This panel will be a producers’ deep-dive into optimizing the financial architecture of larger productions—from banking setups to planning for and executing state tax credits, to raising both equity and donor-based financing.

Topics will cover the benefits and hidden costs of tax credit financing, how to plan for credits based on turnaround times, and the key labor elements required to successfully service a credit. Tobias Deml, an experienced PGA producer and line producer, will break down the granular steps involved in executing tax credits effectively.

The panel will also explore donor-advised funds (DAFs) within the grant/equity mix and best practices for raising private investment. Robert Rippberger, a bonded PGA producer and Executive Producer on numerous projects, will share insights from raising over $10 million in equity and tax credits across more than a dozen impact-oriented films.

We’ll close by examining how to optimize payment systems, banking structures, and accounting workflows to reduce bookkeeping drag and keep productions running smoothly.