First Financial Coach

Article by Stan Prokop

Film, television, and digital multimedia financings are always a challenge to Canadian based productions, but recent trends in the industry allow for a number of new and aggressive ways to finance your ongoing productions. For many participants the playing field is somewhat complex, as it is a mixture of industry, government and private sector financing that ultimately bring financing and cash flow to the success of your work. No one seems to be disputing the tremendous growth in the industry, particulary in Canadas major entertainment centres of Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.

Canadian content is king when it comes to financing strategies. As the industry if financed on a much larger scale in the U.S. there is always a challenge for Canadian productions in all entertainment sectors to find both short term working capital and significant long term capital and equity. The support the industry is getting from both provincial and federal sectors continues to be quite overwhelming.

The financing of tax credits in film, tv, and digital media, either through the Scientific Research and Experimental Development program, of the various other supported programs is one of the strongest ways to achieve interim working capital and help to balance your debt/ equity investments in any particular production. The good news is, that with the experience of a trusted and credible financing advisor in this area even accrual financing can be applied to these sorts of tax credits. That only means one thing of course – getting your funds immediately, and not waiting for the ultimate tax credit refund under the particular program under which your production is domiciled.

We are often asked if Canadian chartered banks play a role in these types of financing, and the answer is – yes, but very selectively. We have met and worked with specialized personnel from the banks in the area, and they clearly are ‘ boutique functions ‘ of the bank as a whole. Naturally though access to funds themselves is not a problem, as Canadian banks continue to be a world leader in liquidity, tier one capital levels, and access to funds.

So how do entertainment entrepreneurs access this capital. We simply believe that you must seek and search out experienced, trusted and credible advisors in this area. Financial people tend to be somewhat unable to predict ‘ hits and misses ‘ in the entertainment and media sector, we’ll let the creative type do that, but if there is access to financing available through areas such as tax credit financing, gap financing, accrual financing, etc its safe to say lets let the financial people handle that!

In our experience tax credit financing tend to be a minimum of 200k+ and up in Canada, and can of course go into the millions of dollars, so access to capital and who you are working with is very important. Naturally since out tax credit system and the financing of those credits infers a ‘ Canadian content ‘ ‘Canadian Equity ‘ requirement the additional pressure of having to finance just in Canada by virtue of the tax restrictions places just a bit more challenge of financing.

When does tax credit financing work best – In our opinion its when current programs are maximized and monetized simply from a timing perspective, accessing your capital now, not at some later point in time.

Your ability to discount now that future receivable or revenue stream is one of the greatest tools you have in financing prodcutons and content from a debt perspective. Actually its not even really debt, because you are simply monetizing or discounting an asset such as a tax credit receivable. You are raising cash flows against current receivables.

In Canada there is several billion dollars of tax credits awarded annually to the industry, so the ability to monetize these prior to final approval and audit, subject of coruse to your certification eligilbility, is one of your greatest assets from a financing and cash flow perspective.

