A “tin-cup mindset” is where an individual or organization approaches prospective investors for support in an overly apologetic way, tin cup in hand, head bowed, begging for money for their project or organization, then proceeding to back out of the room saying thank you for the scraps.
Wouldn’t you rather come from a position of stating a compelling business case that communicates a mutually beneficial opportunity to make a difference together? Unfortunately, we see far too many tin cups being wagged around by nonprofits and those aspiring to make a living as a filmmaker. They operate from a mentality of lack and desperation, as opposed to making a well-crafted, confident pitch for investment with a clearly communicated ROI.
That level of confidence and conviction only comes from being prepared. This begins with the recognition that as a filmmaker, you are first a small business whose product or service is making films. Next is having a vision, plan, support team, and the proper business tools in place. What’s that old axiom? “Proper planning prevents piss poor performance.”
By nature, filmmakers tend to be action-oriented people planning more for the next scene rather than the next film or stage of personal and professional development. Planning is an ingredient that doesn’t have to be an overly lengthy or arduous. But it should be a carefully thought-out process. Planning better, positions us for success in any endeavor.
Perhaps one barometer of success in filmmaking in NE Ohio might be scaling your business to meet the requirements of the Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit (OMPTC), elements of which include a minimum budget of $300,000 with proof of a liquid 50% in the bank. People are investing in YOU, not simply a film you are making. They also need to know your vision for the future, including plans for increasing the chances of recouping their at-risk investment in you.
So where do I begin the process of tossing out my tin cup you ask? Well, attend the upcoming, second annual Greater Cleveland Film Commission (GCFC) workshop Business Basics: Building Essential Foundations for Film Business Success being held on September 20, 2025 during the Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival (GCUFF) for starters. GCFC and GCUFF are partnering once more to bring this session which attracted dozens of existing and aspiring filmmakers during last year’s festival to learn from seasoned business experts on how to better position yourself for film business success.
This workshop will help you to become a more trusted businessperson and a filmmaker. One objective of the workshop is to show independent filmmakers how to ingrain basic business principles into the psyche, to be better prepared to take on the subtle nuances of the film industry going forward. Understand why having a written plan and vision for your journey as a film industry professional is crucial to success.
The session is NOT meant to be a tutorial on how to secure funding for your project(s) but rather establishing and developing the broad business essentials necessary to do so more effectively. Learn the importance of having the right business tools and relationships. These include a well thought out business plan, clear vision, accounting system, rights protections, licensing, negotiating contracts, and legal separation between your business and personal finances.
The moderated session features business presentations, Q & A, along with resource handouts, and how to best utilize GCFC. So, come prepared with questions for our seasoned panel of experts and try to have a little fun. Click here for more information and how to register.
Hope to see you there!
Lowell Perry
Chief Diversity Officer, VP Corporate & Community Engagement
PS – Mark your calendar for our next film industry professional mixer on October 1st. More details to follow soon.