns, the amount you get won’t always match what you paid. We collect and refund online payments in the film’s currency i.e. if a UK Film is seeking financing we will take payment in GBP.
Which offerings am I legally allowed to invest in?
Accredited investors can invest in any film projects on the platform, under Reg D crowdfunding rules.
We are not currently open to crowdfunding yet.
What is an accredited investor?
According to sections 3(c)1 and 3(c)7 of the Investment Company Act, accredited investors are individuals with:
Income over $200,000 per year for the last two years and expect it will remain the same
Income over $300,000 per year for the last two years if joint with a spouse
Over $1 million in assets/net worth individually or joint with your spouse, excluding the primary residence
Verification by a licensed professional: Investment professionals in good standing holding the general securities representative license (Series 7), the investment adviser representative license (Series 65), or the private securities offerings representative license (Series 82).
If you meet the accreditation qualifications, you will need to submit documentation that confirms your net worth.
The documentation can be income-based accreditation documentation (tax returns or W-2s), net worth-based accreditation documentation, Series 7, Series 65, or Series 82 licence documentation.
You will also go through a KYC (know your customer) process to help Screencrib confirm your identity.
We integrate with Onfido to go through your documentation and ensure that you are in fact, an accredited investor. We have also built workflows with Onfido to ensure we meet our specific KYC (know your customer) and identity verification requirements, to stay compliant and detect fraud.
Why do I need to supply KYC (know your customer) information?
As Screencrib is SEC compliant we must complete “Know Your Customer” (KYC) compliance, which determines whether the investor is who they claim to be and whether they are someone the government has prohibited from accessing financial systems.
Whilst Onfido is 85% accurate at returning a result, some individuals may not return a result. Thus, to ensure we are not unfairly blocking anyone who might be a genuine accredited investor, we will require additional information that was not previously collected. Your information will be stored securely and will not be used for any marketing or promotional purposes.
How do I verify my accredited status?
If you meet the qualifications for accreditation and would like to verify your status, you'll need to submit documentation that confirms your income or net worth. This can be completed under "Account" or when you attempt to invest on a project.
How can entities qualify as accredited?
We do not currently take investments from entities.
We are only integrated with Onfido and do not have the necessary KYC (know your customer) checks in place to check entities yet.
How much am I allowed to invest?
Only investors can invest in Regulation D offerings. There are no limits as to how much you can invest. You must purchase a full Executive Producer title, as we do not offer fractional shares. However, you can purchase more than one title.
There are a fixed number of Executive Producer titles offered on each project to:
limit the number of investors included in the net profits,
ensure that all investment opportunities are exclusive and
to allow investor to know how many people will also be engaged on the film with you.
Can I invest if I don’t live in the United States?
We accept any investors as long as they are accredited in the US through our US KYC (know your customer) process. According to the SEC, there is no requirement of residency or citizenship is in the US to become accredited.
However, you should check with your local lawyer and get good tax advice, because you will need to be aware of tax consequences of investing in the US as a UK investor and to avoid unnecessary excess tax or reporting.
For example, as a UK investor, you may be subject to US tax on US sourced income. You may also be subject to UK tax on worldwide income, unless you are claiming the remittance basis of taxation.
Please note that Screencrib is an SLP (series limited partner) which is not taxable in its own right, therefore investors will not be subject to double taxation.
Additionally, you can expect to be subject to state income taxes depending on the taxes in which the business operates. Typically, investors will receive a Form K-1 after the end of the year, showing their share of the partnership income for the year.
Also, be aware that there are added transaction costs to investing in the US and expenses on foreign transactions are substantially higher. Consider the volatility of exchange rates and liquidity risks.
This is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as tax or legal advice.
Can I add a spouse or beneficiary to my investment?
Screencrib does not currently support adding a beneficiary to your account. However, our Investor Success team can help you through the process of a beneficiary transfer. Simply have them write to info@screencrib.com, and we will help you through it.