Article by Stan Prokop

Producers and owners of Canadian content in the areas of film, television, and animation credits are not always aware that they have the ability to monetize or cash flow their Canadian tax credits in Canada. The three types of productions that we have referenced are provided with solid financing assistance from the federal and provincial governments in Canada. Your ability to monetize these tax credits, and turn them into cash flow at time of filing, (or in some cases before) can make or break the overall financing success of your venture. Successful results can be achieving by working with a credible, trusted and experienced finance partner for your tax credit financing in Canada. The financing of these tax credits creates, in effect premium additional cash flow to allow you to enhance your initial equity and debt and gap financing strategy. Let’s use a simple example wherein a Canadian produce in film, TV, or digital animation is financing a venture through equity and debt, and let’s say it’s a 50/50 proportionate relationship. The non equity portion of these ventures is often balanced with some sort of distribution agreements in Canada or elsewhere in the world. One strategy you could consider is to of course ensure prior to commencement and production that you qualify for and are eligible for the maximum amount of tax credits related to your venture. Let’s say our example consists of a 1 Million dollar independent film, and there is a 500k equity and debt component respectfully. In our example, if properly qualified and document the film owner, producer, etc can qualify for a tax credit that might easily come into the 200k-250k range. Is that the end of our example? Absolutely not – what we are saying is that you can immediately finance that claim, either at time of filing, or in some cases earlier, and utilize that cash flow for all sorts of purposes related to your venture / production.As Canadian production and content continues to play a hefty role in the producing of Films, direct to video, pay per view, and digital products the ability to finance these ventures is always a challenge. Very few of Canada’s banks and large financial institutions play a role in this type of financing; we therefore recommend to clients that they seek out the expertise of a credible, trusted and experienced advisor in this area. Maximizing your claim value and eligible cash flow are of course the rewards of working with the right party. Larger and well known studios require financing also, but the true challenge is for independent producers and their investors who have budgets that are often ten million dollars and under, sometimes quite significantly under that threshold we just referenced. The reality also is that the industry seems to be breaking all records in areas of growth and economic activity and new forms of content and distribution. The bottom line is that as demand increases and distribution structures improve the need for financing and tax credit financing in Canada is also increased.If a production can be properly pre-sold and distributed, and tax credit financing utilized as an integral role in initial production cost financing – well, that simply creates a perfect formula for financial success. To be successfully financing a production must have the proper amount of leverage, different exit and distribution strategies, and the proper utilization of tax credit and tax credit financing.Working with the proper parties can often achieve 50-75% immediate financing of your tax credits in Canada. The remainder is of course simply a buffer for the lender to allow for financing costs themselves, and any time lapses in the final approval and cheque from federal and provincial players that regulate the new generous tax credits. Tax credits are increasingly generous in Canada – just in the last year or so a number of enhancements have been made to the various programs at various levels of government. Take advantage of these credits, and further investigate monetizing those credits at time or filing of prior to maximize the cash flow and overall financing strategy of your film, TV, or animations projects.

Article by Stan Prokop

Cash flowing and the monetization of your film tax credits in Canada can be a very large aspect or part of your overall production financing success in today’s challenging entertainment finance area.Whether your film is 100% Canadian, or a co – production you should be aware that your tax credits for Ontario film grants, B.C. film grants, ( those seem to be the most two popular provinces ) can be financed for cash flow and working capital. It is certainly not unusual that tax credit can be anywhere from 25-40% of your overall finance plan, and if that is not significant then we don’t know what is! Its that sort of cash flow and financing commitment that keeps your productions moving forward from a viewpoint of the equity and debt investors you need to engage to successfully finance a production, whether that be television, film, or of course the ever growing digital animation area. Those funds become an intrinsic part of what is generally known as the ‘soft money ‘component of your production. When you rationalize Canadian film tax credits into your overall production financing you can make a strong case that even if a movie or TV show is shot elsewhere than in Canada in certain instances it makes total sense to use Canadian cast members, and post production, all of which significantly contribute to your tax credit status. Everyone seems to agree to day that film, digital animation and TV financing is very much a ‘cobbling together ‘of resources which will end up funding your entire plan. The concept of co productions and co ventures seems to be a very strong part of what is happening now in independent film and TV financing. While film tax credits seems to be falling apart and in fact disappearing in many parts of the world the Canadian environment is very robust. Tax credits can be financing on a ‘when filed ‘basis, or, if your production has good credibility and financial reporting, financing can be provided on an accrual basis. Clients will often ask what the pre requisites are for tax credit financing in Canada. As different and unique as is the entertainment industry the reality is that you’re simply need some careful up front planning and documentation to ensure you can qualify and obtain financing for your tax credits. Generally that comes in the form of having pre sold some of your product in question ( a film, tv series, etc ) and having a financing plan in place that address the three components of debt, equity, and tax credits. Having a specific budget in place for your project, and having that budget validated with respect to which amounts will qualify for tax credits is critical. We can assure you that if your budgets haven’t been reviewed by a proper entertainment accountant then that will be a part of your financing term sheet with respect to requirements for the proposed financing. While some experience in having been approved on previous projects for tax credits is desired, it is not a 100% pre requisite – but when hasn’t experience ever not helped in business and in financing?Whether you view the financing of film tax credits as a mainstream or alternative strategy the reality is that this will make up a key component of your financing. Ultimately you have to be able to verify your numbers and provide some level of clarify around your eligibility for the tax credit. In Canada tax credits can be financed on a when certified and filed basis, or, even more attractively, on an accrual basis. Funds are reimbursed to you as you spend them, in effect doubling up on the cash flow and working capital requirements of your project.Speak to a trusted, credible, and experienced film tax credit financing advisor in Canada who can provide you with financing information that should allow you to complete you’re financing in the most cost effective manner to yourselves as owners of your productions.

