Letter from Director/Producer
Dear Reader:


 


When you think about movies that have made history championing gay rights, you might think of Boys Don’t Cry – the 1999 story of a victimized trans man, Philadelphia – the 1993 true story film of a gay man who fights his law firm for the ability to live with AIDS, And the Band Played On – again, a true story about the AIDS epidemic and how it wiped out a generation of many great people in the gay community, or Milk, the biopic that told the life story of politician Harvey Milk in San Francisco.  Yet, some of the greatest stories are true and told from the perspective of the person going through trauma, fighting to be included, healed, or helped in some way while the rest of the world is doing its damnedest to ignore, marginalize, or sublimate their entire world as they know it.  So, it’s time to wake America up again and tell another important true story about how to be a courageous activist for LGBTQ rights along the lines of what the Trial of the Chicago Seven (2000) did to chronicle the work of anti-war protesters.


 


My name is Elmer J. Howard.  I am a director, and I identify as queer/pansexual.  We are in the development phase of a movie about one such event in Maine during the 1970s.  It is a story about gay men and women coming together to help others during a time when being openly gay was enough to get you thrown out of a shop, apartment, hotel, bar, or restaurant.  It is a true story about courage and camaraderie in southern Maine at a popular nightspot in Ogunquit called Valerie’s.  I want an opportunity to chat with you about becoming an investor in this film.  It takes financial assistance to produce such a film effectively in the manner it deserves.  The plot involves local politicians, law enforcement, business owners, and people who dared to take on the system in a way that everyone can relate to now and experience as though they were there at the time.  At the center of this effort is a brilliant lesbian activist named Mariah, who helps lead a small group of men and women to make a real difference in Southern Maine.  I have some risk disclosure and background materials I can send you, but I’m mostly looking to talk with you about whether this interests you and whether you would like to help make the on-screen version of this story a reality.  It would be great to have your support.


 


According to David Vernon, the script’s author, The Lavender Rhino is a “fun, chaotic, sexy story about young people going out with each other, but who rise above their personal issues to become ambassadors for change.” 


 


I look forward to hearing back from you.


 


Sincerely, 
Note: Investors must be financially qualified to participate in this offering.  Details are available upon request.
Meet The Group
Executive Summary
THE STORY


In the early 1970s, young gay and lesbian twentysomethings in Maine form groups to protest discrimination in local establishments, including the high-end Ogunquit restaurant Valerie’s, and experience love and loss in the process.


 


CASTING


The Production Team will be securing Letters of Intent for the lead roles. Cast are being sought on the basis of bankability and marketing awareness.


 


SALES


With a stirring narrative that many are sure to relate to, the Producers believe that The Lavender Rhino can strike a chord with audiences. Limited Theatrical, New Media, Streaming Video on Demand (SVOD), DVD/Blu-ray, broadcast, and foreign distribution outlets will be pursued—each with specific intent.


 


FINANCING


The financial requirement for this plan is $3 - $10 million. This will provide for the development, production, and post-production deliverables for the film. The structure allows for both a traditional distribution path of an acquisition deal as well as a self-motivated release strategy of the film.
Production Timeline
Development (Currently Underway)
  • Fully Develop The Shooting Script
  • Complete Preliminary Budget
  • Secure Preliminary Talent Commitments
  • Secure Project Funding
Pre-Production (3-7 Months)
  • Set-Up Production Offices and Accounting Department
  • Final Casting, Cast Rehearsals, Fittings
  • Hir Complete Production Team & Crew
  • Adjust & Finalize Production Schedule & Budget
  • Complete All Production Design Planning
  • Book All Equipment According to Schedule
  • Complete Location Scouting, Contracting, & Permitting
  • Engage Music Licensing & Pre-Recording
  • Book All Travel & Arrangements According to Schedule & Agreements
Principal Photography (~8 Weeks)
  • Capture The Picture & Sound of The Movie
  • Schedule & Execute Any Needed Pickup Shots and/or Reshoots
  • Wrap All Outstanding Business Issues & Ensure Documentation is Complete
  • Finalize Accounting
  • Finalize, Document, & Backup All Creative Assets for Post-Production
Post-Production (~7 Months)
  • Complete Editorial of Film
  • Engage Music Scoring & Record Score
  • Engage Sound Design Including All Foley & Looping Activities
  • Complete All Digital Effects & Color Correction
  • Schedule & Execute Test Screenings & Collect Data Appropriately
  • Make Adjustments to Final Edit Based on Test Screening
  • Mix & Master Final Sound & Picture for Dolby Mix and/or THX Digital Master
  • Complete All Deliverables for Domestic & Foreign Release Including Sound, Music, Trailer, Print (Film & Digital), DVD, Publicity, & Legal Requirements
Marketing & Distribution (Varies)
  • Fully Engage in All Market Focused Festivals
  • Schedule Screening for Distributors & Streamers
  • Schedule Screening for Leadership of Special Interest Groups
  • Negotiate Sale or Distribution
FINISH
Investment Strategy
ROI


