Movie Money: Confidential

While this film gives great tips to the independent filmmaker, I'm also a fan of its interesting format and entertainment value. While, Rick himself is a fantastic interviewer, when you add, the average man on the street, A-list stars, and tongue-in-cheek humor by way of an infomercial, this movie is a must-see. I am interested in filmmaking, but my spouse isn't. We both watched and enjoyed it multiple times. Among other things it has motivated me to continue my work and never abandon my passion. The film goes beyond financing and touches on writing, pitching and more. I didn't just rent it, I purchased it. If anyone thinks they can't get their movie made they haven't seen Movie Money Confidential. I highly recommend it.

This doc helped me enter deeper into the film financing process than ever before. I learned a lot from the featured producers and investors and took many notes from them. Movie Money Confidential is brilliant, inspirational, grounded, and practical. The production value impressed me too. Watch it now on streaming platforms like Vudu, Amazon Prime Video, PLEX, and Tubi, and see what a difference it will make in your worldview of filmmaking!

You'll also want to pick up a copy of Louise Levison's book, Filmmakers and Financing Business Plans for Independents, which inspired Movie Money Confidential.

Most of the filmmakers in this doco praise themselves as if they are players in the industry but check out their IMDB pages! And notice they are filming themselves talking to younger students who probably don't know better - it's a far cry from being guest lecturers at USC or NYU Film Departments. They managed to score a final interview with Burt Reynolds, which they pump for all it's worth, even though at the beginning of his interview he admits he knows nothing about movie financing nor has he ever gone that route himself! But it's all they've really got (besides some footage with Salma Hayek) so they have him dis the current state of movies (like a lot of older people do when - and not even intellectually tearing into things like digital vs film or streaming vs theaters).

When you notice that these guys are all about trying to appear more famous than they are is it any surprise to see a flood of 10 ratings from accounts that only post reviews for this one film? The more people who tragically stumble on this film, the more low rated reviews it will receive.

To be fair, you'll learn some interesting tid-bits at the beginning, but then the rest is a waste of time. If they're seriously looking into Blair Witch funding, why aren't there any interviews with the filmmakers?

Come on guys, why wouldn't you just be honest and say "we're near the bottom of the barrel but we got SOMETHING done, and this is what we learned!" That kind of honest approach could be interesting, but what they've done reeks of a promotional video for a questionable Time-Share offering. As if they hope this will help them find someone to fund their other films. I couldn't finish it.

The favorable reviews must be from people that were in this documentary. After the first few minutes I thought it actually might be a mockumentary. Calling this a movie is a stretch. Starring Selma Hayek? They lifted a Selma Hayek interview and cut it into this production. Pretty laughable.

A good portion of this film is talking to random people who may or may not have ever actually been involved with a movie. Look them up on IMBD! This is in addition to about 45 minutes taking questions on panel interviews from high school students and other random people that showed up to a local restaurant.

Lord knows how they managed to get an interview with Burt Reynolds. What a shame/sham!

Please don't watch this...

Rick and Maggie, the whole cast are magnificent. This is the conversation and information that all filmmakers need, but can't find. This is it! There's a load of insight for anyone with aspirations to make films.

Louse Levinson is a great source with experience and knowledge like no one else.

Scott DuPont is great as well.

What this film does is bring the viewer into the conversation, the way it really is and what they can expect. I wish I had seen this before I made our film, it would have answered so many questions.

The best part is that there's no one looking to get into your pocket, they're just trying to educate the viewer on the way it really works.