Can a film become over-subscribed?
There will only be a limited amount of Executive Producer titles available to purchase, therefore it is unlikely that a film project will become over-subscribed. However, if this does happen, Executive Producer titles are given on a first-come, first-served basis.
What happens if a project is overfunded?
We do not allow overfunding on our platform. Creatives are only allowed to meet their budget therefore projects on Screencrib will not become overfunded.
How are contracts signed?
Contracts are signed digitally on the website via Docusign. You will sign the contract when you apply to invest. The creative will sign the contract once the Financing Round closes. When this is completed, you will be able to view the contract in your portfolio.
How can I change the name on my investment?
If your investment has not yet been confirmed, reach out to our Investor Success Team for help (info@screencrib.com). If the investment has already been confirmed, you will need to contact the film’s production to make this change. Once completed, we will update our copy of the contract on our end.
Can I unsubscribe from the emails?
Yes. You can find the option to unsubscribe for our email list at the bottom of your received emails.
How can I ask the founders questions?
Any prospective investors can contact us at info@screencrib.com.
Investors who have already invested on a project, will receive updates from the creatives and be able to communicate with them directly on the platform. Alternatively, you can also contact us at info@screencrib.com.
When will I receive my perks like premieres/BTS content?
You will receive all updates and invites in your Account Page, as outlined by your contract. We will also send emails to notify you when new film production stages have been complete and when there are new available perks for you, to allow you to follow along on a project.
Can I make an investment as a gift?
Yes! To keep them updated on the progress of the film project, you can:
Share your login details to give them access to the account updates or
Place their email into the notifications inbox so they can follow along.
Contact us with further questions at info@screencrib.com.
What’s the difference between “user profile” and an “investor profile”?
Creatives and the audience have a “user profile”. Creatives have the benefit of applying to have their film on Screecrib. The audience are the people that will show support and interact with the film and its progress but cannot invest.
On the other hand, investors have an “investor profile”, allowing them to invest in the film projects they are passionate about.
How do I delete my account?
To delete your account email info@screencrib.com.
How can I contact Screencrib?
You can contact us at info@screencrib.com.
What tax forms should I expect to receive?
Schedule K-1: If you invested through an LLC (Limited Liability Company) — for example, investments directly into an LLC raising on Screencrib or investments in a fundraise using an SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle) — you will receive a Schedule K-1 in tax years where the LLC incurred a taxable gain or loss.
Form 1099: If you received a payment from a film project you invested in — for example, a quarterly payment on a revenue share contract — you may receive a Form 1099.
You can find all tax documents and investment contracts in your Account Page.
Screencrib is also an SLP (series limited partner). This is beneficial for investors, because if you have invested and have income in one country, and are resident in another, you may be liable to pay tax in both countries, for the same source of income. An SLP solves this issue as it is not taxable in its own right. Instead, it is taxable on their share of the partnership’s profits and gains, whether or not the profits are distributed to the partners. This means that any earnings pass directly to the individuals/investors, and so does the tax liability, therefore investors will only be taxed once.
The UK and US have signed Double Tax Treaties, which generally grant the power of taxation of such income to the state where the head office is situated.
This is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as tax or legal advice.
Does Screencrib send tax forms to investors?
Screencrib sends the following tax forms:
SPV Fundraises: If you invested in a fundraise that used an SPV, Screencrib will work with our accounting partners to generate and distribute Schedule K-1s in tax years where the SPV incurred a taxable gain or loss (note, this may not be every year). You can check whether you invested via an SPV by opening the investment contract available on your portfolio page.
Revenue Share Investments: If you invested in a loan or revenue share contract, the film project you invested in has the obligation to generate and send you a Form 1099 in years where they have made payments to you. Sometimes, Screencrib helps distribute these forms to investors once the film project has generated them. You can check whether you invested in a loan or revenue share contract by opening the investment contract available on your portfolio page.
This is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as tax or legal advice.