Greenlight's
Film Finance Fellowship
A 12-week fellowship for learning the art of financing films—supporting emerging producers, directors, and creators with mentorship, industry access, and hands-on training.
About The Fellowship
The Greenlight Fellowship is a 12-week remote fellowship designed as a launchpad for producers, directors, and the next generation of creators to understand the business of media and filmmaking.
Learn
Master the fundamentals of film finance through real-world case studies and hands-on workshops
Connect
Build relationships with industry financiers, producers, and fellow creators in your cohort
Launch
Develop and pitch your own financing plan to real industry decision-makers
What Fellows Receive
Mentorship & Guidance
One-on-one mentorship with experienced producers and financiers who have successfully financed and produced independent films across multiple genres and budgets.
Industry Access
Introductions to financiers, sales agents, distributors, and other key industry players. Fellows attend exclusive networking events and market screenings throughout the year.
Educational Programming
Workshops and seminars covering financing structures, tax incentives, distribution strategies, and the business of independent film. Guest speakers include leading producers, financiers, and attorneys.
Project Development Support
Feedback on financing plans, budgets, and pitch materials. Fellows present their projects at our annual showcase attended by financiers and industry decision-makers.
Curriculum & Case Studies
An 8-month intensive program examining real-world film financing strategies through detailed case studies of successful independent films.
Equity Financing Structures
Weeks 1-4
- •Case Study: How 'Moonlight' raised $1.5M through equity investors
- •Understanding investor waterfalls and recoupment schedules
- •Negotiating equity splits and producer fees
- •Building financial models for equity raises
Tax Incentives & Rebates
Weeks 5-8
- •Case Study: Maximizing Georgia's 30% tax credit on 'Baby Driver'
- •State-by-state incentive comparison and strategy
- •Qualifying expenses and audit preparation
- •Working with tax credit brokers and gap financing
Pre-Sales & Distribution
Weeks 9-12
- •Case Study: 'The Witch' pre-sale strategy at $4M budget
- •Territory-by-territory sales projections
- •Working with sales agents and understanding MGs
- •Structuring collection account management agreements (CAMAs)
Gap Financing & Senior Debt
Weeks 13-16
- •Case Study: Closing the gap on 'Whiplash' with bank financing
- •Understanding loan-to-value ratios and interest rates
- •Completion bonds and lender requirements
- •Negotiating with entertainment banks and lenders
Co-Production Treaties
Weeks 17-20
- •Case Study: US-UK treaty benefits on 'The King's Speech'
- •Navigating international co-production requirements
- •Accessing foreign soft money and subsidies
- •Cultural test requirements and creative considerations
Soft Money & Grants
Weeks 21-24
- •Case Study: Sundance Institute support for 'Fruitvale Station'
- •Film fund applications and pitch strategies
- •Foundation grants and fiscal sponsorship
- •Crowdfunding and community financing models
Packaging & Attachments
Weeks 25-28
- •Case Study: How cast attachments financed 'Little Miss Sunshine'
- •Understanding talent quotes and pay-or-play deals
- •Director and producer packaging strategies
- •Negotiating with agencies and management companies
Final Project Pitch
Weeks 29-32
- •Presenting your complete financing plan to industry professionals
- •One-on-one feedback sessions with financiers
- •Refining budgets, schedules, and cash flow projections
- •Post-fellowship support and ongoing mentorship
Applications Open September 2025
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