Direct to Director Funds

German media fund VIP Medienfonds has entered into a first look deal with Roland Emmerich for his non-studio projects, to be produced through a joint venture production company based in Munich (see article). While no level of funds or anticipated projects were announced, it is likely that VIP was looking for a quality source of big budget projects -- Emmerich's films include "Stargate," "Independence Day," "The Patriot" and "The Day After Tomorrow" -- and German tax commitment will ease Emmerich's hunt for financing if these pics are seeking the independent financing route.

Additionally, one would think that with VIP's level of funding, it can leverage its relationships with international buyers (including the domestic studios) to quickly piece together completion financing, outside of its twenty percent.