Am I becoming a Movie Mogul?

About 18 months ago, I got involved with movies in a completely new way. First I was approached by a film company called Full Circle, who wanted me to buy shares in their next project. Normally, I wouldn't consider risking money on a venture like this, as the chances of receiving your money back, or any profits are entirely dependent on the success of the finished product. You hear of successful films such as Slumdog Millionaire, The Full Monty, and Ghost, that were made with very small capital investment, and the shareholders will receive a big return on their investment. You also hear of the big flops that should have been successful, but do not recoup the initial investment, such as Heavens Gate. Those shareholders lose their money.

What convinced me to take a risk, was the British Government. If I invested in this project, I could offset the investment against my taxes! Basically, this means that over three years, 66% of my investment will be paid back as a rebate in taxes. So yes, I could lose my investment completely. Also I stand a chance to gain enormously on my investment too! The film I have invested in is called The Mortician, so it will be interesting to see how successful it will be when it is released in 2010.

Another aspect of investing in this film, is that I get a chance to go to the premieres, and meet the stars. Also I could visit the film sets, only it is going to be filmed mostly in the USA, so maybe I'll pass on that offer!

The other project does not involve any financial investment, only my time. This is where I Co-Produce a film with thousands of other people, through an e-mail questionaire. Here we are asked to work out the story, in what diresction we want it to go. What kind of music score we want, and even if you are really enthusiastic, to write the script! The end result is we will all be given some shares, depending on how much input we have provided, in the movie for free. Again, I have no idea how successful the movie will be, but this time, I guarantee to make some profit!