- October 11, 2007 Charlotte, NC – The Charlotte-based Independent Producers Alliance, LLC (“IPA”), which represents a growing number of award-winning independent producers similar to the original United Artists venture, has entered into partnership with Structured Capital Group, Inc., a New York City financing firm, to provide financing for a slate of family-friendly, independently-produced films.
IPA Chief Executive Jim Van Eerden confirms that the studio’s recent partnership with Structured Capital Group (“SCG”) will infuse IPA with the production financing required to produce an anticipated 5-6 films, each in the $8-$10 million range, and that it will be a revolving fund designed to roll forward into subsequent film slates as well. “SCG was the right partner for this strategic effort,” Van Eerden noted, “because they created a model for the financing structure that was the best we have seen from an investment point of view.”
SCG’s participation complements the role of Stanford Financial Group in the first IPA Film Fund, which led to the recent productions of The Ultimate Gift, Running the Sahara, and The Perfect Game (see summaries following).
Veteran media executive and IPA President Rick Eldridge noted that the funding of this second slate of films provides the studio, which includes state-of-the-art post-production facilities and a developing distribution and marketing arm, with point-to-point capacity for top producers.
“We’ve created a unique and supportive environment for some of the industry’s best producers to do great films that merge the independent filmmakers approach to storytelling with a studio model of distribution and support for film projects ” noted Eldridge.
“We were impressed with the quality and financial potential of the projects hand-picked by IPA and their partnering producers,” said SCG CEO Basem Zakariya.
“We recognized the unique leverage that IPA represents in facilitating and supporting the entire scope of film production capacity -- from financing, production and post-production to marketing and distribution services,” added SCG Executive Vice President Michael Clarner.
The IPA – SCG partnership was arranged and negotated by IPA Board member Marcia Allen, CEO of Allen & Assoicates, LLC (“A&A”) an LA-based corporate finance advisory firm. Ms. Allen formed The Movie Group with Frank Giustra and Peter Straus, which was the predecessor company to LionsGate. A&A has subsequently been an investor and advisor for many notable film and television properties. “This combination is a natural,” Allen said, “and will help establish IPA as one of the leading independent film-making brands in the world.”
ABOUT INDEPENDENT PRODUCERS ALLIANCE, LLC (“IPA”)
IPA (www.ipafilms.com), based in Charlotte, NC, with offices in Los Angeles, operates a state-of-the-art production and post-production facility, as well as administrative and distribution/marketing service units. IPA helps to fund, produce and champion the work of award-winning independent producers who make films that “inspire people to good things.”
ABOUT STRUCTURED CAPITAL GROUP. INC. (“SCG”)
SCG, based in New York City, is an investment advisory and equity participation firm that specializes in creative financial engineering techniques to raise capital for its clients. SCG's worldwide industry activities are focused in the real estate, motion picture, manufacturing, technology, energy, and distribution industries. SCG's innovative financing involves structural funds, risk syndication, creative financing and traditional banking and insurance elements that are implemented through replicable strategies for its investment ventures.
ABOUT ALLEN & ASSOCIATES, LLC (“A&A”)
A&A (www.allen-assoc.net) is a Los Angeles-based corporate finance advisory firm which has broad-based experience in funding entertainment and media projects, as well as private equity initiatives in other sectors. A&A has established a network of experienced partners who build long-term strategic relationships for their clients and partners.
Recent Release
In the Spring of 2007, IPA released the award-winning feature film “The Ultimate Gift,” starring 10-year old Oscar-award nominee Abigail Breslin and TV and film veteran James Garner. On August 21, the film was released on DVD by 20th Century Fox, with a great reception.
Next Scheduled Release
IPA is in post production with its next project, with Executive Producer and Narrator Matt Damon and production companies LivePlanet and Allentown. “Running the Sahara” is a documentary feature film directed by Oscar-winner James Moll. The film debuted during the Toronto International Film Festival in September and will be released in theatres in early 2008.
Now in Post Production
Also due for release in 2008 is “The Perfect Game” starring Clifton Collins, Jr., Cheech Marin and other names of note. The film is based on the true story of a group of Mexican boys who, fifty years ago, became the first non-US team to win the Little League World Series. William Dear, who also directed the popular “Angels in the Outfield”, directs the film.
PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Chuck Robbins
aro (www.consultaro.com)
crobbins@consultaro.com
704.839.3520
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