FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: I have a great script, can I get a loan?
A: No. Typically, producers have a fully packaged project prior to approaching a bank. ICBEF lends against pre-sale distribution
contracts and as such, a International sales agent is necessary to make pre-sales in order to secure collateral for the bank.
Q: Can you find me distribution?
A: No. While ICBEF lends against pre-sale distribution contracts, ICBEF does not secure distribution for films.
The producer will need to find a International sales agent who is capable of selling the film.
Q: Can you find me a International sales agent?
A: Generally, ICBEF cannot refer producers to a International sales agent without a prior existing relationship.
Q: Where can I find a list of International sales agents?
A: A list of International sales agents can be found at http://www.ifta-online.org.
Q: My International sales agent has never worked with your bank, can I still get a loan?
A: ICBEF is always happy to meet new people, however, ICBEF will need to conduct due diligence on the International sales agent.
Depending on ICBEF's assessment, you may or may not be able to secure a loan.
Q: What is the budget range for films that you can finance?
A: ICBEF can finance films budgeted between $1MM - $40MM.
Q: What are the Bank's parameters on Gap financing?
A: Generally, ICBEF can Gap finance up to 20% of your budget. The overall level of Gap financing depends on the quality of
International sales agent, quality of current pre-sales already in place, loan amount, existing relationship/history with
Bank, etc. A number of bankable pre-sales are required before a project can be considered for Gap financing.
Q: What do you take as collateral?
A: ICBEF lends against pre-sale distribution contracts to creditworthy distributors. In addition, ICBEF
lends against unsold distribution rights (i.e. Gap financing). ICBEF may also take additional collateral.
Q: Do you lend against "soft money"?
A: Yes. In addition to pre-sales and unsold rights, ICBEF can lend against various soft money sources arising out of Canada, New Mexico, Louisiana, New York, etc.
Q: My bank loan is not enough to cover my budget, can you raise additional funds?
A: Yes. For select projects, ICBEF has the capability to raise additional financing in the form of mezzanine debt (i.e. "super" Gap) to cover the remaining portion of your budget.
Q: What is the duration of a typical loan?
A: Generally, loans with ICBEF are 14 months in duration.
Q: Do you finance genre films and theatrical level product?
A: ICBEF has previously financed both genre and theatrical type product.
Q: Do you only finance films?
A: ICBEF is always open to new business. Typically, a project should have a source of guaranteed
returns which can be used for collateral. Examples of other types of projects on which we
have worked include television shows, video games, concert DVD production,
and even production of commercials.
