Independent films can be a profitable investment opportunity.

Independent films produced on micro-budgets of $ 500,000 or less can bring tremendous profits to the investors. The Blair Witch Project cost $ 35,000 and grossed $240 million and Tadpole cost $150 thousand then sold to Miramax Films for $5 million.

A movie is a product and creating a positive return on investment depends on key variables:

• the story,
• the production team,
• opportunities to screen at film festivals and
• the chance for distribution.

How much money does it take to invest in an independent movie?

ConsiderJoshua: Heart of a Warrior.

Investment and advertising opportunities exist for both individuals and companies.

An executive producer can own up to half the film for $ 50,000.

For only $ 5,000, an investor can receive up to 5% of the revenue from the film.

Or, businesses can advertise in the film for complete packages ranging from $ 6,000 to $ 1,500. Individual sponsorships are also available.

A full investment and advertising package is available from producer Marcos de la Torre.

Joshua: Heart of a Warrior, is directed by Addison Henderson, a respected documentary filmmaker from Buffalo, NY and written by Choice Skinner, an accomplished actor and martial artist. Filming begins June 22. Promotional footage is available on YouTube.

I spoke with producer Marcos de la Torre on why he believes the film is a good opportunity for an investor or business wanting to advertise:

The Story

An investor needs to consider if the story is one where people identify with the characters.

"The film is a mixed martial arts film which is growing in popularity as a sport," said Marcos. "But instead of just being an action-packed film, we see the humanity of the characters through a tragedy that strikes the main character, Joshua. He becomes disabled and a once ‘mighty warrior' now depends on others to care for him."

Marcos believes the story will appeal to a wide audience.

Production Team and Production Values

An investor needs to see who is producing the film.

Darkan Entertainment approached Knuckle City Films as the production company. The film fits with both companies core values of portraying real life situations. Marcos de la Torre and director Addison Henderson of Knuckle City Films have won acclaim for previous films and documentaries which are featured on the company web site.

Opportunities to Screen at Film Festivals

An investor needs to determine the film's chance of building an audience which will result in later sales in the domestic and foreign markets.

Filmmaking is a calculated risk. But the strength of the story, the production values, and since Knuckle City Films has had previous productions in film festivals all combine to give Joshua: Heart of a Warrior an excellent chance of building an audience.

Distribution

Investing in an independent film also requires distribution to ensure success. Joshua: Heart of a Warrior has earned the interest of Think Film for distribution upon completion (http://www.thinkfilmcompany.com/).

Knuckle City Films has produced a complete investment package including marketing strategies, risk analysis and competitive advantages of Joshua: Heart of a Warrior.

Requesting the package gives prospective investors a chance to expand their personal and corporate portfolios and offers an education on the financing of an independent feature film.