Unit A investors recoup 125% of their investment before Unit B investors are paid. Once Unit B investors get 115% of their investment, net profits are then split on a 50/50 basis, with 50% being distributed to the investors on a pro-rata basis and the remaining 50% going to the producing entity.
TAX DEDUCTIONS


Section 181 Deduction under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2018 (TCJA) creates a 100% deduction for any money invested in a film, that is produced in the United States and that qualifies under the original qualification standards of Section 181.
TAX INCENTIVES


    

  • Up to 17%
    • 



          10-12% wage rebate +


          5% Production Spend Tax Credit


    

  • Wage Rebate
    • 



          12% Resident


          10% Nonresident Above & Below-The-Line


          Up To $50k Per Employee


    

  • Accommodations Tax Exemption
    • 

EQUITY


Unit A has 100 units and Unit B has 900 units. Each unit is $10,000 and represents a .05% interest in the company. The minimum investment is ½ a unit ($5,000).
Production Budget
Similar Films
Distribution Plan
SALES APPROACH


Most independent films suffer from unrealistic expectations for the film's release; The Lavender Rhono excels in recognizing the necessity of sales input from an early stage. Management plans to work to build a cast with the highest value and represent the project in the domestic market as well as assist with festival placement. Management intends to have a festival run and will be shopping to various distributors, with potential SVOD and OTT platform licensing to Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, HBO, Vudu, Apple, Quibi, etc.
FESTIVALS


The Production Team plans to premiere The Lavender Rhino at a top-tier film festival like Berlin, Venice, Cannes, Tribeca, Sundance, or Toronto.
MARKETING


Although in the early stages of development, the Production Team for The Lavender Rhino has already begun implementing their marketing philosophy. Marketing starts at the beginning of development and finishes after release on all distribution platforms. This means immediately beginning grassroots marketing efforts through social media and targeted genre fan bases. The Producers recognize the necessity of savvy & thoughtful marketing campaigns and realize their importance in the overall success of the film.
LEADING INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS


The Production Team will utilize proven industry professionals for all services and department head positions to ensure the completion of a quality product and to protect the lenders' interests. There is no substitute for experience, and shortcuts are not acceptable. Where most independent films suffer in their hiring process, The Lavender Rhino will outclass the competition. Already The Lavender Rhion has managed to begin putting together a strong team of industry professionals.
Appendix
APPENDIX A - LLC


Company documentation has already been filed. More information is outlined in the film's LLC Confidential Private Offering Memorandum according to applicable law. The offering memorandum includes the full Operating Agreement and is available upon request. All company registration and documentation will be provided and will be available to investors.
APPENDIX B - WIRE INFORMATION


Wire information is available to qualified investors.
APPENDIX C - LEGAL NOTICES


This business plan does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security or interest of any kind in the company or other entity herein. No representations or warranties of any kind whatsoever are made or should be inferred, with respect to the information set forth herein.


 


This business plan represents the confidential and proprietary work product of Valerie’s Movie, LLC, and is not intended for general use or publication. Consummation of the undertaking described in this business plan is subject, in pertinent part, to the company obtaining the funds necessary to finance the venture.


 


This business plan contains certain information and assumptions which are presented solely for the purpose of information and illustration. No representations or warranties of any kind can be made as to the accuracy or completeness of such information.
Copyright © 2022 -2023 Thrive Productions LLC