Archive for August, 2009

Yuri Rutman Addresses Structured Finance in Film for Angel Investors,hedge Funds,real Estate Developers,tax Attorneys,& Private Equity Groups

A quiet trend has been emerging as billionaires and other high net worth Angel Investors and Family Offices from Wall Street To Silicon Valley To the Middle East have been parking their money into Hollywood.

Larry Ellison Of Oracle, Paul Allen Of Microsoft, Steven Rales, Fred Smith of Federal Express, Norman Waitt, the Co-Founder of Gateway Computers, Jeff Skoll Of Ebay, Marc Turtletaub of The Money Store, Roger Marino Of EMC Corp, Sidney Kimmel Of Jones Apparel Group, Minnesota Twins owner Bill Pohlad; Real Estate Developers Tom Rosenberg and Bob Yari, and, financiers Sheikh Waleed Al Ibrahim and Philip Anschutz are all behind the finance of a lot of films that range from box office hits to Academy Award winners.

And the question remains “why?”

While the glamour of the movie business may be appealing to most, at the end of the day, it is still an unknown business that many try to gamble on, and only a handful come out as winners. The real key is to minimize risk, maximize profits, and offer a steadier stream of revenues than what other alternative investments may offer such as real estate, oil & gas, commodities, as well as risky hedge funds.

Well one Chicago/L.A. based media finance Company is taking a different approach in presenting its entertainment opportunities to the super rich as well as private equity groups. Instead of dazzling investors with smoke and mirror Monte Carlo simulation models that offer various IRR’s and scenarios based on unpredictable film revenues streams, it is offering an absolute return on investment using public tax incentives that in certain instances can guarantee 100% or more of invested capital prior to revenues.

Noci Pictures Entertainment is putting together a slate of films using an innovative hybrid public-private finance strategy aimed at investors who want to take a 100% Federal deduction against their ordinary income, get an additional 20-40% in state tax credits or cash rebates, have a hedge of revenues from 20-30 films, a possible exit IPO on the London AIM., as well as stimulating local economic development, and creating jobs, including for women and minorities. Oh, and the company’s team includes the former Vice Chairman Of A Major Film Studio.

Sound too good to be true?

“I don’t know of any other alternative investment that can offer tax incentives, multiple exit strategies, as well as giving back to the local economy, while being involved with the moviemaking process”, states Yuri Rutman, the head of Noci Pictures. “That would also add to the long line of recent film funds that have been structured with numerous hedge funds, private equity investors, corporate tax credit buyers, and institutions. Heck I don’t even know of any business that someone can start where they know they will receive an exact ROI before they see any profits”.

”I am also surprised how many investors, hedge funds, VC, tax planners, CPA’s, tax attorneys, public and private companies have no clue about these benefits”, Rutman adds. “Federal Preservation, New Markets Tax Credits, etc was the usual route for tax credit planning or alternative investments , but film production incentives offer a more liquid premium, equity, as well as little Hollywood adventure and schmoozing with movie stars.”

Rutman adds “Plus, I am reinventing ‘conscious’ film finance. A lot of competitor deals won’t be around in a few years because they didn’t do their homework. I want to be making movies when I am 90”.

Used Car Finance India

Most significantly, the used car finance eliminates burden on your budget and ends up in a profitable deal for long terms.

There are loads of sources from where India you can own used car finance at pretty decent interest rates. These sources are like banks, private dealers and other financing services! As per modern trends, you will be always encouraged for getting used car finances.

Used Car Finance: What Market and Customers Think?

As already mentioned, used car and its finances are highly demanded worldwide! Talking from market prospective, used car finances is pretty lucrative. Market has got now a new class of consumers that prefers used cars and some aspiring enthusiasts (potential customers) who want to try used cars. Also, finance interest rate has been providing a new source for incomes to the market.

As per customers are taken in account, they can now afford any dream car and model. With the finances, they can break their payments into convenient and comfortable patches. In addition, they get loads of options in the market for used cars, so ultimately consumer remains the king.

