This is the best time in history to executive produce an indie film.
Hollywood is decentralizing. States like New Mexico, Georgia and New Jersey are competing to be the “new Hollywood” through tax incentives, like New Jersey’s 37% tax credit on all qualified spends.
Streaming giants like Netflix and Hulu are cutting bloated budgets and seeking lower-cost indie films to attract young adults and drive subscriptions.
The demand for fresh, innovative content has never been higher—and now is your chance to be part of the action.
Be part of the magic behind Squid Ink! Schedule a time to discuss how you can come on board as an Executive Producer and play a key role in bringing this film to life. Let’s connect and explore this exciting investment opportunity!
Financing feature films is a highly risky endeavor with no guarantees of recoupment or profit. However, no other industry offers the profit potential that this type of financing opportunity offers. All investors and producers adhere strictly to tax codes of the United States of America and to SEC regulations. All information, documents, and contracts affiliated with this proposal are encouraged to be reviewed by external counsel and accounting professionals.
STATEMENT OF RISK
PRODUCTION TEAM
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David Lugo
Producer
Dave is a driving force behind transforming New Jersey into the “new Hollywood.” With 15 years of industry experience and a portfolio of over 20 films boasting a combined budget exceeding $100 million, Dave has cemented his reputation as a pillar in the world of indie film production.
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Alex Reinhard
WRITER/DIRECTOR
As the co-owner of Malix Media, Alex has spent the past 11 years writing and directing award-winning national campaigns for top brands like Codecademy, Pond Lehocky, Raymour & Flanigan, and Bones Coffee.
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Max Morgan
Producer
Max is the co-founder of Malix Media and a graduate of Temple University. A skilled negotiator, problem solver, and project manager, Max manages over $1m of commercial production budgets per year.
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Matt Tranguch
Producer
Matt Tranguch is a seasoned producer and creative leader with over a decade of experience delivering high-profile productions for top brands, seamlessly blending storytelling, logistics, and execution in feature filmmaking.
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Nick Maurer
Writer
Nick Maurer is a creative writer and communications specialist. He is the co-creator of the feature film “Squid Ink,” and has been a creative consultant to Alex Reinhard on several other comedy projects.
INVESTOR INCENTIVES
ROI & WATERFALL: Equity investors are in First Position to recoup at a rate of 95/5 from dollar 1. Production retains 5% from dollar 1 to cover SAG residuals and additional marketing expenses. After investors recoup 120% of principal, equity sharing ensues. Ownership is split 50/50 between investors (on a pro rata basis) and producers. Any 3rd party back end participants (i.e. talent) comes from the producer’s 50%.
TAX INCENTIVES : Currently, a federal tax incentive known as Section 181 of the Jobs Creation Act permits you to deduct a portion of your investment as a tax write off the year production occurs. You can speak to your financial advisor about this opportunity.
REGIONAL TAX REBATE: We plan to tap into New Jersey’s 37% tax credit on the full $2m budget. This provides an estimated $700,000 return to investors within 90 days of delivering the film.
SQUID INK
GENRE: Coming Of Age/Sports Comedy
LOCATION: New Jersey
BUDGET: $2 Million
MONEY RAISED: $200k (in escrow)
REGIONAL TAX INCENTIVE: The conservative net regional tax credit based on qualified spend and shooting in New Jersey is $700,000 (USD).
TIMELINE: Once greenlit, the production will require 8 weeks of pre-production, 4 weeks of principal photography and 20 weeks of post production to deliver a finished product. Once the film enters the market we estimate it will take 12 months until initial revenues are generated.
Synopsis: After graduating college with two useless degrees, Shifter spends his days dodging minimum wage jobs to pursue a career gaming/streaming. When his mom catches him gaming half-naked, she assumes the worst and kicks him out for freeloading. With nowhere to go, Shifter bands together with his online pals to conquer the town's most epic video game tournament. The same event his mom not only plans on protesting, but having shut down for good.
MARKETS EXPLOITED
DOMESTIC HOME VIDEO
DVD distribution (Best Buy, Redbox, Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart) As well as Cable On Demand (TWC, InDemand and Cox).
FOREIGN SALES
Overseas distribution generally accounts for a large portion of sales and is sold region by region.
DOMESTIC CABLE
Given free and paid cable networks compete heavily for content this represents an important vertical. However prices can vary.
THEATRICAL
Theatrical releases can prove to be loss leaders. However, limited runs in major cities can drive up international demand.
DIGITAL
Video On Demand (Netflix, ROKU, Hulu) is a rapidly growing market which tends to be the second largest revenue generator for independent titles.
COMPARABLE FLICKS: Each of these independent comedy films not only turned a profit but also showcased recognizable talent that drove sales.
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BUDGET: $2 MILLION
GROSS: $13 MILLION
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BUDGET: $1.7 MILLION
GROSS: $9 MILLION
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BUDGET: $3 MILLION
GROSS: $4.2MILLION
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BUDGET: $4 MILLION
GROSS: $13 MILLION
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BUDGET: $4 MILLION
GROSS: $4.6 MILLION
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BUDGET $3 MILLION
GROSS: $13 MILLION
WHY NOW?
The video game industry is projected to reach $312 billion by 2027, with esports already valued at $2 billion. Squid Ink explores one of the most popular industries in the world, yet one that remains severely underrepresented in the film market. While there are movies about video game I.P., few delve into the lives of the people devoted to gaming.
When we sat down to shape this story, we all agreed on one goal: to authentically portray the people who play games in their bedrooms and basements for what we believe would be the first time in cinema history.
This strategy taps into a built-in global audience, ensuring widespread appeal. Meanwhile, as streaming giants like Netflix and Hulu battle free platforms like TikTok and YouTube for eyeballs, there's an undeniable demand for content that puts butts in seats and drives subscriptions—the kind of entertainment people don’t just scroll past, but actively seek out.
CONTACT US
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!
STATEMENT OF RISK
Financing feature films is a highly risky endeavor with no guarantees of recoupment or profit. However, no other industry offers the profit potential that this type of financing opportunity offers. All investors and producers adhere strictly to tax codes of the United States of America and to SEC regulations. All information, documents, and contracts affiliated with this proposal are encouraged to be reviewed by external counsel and accounting professionals.