Media Financing

Parminder Vir joined Ingenious Media in 2005, to set up Ingenious World Cinema (IWC), a fund investing in content originating from the emerging markets, including India, China, South Africa, Brazil, Argentina and the Diaspora. The fund invests in cross-cultural films with strong cultural identity and creative vision for the global market. www.ingeniousmedia.co.uk

 

Investment Approach

This is to work with Producers who have strong track record in developing, structuring and producing feature films for the international market, and directors and writers with a strong sense of creative and commercial storytelling. IWC will invest in films which can attract distribution and an international sales agent. In the first year, IWC attracted over 200 film projects from around the world. From these 10 film projects were selected for consideration and IWC made investments in three film projects valued at $40m.

 

Expertise

Parminder Vir has established herself as the leading expert in the financing and distribution of World Cinema for the global market. Her relationships include:

  • Eros International, largest distributor of Bollywood films outside of India
  • Celestial Pictures, International sales, distribution, financing and production company with largest library of Korean films
  • Lion Rock, John Woo company, producer of commercial films
  • RGM, Talent management, Finance and Executive Production Company based in Singapore and Australia.
  • UTV, film and television production company.

Relationship Networks

Parminder has established relationships with the specialist divisions of the US studios as well as major independents with world cinema projects and looking to share risk. She has working relationships with a network of distribution and sales companies who are engaged with the exploitation of world cinema for the international market. She has opened up new investor base for international cinema including high net worth individuals, private equity, institutional and corporate finance who view film as an asset class.

 

Business Opportunities

International markets also represent the major growth for the media and entertainment industries and business opportunities from Media Investment to Corporate Advise on acquisition and joint venturing.

 

International Markets

International markets are increasing in importance to the film industry, in particular to the major Hollywood studios. Revenues from the international box office first overtook receipts from the US in 2003 and have remained ahead since. 10 years ago 80% of the box office value came from North America. Today it’s split between 40% USA and 60% the World. Tow thirds of the box office value for Harry Potter came from outside US.

The US Studios are increasingly relying on the international markets for their film revenues. The specialist arms of the major studios have been responsible for the distribution of some of the most recent successful crossover films( Bend it Like Beckham- Fox Searchlight, Crouching Tiger and House of Daggers – Sony Pictures). Most of the studios are expanding their presence in the emerging markets through investment in local-language film and in distribution capabilities.