Used Car Finance: Things to keep in mind

Always remember that “Buying elephant is easy but maintaining Pretty Difficult!” Therefore, the very first thing which should be kept in mind is that how much you can afford. Don’t create future problems for yourself with finances which you can never repay!

Get the homework done-Complete the research and paper work before any kind of deal or transaction. There are loads of media like online, publications and others where you get wholesome idea about the used car finances. Never hesitate to take expert comments or someone experiencing the used car finance.

Study the offers- There are loads of places that can provide you used car finances. But their keen study is important. Since there is a competition for used car finances, you must single out the profitable ones. Dealers or other financial services, see factors like least interest rates, free servicing and reliability of the source and many others.

Check the car- check the car thoroughly. Avoid too old cars as they are not considered reliable! Manufacturing date, used period, papers, mechanical defects, damages or anything else; these things must go through your eyes. Also, see the current condition and check out that the finance is worth or not for future terms!

Things like Market Value, Warranty, breakdown coverage and other things play major role for used car finances.

Pay on time- the most common thing people are not able to accomplish is to repay the interest and loans on time. Timely payment can gain you reliability and mutual understanding between buyers and sellers. Better not to take up heavy loans which are not practical for you. Also, timely payments keep you away from any legal troubles as well.

Well, following above fundamentals can yield you scores of profits in terms of used car finance. Stop thinking too much, as all of the mentioned above is all about smart customer tricks. You just need to be attentive and will enjoy the new car forever for sure!

Seeing Stars: Finding The Best Auto Review Site For You

Is the Honda Civic a 4 star car or a 3 star car? What’s the difference between 3 and 4 stars? Leather seats? Cool cup holder? Smoother ride? How many stars would it have if it came with a valet who cleaned your interior and put away your groceries?

It’s hard to tell what a star review really means when doing online automotive shopping. Each website has its own rating system and criteria. They also have their own lean or perspective toward things. When using an auto website, make sure you understand the site and it provides you with useful information.

Know the Sponsor

Car review sites all have one thing in common. Someone is paying for them. By knowing the sponsor of the website you’ll be able to understand its slant or focus. If you are looking for a car with status and sex appeal, you may not choose to use the car review site at Consumerreports. Sponsored by the magazine of the same name, safety and economy are the two measuring high points of their review system. Similarly, if you want the best vehicle to use to transport your son’s t-ball team to practice, you wouldn’t necessarily take the point of view from the guys at Rodandcustommagazine websites. Every reputable site discloses its owner and manager. Pick a site run by your type of sponsor.

Know the Rater

Different websites use a variety of ways to come up with the rating system. Some use specialists or automobile designers to test the car. Others use survey results from drivers who volunteer their time to take the car out and give it a spin. Edmunds website uses consumers who have purchased the car to rate it. While it may seem prudent to get the opinion of someone who knows the car well enough to buy it and use it in everyday life, there is also a drawback. If you just bought a $60,000 BMW, would you really get online and say it wasn’t any good? Someone with a specialty in automotive mechanics and safety statistics should really make the call.

Know where you are in the process

If you’re just dreaming about the car you may own someday when your lottery numbers match, a car review site with pictures of the vehicle cruising down some pretty highway is just fine. However, when you’re ready to grab your checkbook, secure some finance and pick up some keys, its better to choose websites that offer a host of options such as financing calculators, actual pictures of the interior and exterior of the car, and mileage and safety test figures. The other feature handy when you are serious about purchasing the automobile is comparative shopping.

By looking at one car in your price range, many sites will also pull up other cars in a similar range for you to compare gas mileage, seat capacity, and those cup holders.

Going through different car review sites can be a great way to spend a veg-out evening. But when its time to make a critical decision about what automobile you are going to invest in, make sure you find the site that best serves your needs and sensibilities so you don’t get lost in the stars.