Your consultant for co-production, finance deals, rights & contracts.
Hi! I’m Giovanna. I have twenty years of experience as a producer in international co-production, rights aquiring, structuring finance deals and advising on contracts. I also give workshops and teach globally. Whether you’re a director, producer or indie filmmaker on an invisible budget, I am here to help!
Today in the film and documentary world, yes it’s important to be able to tell a great story, but it’s just as imporant to know how to secure your rights, budget properly, structure a finance deal and be able to draft and understand contracts.
TESTIMONIES
“We were sent a co-production contract we didn’t understand and a deadline. Giovanna not only gave us clarity but also strengthened our position within 48 hours.” Annie, Producer from Kenya.
TESTIMONIES
“I was offered a director / writer’s agreement that seemed fine, until Giovanna let me understand that it took all my rights with zero profit participation. She helped me change that quickly!” Phil, Writer / Director from the UK
TESTIMONIES
“A mixture of grants, fundraising and a TV pre-sale, Giovanna helped us structure a clear finance and returns waterfall that kept our project alive to other investors.” Matteo Filmmaker Italy
TESTIMONIES
“I needed a comprehensive life rights agreement fast and I got it.” Sounak, Producer India
My consultant services
I’ll act as your hired consultant. I do not provide legal services as a lawyer.
Co-productions
Entering into a co-production can be a mine field of negotiation and it is best to think clearly before signing a contract. I’ll advise you on the short term and the long term backend and well as prioritising your immediate production and personal needs. Understanding co-production pros and cons, rights, terriatories and finance issues as well as creating waterwalls and maximising multiple revenue streams is essential.
Contracts
Director’s agreements, distribution, securing life rights, co-production contracts, licensing material, payment positions, negotiating fees and employing work for hire. I’ll help you understand the rights in a contract and advise on securing better terms for you.
Structuring finance
Know your rights! What are the rights on offer? What rights do you need to secure and protect yourself as a producer, director or writer? I’ll help you understand contracts and advise you on bettering your position.
Rights
Structing a finance deal with potentially multiple partners, small or large, private or equity, with each requesting different returns and positions, takes a cool head and forsight! I can help you structure a deal and advise on the pros and cons of positions offered.
Training
I provide tailored workshops and masterclasses in person or on ZOOM for co-producing, budgeting, rights, finance structuring and contracts. I delivery courses for groups and individuals from students to industry professionals.
Working with me!
First say hello! It’s free! I’m happy to have an introductory chat online with you and you can send me a document in confidence for review so I can better understand your needs and concerns. I work according to half days / full day fees which we will agree in writing beforehand. I work to keep fees as low as possible according to your financial status. I’ve been an indie so I know it’s tough to get good advice without breaking the bank! Just reach out and I’ll do my best to solve you concerns and also work in complete confidence.
I currently work as a freelance producer, production manager and also international trainer giving workshops on co-producing, contracts, rights and finance. I’ve been producing and financing independent international productions for twenty years; principally for my award-winning company Native Voice Films. I first studied law in Italy and went on to work in hostile environments across Africa, with grass root peace organisations and regeneration projects. I now work both as a media consultant and as a freelance producer specialising in Italy. My producer credits for international features include THE BENGALI DETECTIVE for HBO which premiered at Sundance and Berlin and won a Grierson Award. LOVE HOTEL for NETFLIX in a UK-France co-production which premiered in Toronto. BETTY – THEY SAY I’M DIFFERENT for ARTE which premiered at IDFA and in New York City FF and THE CLEANER set in Mexico City for FRANCE 2 and cinema release. I also produced and production managed over twenty international news reportages from Latin America, Africa and South Asia for the BBC, CNN, ITN, FRANCE 2, RAI, Al-JAZEERA and VICE as well as producing award-winning interactive multi media content. My most recent work was THE SPIDER-MAN OF SUDAN for The GUARDIAN and ARTE. My latest training workshop was for over twenty participants at DOCUBOX Kenya on co-financing, budgeting and rights. Outside of international feature producing and consulting I’m also the Director of REACT – Refugee Education Across Conflicts Trust.
CV: GIOVANNA STOPPONI
Contact me