How to Set Up an LLC for Your Film in One Afternoon
The step-by-step setup before I begin every new feature film or TV.
This info was adapted from Chapter 3 of The Ultimate Crowd-Equity Playbook
Every Film Starts as a Business 🎬
Before you raise a single dollar, you need an LLC. It's the legal container for your feature film or TV show. Investor money goes in, expenses go out, and it protects you personally if anything goes wrong.
It takes just an afternoon and less than $300. Here's how:
You don't need an LLC for a short film funded by donations (Seed & Spark, Kickstarter). An LLC is for films you plan on selling for profit or raising equity investment for.
The 5-Step Setup 📋
Form Your LLC
Create a single-purpose LLC just for this project. Investors buy into it, expenses flow through it, and it keeps everything legally separated from your personal life.
What you need:
- A name — often "[Film Title], LLC" but can be anything!
- A registered agent address — buy a virtual mailbox online for ~$50/year
- The filing fee — $50-$300 depending on the state (average ~$130)
Get Your EIN (Free!)
An EIN is your company's Social Security Number. You need it to open a bank account and file taxes. Apply on the IRS website. It's free and instant. Save the confirmation PDF!
Open a Business Bank Account
All money in, all expenses out, only through this account. Never mix personal and business funds. Walk into Chase or Bank of America (any bank) with:
- Your LLC formation documents (Articles of Organization)
- An Operating Agreement (start with a free template online)
- Your EIN confirmation letter
- A government-issued ID
File in the Right State
Most filmmakers file in Delaware because the filing fee is lower (~$90), there's no state income tax on LLCs that don't operate there, and the process is fast. You don't need to live in Delaware. Just get a registered agent with a Delaware address through a virtual mailbox service (~$50/year).
Choose Your Fundraising Strategy
Your LLC is set up. Now you need to decide how you're going to raise the money. There are three main paths for independent filmmakers:
- Crowdfunding (Seed & Spark, Kickstarter) — Donation-based. Best for short films under $35K. Backers get perks, not ownership.
- Private equity — Traditional investor route. Requires connections to high-net-worth individuals, often through agents, lawyers, or producers.
- Crowd-equity — The new model. Anyone can invest in your film for as little as $100 through platforms like WeFunder. No connections needed. This is how I raised $1.6M for Isle Child with zero prior investor relationships.
You don't need to be a U.S. citizen to form an LLC. But you'll need someone U.S.-based on your team (like a lead producer) to open the business bank account in person and serve as the registered agent in some states.
The Ultimate Crowd-Equity Playbook
The complete fundraising system for feature films. From legal setup to closing five and six-figure checks!
- Full legal setup walkthrough (LLC, EIN, CPA, lawyer)
- The 6 Investor Archetypes framework
- LinkedIn + IMDb investor prospecting
- The Zoom funnel for closing big checks
- Campaign architecture + momentum strategy
- 180 pages of step-by-step guidance
The Short Film Crowdfunding Playbook
Donation-based crowdfunding for Seed & Spark and Kickstarter. No LLC needed!
- The complete 6-week campaign roadmap
- Word-for-word outreach templates
- The IMDb Strategy for finding big donors
- The Zoom funnel for closing pledges
- Reward tier strategy that works
- Outreach tracker spreadsheet included