Josh Harris Sits Down with Georgia Entertainment
Josh Harris, FilmHedge CFO and Co-founder, Discusses Film Financing and Incentive Programs with Georgia Entertainment
In a recent conversation with Georgia Entertainment, Josh Harris, the Chief Financial Officer and Co-founder of FilmHedge, delved into FilmHedge’s exciting pipeline of projects, shed light on how creators can secure financing, and explored the pivotal role of film incentive programs. Film financing is a complex, multifaceted world, and FilmHedge is at the forefront, helping filmmakers bring their visions to life.
Diversity in Georgia’s Film Landscape
FilmHedge, based in the vibrant state of Georgia, stands out in the film financing arena with a diverse pipeline of opportunities. Josh Harris proudly acknowledges that their projects vary in budget and scale, illustrating the company’s commitment to nurturing creative talent regardless of the project’s size. However, what truly sets FilmHedge apart is its dedication to bringing film projects organically to Georgia, contributing to the growth of the state’s burgeoning film industry.
Collaboration: Georgia’s Unique Strength
Collaboration is the lifeblood of the film industry, and Georgia has it in abundance. Unlike some other markets where collaboration is scarce, Atlanta and Georgia’s film community have a distinctive spirit of unity. Everyone involved, from producers to crew members, is rowing the boat in the same direction, working collectively to make each other successful. This collaborative ethos is what makes Georgia a special and unique hub for filmmaking.
The Essentials: What Filmhedge Looks For
When filmmakers approach FilmHedge with a project, they have a specific set of criteria that must be met. Josh Harris breaks it down into two key elements:
- Collateral Potential: FilmHedge is a collateral lender, similar to an asset-based facility. This means they need to see that a project has the potential to raise collateral. Collateral, in this context, doesn’t refer to intellectual property (IP) ownership; instead, it revolves around securing minimum guarantees through distribution agreements. This can be achieved by engaging with reputable sales agents or distributors who believe in the project’s concept.
- Lucrative Tax Credits: The second crucial aspect is the availability of tax credits or rebates, preferably within Georgia but also in other locations with attractive incentives. Georgia’s well-established tax credit system is a significant advantage, but FilmHedge is open to projects from other regions with promising tax incentives.
Conclusion
FilmHedge, under the guidance of CFO Josh Harris, is not just a financial institution; we’re a partner in the creative journey of filmmakers. Their focus on collateral potential, tax incentives, and collaboration within Georgia’s thriving film community exemplifies their commitment to making dreams come true on the big screen. In an industry where dreams meet the bottom line, FilmHedge shines as a beacon of support for the storytellers of tomorrow.