Article by Computer Finance: Easy Financing For Fully Loaded Computer Features

In the world of electronics, everyone whether a student, an expert, a businessman or even a housewife all have need of laptop. The laptop with internet facility gives great advantages to the users. The notebook computer is not only used for entertainment but also to gain knowledge from it. Truly, the laptops have become essential need of life. Now, this luxury of yesterday has become the requirement of today.

The people with good credit history can acquire laptops easily but adverse credit people have to face complications and obstacles. But now it has been possible with the help of laptop finance bad credit. In the UK finance market, branded finance companies has been introduced laptop finance bad credit for the benefit of bad creditors such as CCJs, IVAs, arrears, defaults and late loan payers etc.

Laptop finance bad credit works according to the finance market and allows loans in two forms namely secured and unsecured. In the secured form, the lender is asked about borrowers

Article by Individual Finance

The term ‘financing’ might sound a bit fancy, but it’s just another way of saying ‘loan’ (albeit a loan with a specific purpose). Basically, a loan taken out solely for purchasing one thing with no money left over afterwards is known as financing – for instance, borrowing money to pay for a car is ‘car financing’. In most cases, financing loans can be arranged through the people providing the service you’re paying for, although they merely act as brokers for specific lenders rather than lenders themselves; so using the same analogy, car dealers can generally offer finance to people buying cars from them, as do many home improvement firms.Of course, since financing is exactly the same as a loan, that means the same rules apply when you try to get it: you’ll be subject to a credit check, asked to fill in paperwork and generally means tested to ensure you can afford to pay the money back. That’s not so good if you’ve got bad credit, County Court Judgements (CCJs) or any other form of financial difficulties, since those will count against you in your application for bad credit financing. That isn’t to say you won’t be approved in some cases, because the lending options available may be flexible enough to offer higher rates of interest to compensate for your bad credit situation. However, you’re far more likely to be turned down using the limited finance options provided by the people you’re buying from (be it a car dealer, home improvement company or whoever), so it’s best to instead source your financing from another lender once you know what you’d like to buy.Thankfully, there are many lenders who specialise in financing for people with bad credit – some offer very specific loans for cars, while others will simply provide a Bad Credit Loan for the exact amount required. Not surprisingly though, these loans will usually have a significantly higher rate of interest so it’s unwise to just go with the first firm that’s willing to accept you. As with all Bad Credit Loans, shopping around is the key to finding the best rate – you can do this yourself or turn to a loan broker, who can do all the work in the fraction of the time it would take you. So long as you specify that you want the loan for financing purposes and can show what you’re looking to buy, finding the best rate for you shouldn’t take very long at all.In SummaryBad Credit Financing…

Can be hard to get if you try to get them from service providers like car dealershipsIs best sourced from an external lender before you try to buy whatever you’re afterWill generally have a higher interest rate than normal financing loansIsn’t impossible to get if you employ the services of a good loan brokerCopyright: Individual Finance, 2010

Are you in debt? Well, you’re not alone. Debt is a mounting problem. Cheap credit and the rising cost of living has put more and more of us in debt. Sometimes that debt gets out of control and just keeps on rising. It can feel like we will never be out of the red.

The most common response is to ignore the problem and hope it will go away. This is not a good idea. You can’t hide from debt. As the interest build up your debt will just keep on getting bigger.

It is better to face up to it and do something about it. Debt is not something to be ashamed of and hidden. A period of unemployment, illness, or unexpected expenses can easily force any of us into debt.

Your first step should be to contact one of the consumer credit counseling services. You will find one near you. They exist in every town and every country. Visit the website of the counsumer credit counseling service at www.cccsintl.org to find your local office.

You will be able to talk through your problems with an experienced financial advisor who understands consumer credit and the issues surrounding debt. They will help you to make a plan to pay off your debts and keep out of debt in the future. You don’t have to be foolish or incompetent to get into debt.

There is a fee to pay. They have to keep their service going. But it is very reasonable and it is small price to pay to escape from the anxiety that chronic debt produces.

They will ask you to bring in all your financial details and be open with them about your debts, bills and income. This is the only way they can assess your financial situation. The whole thing is entirely confidential so there is nothing to worry about. Your employer, your friends and family need never know.

