The success rate of films submitted for financing to those that are actually green-lit can vary widely depending on several factors such as the genre of the film, the reputation of the filmmakers, the budget, market trends, and the specific requirements of the financing entity.
What percentage of Screenplays seeking finance succeed? 
The Overall Industry Average: Typically, only a small percentage of films submitted for financing are green-lit. Estimates vary. What we know for certain is that the success rate is between 1-5% in some cases. or at least a 95% failure rate.
This includes the competitive Hollywood market and fully financed Independent Films. $1Million – $20 Million Budget.
This does not include Micro-Budget Films where micro finance is determined by the Indie Filmmaker.
Independent Fully Financed Films: For independent films, the success rate may be, as low as 1% – 2% as they often lack the backing of major studios and must rely on independent financiers, grants, or crowdfunding.
Studio Films: Major studios might have a higher success rate due to their established pipelines and relationships with financiers, but even they have stringent criteria and high competition.
Factors Influencing Success for Film Finance
- Script Quality: Well-written, unique, and engaging scripts have a better chance of securing financing.
- Talent Attached: Projects with well-known actors, directors, or producers attached are more likely to be greenlit.
- Market Trends: Films that align with current market trends or have proven commercial appeal are favoured.
- Pitch and Presentation: A compelling pitch, including a solid business plan and marketing strategy, can significantly increase the chances of obtaining financing.
- Track Record: Filmmakers with a proven track record of successful projects have a higher likelihood of securing financing.
- Luck. Films sometimes have the luck factor and are financed within 3 years and other films can take 4 – 20 years to get financed.
“Ghandi” famously took 20 years to get green-lit and then became a world wide smash hit and won multiple oscars.
Micro finance is determined by the Indie Filmmaker. Success rates are at 80% to complete their films and 50% to gain distribution on Streamers
Many filmmakers have become huge filmmakers as a result of making a micro-budget films that came Film Festival successes and then reached a wide world audience via distribution. This is a great way to go when starting your career.
It is imperative that you learn micro-budget Filmmaking on our 
Filmmaking Courses. We teach you how to make films on micro budgets so that you guarantee getting your films made.
Please Go Here to see our Flagship Filmmakers Masterclass which you can take anywhere in the world and Go Here for 5 Month Film School Films
Several more famous films took years to finance due to various reasons, including their ambitious scope, controversial content, or the challenges of convincing investors. Here are some more notable examples:
- “Gangs of New York” (2002)
- Director: Martin Scorsese
- Years to Finance: Over 20 years
- Reason: Martin Scorsese first conceived the idea in the 1970s, but it took two decades to secure funding due to the film’s massive scope, historical setting, and the need for significant resources to recreate 19th-century New York.
- “Apocalypse Now” (1979)
- Director: Francis Ford Coppola
- Years to Finance: Several years
- Reason: The film faced numerous financing hurdles due to its controversial subject matter (the Vietnam War), Coppola’s insistence on artistic control, and the film’s escalating budget during production.
- “Avatar” (2009)
- Director: James Cameron
- Years to Finance: Around 10 years
- Reason: James Cameron first wrote a treatment for “Avatar” in 1994, but he had to wait for technology to catch up with his vision, which delayed financing. The project was seen as risky due to its high cost and the untested nature of its 3D technology.
- “Mad Max: Fury Road” (2015)
- Director: George Miller
- Years to Finance: Around 15 years
- Reason: Originally planned in the late 1990s, the film faced numerous delays due to budget issues, weather conditions, and changing production circumstances. The project’s scale and complexity made it difficult to secure continuous financing.
- “The Irishman” (2019)
- Director: Martin Scorsese
- Years to Finance: Over 10 years
- Reason: The film’s large budget, due in part to the use of expensive de-aging technology for its actors, made it difficult to find backers. It was ultimately financed by Netflix, which gave Scorsese the freedom to make the film as he envisioned.
- “Boyhood” (2014)
- Director: Richard Linklater
- Years to Finance: 12 years
- Reason: Although the film was shot over 12 years, financing was secured in phases. The unique production process required consistent commitment from investors over more than a decade, which was a risky proposition.
- “Watchmen” (2009)
- Director: Zack Snyder
- Years to Finance: Nearly 20 years
- Reason: Alan Moore’s graphic novel was considered unfilmable by many, and the project’s dark, complex narrative made it difficult to secure financing. It went through various directors and studios before finally being made.
- “The Man Who Killed Don Quixote” (2018)
- Director: Terry Gilliam
- Years to Finance: Over 25 years
- Reason: Terry Gilliam began working on this project in the late 1980s, but it was plagued by numerous setbacks, including financial issues, natural disasters, and legal battles. The film became infamous as one of the most troubled productions in history.
These films demonstrate the perseverance required by filmmakers to see their visions come to life, often overcoming significant financial and logistical challenges.
Conclusion
It is imperative that you learn micro-budget Filmmaking on our Filmmaking Courses. We teach you how to make films on micro budgets so that you guarantee getting your films made.
Please Go Here to see our Flagship Filmmakers Masterclasswhich you can take anywhere in the world and
Go Here for 5 Month Film Schools in Melbourne or Sydney Live Face to Face
