Our History

Film Finances Canada is part of Film Finances Inc. which was founded in 1950 for the purpose of giving guarantees of completion to financiers of motion pictures. At the time, producers of motion pictures were finding it increasingly difficult to borrow money from banks because the producers could not show how budget overages, if any, could be met; and the banks had learned by bitter experience that unfinished films had no value. The original founders of the company were themselves film producers who had learned that mortgaging all they owned against potential budget overages was not a sound proposition; however, unfortunately, that was the only way in those days to get a motion picture independently financed. Film Finances was therefore formed to provide financiers with a service that gave them the assurance that the film would be delivered on time and that the over budget costs would not be the financier's responsibility.

Since our formation, we have given completion guarantees to all the leading banks involved in the entertainment industry, and to all the major studios and distributors of motion pictures. We have now guaranteed the completion and delivery of approximately 6,000 Feature Films, Television, Series, Movies of the Week, Films on Tape, Documentaries and CD-ROM Productions shot in almost every part of the world. Budgets have ranged from $1,000,000 to $75,000,000, and with the rapidly rising costs of production, even this latter figure will soon be exceeded. We are proud to have guaranteed completion on some of the most successful motion pictures ever made, and likewise we are also pleased to have helped many first time producers and directors to make their first films.

Since the formation of Film Finances in London, offices have been opened in the United States, Canada , Australia, Denmark, Italy, India and Japan. By virtue of having offices around the world, we are able to monitor pictures around the clock and we are further able to call upon our contacts to give our clients information concerning motion picture and television production in virtually every country where pictures are being produced.

All motion pictures guaranteed by Film Finances are insured through the London insurance market, and pursuant to these arrangements financiers of motion pictures which are guaranteed by Film Finances receive assurances that their investment will be secured by Lloyds of London and Underwriters.

For more than 50 years, Film Finances has provided completion bonds around the world. In Canada for almost 25 years, Film Finances Canada counts the leading film and television production companies, financial institutions and agencies among its clients.