New CMI Divisions

DIVISION: CMI “Green Light” Film Finance

Currently this financial arm is being handled by Directors Diane Rubright and Jason Butki.  Jason has taken classes in Film Finance while Diane has contacts in the Film Industry, both in LA and Michigan.  Michigan has begun a special program with generous tax incentives to encourage movies to be made in that state.  It is the largest national incentive to date.  Along with that, movie studios are being built in several locations in Michigan expecting a flood of business.  This has also encouraged private investors forming investment pools for films, movies, etc. The directors in this group are expected to travel to various Movie and Film events including Film Finance Seminars, Cannes Film Festival and Sundance Film Festival.  They will also continue to find additional funders in the industry.

Some possibilities that could be included in finance under this Market Segment are:  direct production expenditures, vendor/equipment rentals, qualified personnel expenditures (for above the line and below the line talent), fringe benefits, production insurance, and so on.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.            I have a great script can you finance my movie?

We need a complete package to consider your project including the budget, cash-flow, existing sales and sales estimates regarding your project, other sources of financing, script, cast list, direct production expenditures, vendor and equipment rental, qualified personnel (in addition to cast) , above the line and below the line talent, plus many other items must be determined. The distribution list is also necessary.  The distribution is considered the appraisal for the project.

2.            How long does it take to actually funds for my film project?

Once we have a complete package you should generally plan a minimum of 90 days to close.  Many of the funders are involving private investors.  Private investors sound like perfect solution to our credit crisis; however, private investors work on their own time schedule…not ours.  If you are in a hurry, we could look at a business equity line to smooth over the process. 

3.            What other criteria is important?  

Some of our investors will not take “R” rated films.  CMI will not work on any films with a rating below an “R” rated film or anything inappropriate such as porn, a story line that involve anything illegal that might harm children, etc.   This is also true in the gaming industry.  We cannot accept projects of a provocative nature or exceptionally violent.

4.            Can CMI get distribution for my movie?

No, you should have a sales agent to help you distribute your film.  We are a Finance Consultant only.  We are not a movie production or distribution consultant.   For a list of sales agents, try the Independent Film and Television Alliance web site,  http://www.ifta-online.org/

5.            Is there a limit to the size of project CMI can finance?

We finance both small and large films.  We typically can finance loans between $5 million and up.

DIVISION: Royal Palm Business Capital, a Delaware Corporation

 $250k - $2M

This division handles all of our Business Equity Lines.  CMI has an application fee of $500.  There are no other upfront fees.  The client must have a 680 credit score or above.  When completed application is submitted, a simple fee agreement will go to client for their signature.  CMI’s fee agreement will include the CMI processing charge of 2% based on the approved loan amount.  The client will most likely get a credit card.  Loans can close in 30-45 days.

DIVISION: CMI Account Receivables, Inventory, and Equipment Leasing

CMI is now offering Factoring or Account Receivable Lending and completes CMI as a comprehensive intermediary for commercial and business lending.  Advancing funds against a company’s account receivables allows businesses to increase their cash flow by providing an early disbursement to the business directly while the lender accepts the company’s discounted receivables that may not typically pay for 30-90 days.   Inventory Loans are also known as flooring.  Flooring improves the collateral stand of the company needing funds, particularly distributors.  Equipment Leasing allows a business to minimally invest in equipment thereby leveraging future earnings for the company.  Equipment loans can be for nearly any industry in need of equipment such as medical, office, farm, restaurant and construction equipment to name a few.  This Division and the Business Capital Division can offer closings in as little as 2 weeks. 

Take advantage of the International CMI Account Receivable loans as well.

DIVISION: CMI Luxury Lending       

CMI can now finance luxury items such as pieces of art work, gem stones, and any luxury item that can be verified with a professional appraisal and be insured.  It is specific financing availability for Art Galleries, Museums, and Jewelry Stores, etc.