Where’s the Money? That’s the most common question asked by indie producers. Film Independent may not have the definitive answer but hopefully we can help point you in the right direction.

Private Equity is the most common source of indie film financing, but who are these mysterious investors and how do you locate them? Producer Stu Pollard’s business plans have raised over $7 million for independent production. He’ll give an overview of equity financing; how to search beyond your own circle of contacts to reach serious investors; what factors convince them to invest (or dissuade them from doing so); how best to approach them and ask for financing; and how typical equity deals are structured.

About the speaker

A native of Louisville, Stu Pollard has been making independent films for longer than he cares to admit. He just wrapped production on the elevated thriller Rust Creek, directed by Jen McGowan and written by Julie Lipson. It marks the seventh feature film Pollard has produced in whole or part in his home state of Kentucky.

Other recent producing credits include the 2015 Tribeca premiere Men Go to Battle (directed by Zachary Trietz), the Chicago-based Not Welcome (directed by Marc Slaboda), and Forty Years from Yesterday, which premiered at the 2013 LA Film Festival.

You’ll also find his producing fingerprints on Craig Johnson’s coming-of-age comedy True Adolescents (with Mark Duplass and Oscar-winner Melissa Leo), Martha Stephen’s debut feature Pilgrim Song, the Jennifer Westfeldt penned rom-com Ira & Abby (a LA Film Festival premiere starring Chris Messina, Jon Hamm and Jason Alexander), Sundance alum Bass Ackwards, and the wildly irreverent freedom of speech documentary Dirty Country – one of three Pollard-produced movies to premiere at South by Southwest.

Pollard has directed two features; the rom-com Nice Guys Sleep Alone and the suspense drama Keep Your Distance. He also directs commercials, branded content and short-form improv comedy. In his spare time he teaches at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts and Film Independent. He holds a degree in business from Georgetown, an MFA in film from USC, is a member of the Directors Guild and serves on the boards of the Kentucky Center for the Arts, GU’s Alumni Board of Governors and the Louisville Film Society.

Pollard splits his time between Louisville, Santa Monica and an airport near you. For more info visit lunacyproductions.com.

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