They will negotiate with your creditors on your behalf and work out a payment plan that you can manage. Most lenders would rather accept some payment rather than none. The consumer credit counseling service has immense experience at negotiating in these cases. They will get you the best deal possible.

Once they’ve established a repayment plan the consumer credit counseling service will work out a budget for you that should keep you debt free. They work with you to plan your finances and put you back on track.

Debt is something you cannot struggle with alone. You need expert help. That is what the consumer credit counseling service provide.

So if you are struggling under a burden of debt look for their website, in the Yellow Pages or ring them on the toll free number 1-800-873-2227.

It could make all the difference to your life.

The increase in the cost of increased national expenditure normal people to manage the levels and the only solution is to seek external financial assistance. Their salaries uncommon, can no longer see them at the next payroll. No credit check in hand ready to come in moments like these. In addition to these loans is to have it receive a credit check free loan that suits all the financial needs of the body.
No credit check loans are short term unsecured loans which are offered to all employees of the people provided that they are able to repay the monthly installments. They serve as a bridge between one and a disc of your payroll. These loans can be used to pay for unexpected medical expenses, to help with the immediate car repair, pay utility bills such as telephone, gas, to be paid immediately the children back taxes, etc.
The lender may receive sums amounting to $ 50 to $ 1500 with the repayment period from 7 to 14 days. The amounts are unsecured in nature, with only your status of employment is guaranteed. However, changes in interest rates and other costs is slightly higher. How ever, the duration of the loans may be able to extend to double, but the accusations. Thus, these loans only if you are not in dire financial times.
The lender is based on your constant and a regular salary, to assess the question if you can not repay their loan installment credit and unsecured nature. Here, your credit does not matter in the provision of loans. Even customers marked by strong credit can be used with loans if evidence, that they may be able to repay the loan installments. For the lender to the loan, the borrower must be 18 years old and have tangible proof that they draw a regular salary of a valid employer or self-employment. The borrower must also have an account on which the control of the reserve amounts will be deposited into. The account must be active and more than 6 months An applicant must not earn less than $ 1000 per month to qualify.
If an applicant is able to meet the requirements of the lender and its needs, then there is nothing to stop them obtain financial assistance they need. Before applicants of their application, it’s good for them to pay greater attention to the terms and conditions of various lenders, leading to an offer the best and cheapest loan deal. Only then, they must be satisfied with a lender.
Angel soffy is financial advisor of no credit check installment loans.For more information about bad credit installment loans,No Credit Check Installment Loans, unsecured no credit check installment loans visit http://www.nocreditcheckinstallmentloans.co.uk

The heavy charges of the credit counselors are compelling the debtors to stay away from them because they are already facing severe financial difficulties and cannot afford heavy charges of the credit councilors. By considering this difficulty of the debtors, most of the financial firms are offering free debt counseling services with the sole motive to make their society debt free. These debt counseling firms are working on non profit basis and provide you the most accurate advice without money making purposes. Now, you can easily find a financial advisor that won’t charge you even a single penny. In this article, I will try to tell you that from where and how you can find a free financial advisor to get rid of your debt and start living a debt free life without bearing any additional expenses.

The precious help of the free financial advisors enable you to repay your massive debt in lower monthly payments on affordable terms. You can search online for free financial advisor and you will notice that hundreds of financial firms are offering these free services. You can also seek assistance from the debt relief networks because they always have maintained an up-to-date database of the credible free financial advisor. You can trust them blindly because they have rich experience and quality expertise in dealing such kind of financial matters. They will not indulge you in any complex procedures in which you have to pay money in the names of various charges. The free financial advisors are also available online and offline. You can contact them through their toll free numbers or even can meet them personally too. You will experience a warm welcome because they have strong desires to keep you away from debt as much as possible.

The free financial advisors are not working with any type of money making motives that’s why they provide you the most appropriate and accurate financial solutions for your problems. Before getting the free financial services, you must make sure that you have selected the most credible and experienced financial advisor, so that you can save yourself from any type of problems often occurred due to inappropriate financial advice.

Debt settlement is the best alternative to bankruptcy and usually makes financial sense for consumers with over $10k in unsecured debt. Consumers can expect to eliminate 50% of their unsecured debt on average.