New York City gains a brand new film studio today that will provide much needed production financing, distribution and P&A for fully developed films under $10million. DF Indie Studios will be launching today in mid-town Manhattan at the Top of the Rock.

In the last two years, DF Indie Studios (DFIS) has developed a business model that is specifically designed to fulfill an industry need for producers, talent and investors in this budget range. Accomplishments during that time include: $150 million in minimum distribution guarantees, a terrific slate of films ready to go from box office proven producing partners, an impressive veteran management team, and an advisory board that includes Oscar winning actress – Tilda Swinton.

DFIS co-founders Mary Dickinson (CEO) and Charlene Fisher (President and COO) say they chose to base the studio in New York City because of the incredible resources, talent and outreach that NYC and State have in place for film companies. In exchange, DFIS is planning to be an entertainment stimulus package by generating 10,000 – 15,000 jobs and millions of dollars in spending through 60-80 films over the next 5 years.

In the last two years, DF Indie Studios (DFIS) has developed a business model that is specifically designed to fulfill an industry need for both producers and investors in this budget range. Accomplishments during that time include: $150 million in minimum distribution guarantees, box office proven producing partners, a terrific starting slate of films and an impressive veteran management team.

DFIS co-founders Mary Dickinson (CEO) and Charlene Fisher (President and COO) say they chose to base the studio in New York City because of the incredible resources, talent and outreach that NYC has in place for film companies. In exchange, DFIS is planning to be an entertainment stimulus package by generating 10,000 – 15,000 jobs and millions of dollars in spending through 60-80 films over the next 5 years.

Indie film distribution veteran Ira Deutchman says: “The reason I have spent the last year helping to develop the unique and effective DF Indie Studios distribution plan is that the co-founders - Mary Dickinson and Charlene Fisher have created an industry changing studio model for independent film with an exceptionally talented executive team, passion for film and impressive partnerships.”

DFIS has scripts in the green light process from a team of established producers with successful box office track records including: This is that Productions - Ted Hope and Anne Carey (Adventureland, In the Bedroom, 21 Grams, The Ice Storm, The Savages); Scott Free and RedBone Films whose co-founder, Samara Koffler, ran Harrison Ford's production company for eight years.

Ted Hope and Anne Carey point out: “We have been working with the DF Indie Studios team for over a year now to make sure their model is designed to help their producers create great films. ”

A key component to the DFIS plan is to provide producing partners with what they need to succeed. Indie film distribution veteran Ira Deutchman says: “I have spent the last year consulting DFIS on developing a unique and effective distribution division to ensure guaranteed US domestic distribution as well as an impressive Canadian output deal for all our films. We worked with foreign sales expert Glen Basner from FilmNation on that deal and he has introduced us to several other countries to discuss similar output deals.”

Finally, the DFIS plan was designed specifically to provide equity investors with the greatest possible opportunity for solid returns. Having guaranteed US distribution through experts like Ira and his team, working with other veteran DFIS team members like John Hadity on production finance and Amy Slotnick on slate development, as well as significant P&A to support their films is something we emphasized and they are delivering.”

A perfect storm of industry conditions are paving the way for DF Indie Studios: box office revenues are up double digits over last year; other strong studio players have moved from the $10million and under budget range to the $20-$50million budget range; name talent is participating significantly more than in the past in this budget range for industry awards recognition; and finally, investors who love independent film are looking for a risk diversified, unlevered model that has guaranteed domestic distribution.

David Spieler – a DFIS investor and advisory board member – says saidexplains: “I wanted an opportunity to get involved in Independent film with a partner that treats its investors as exactly that – partners. The DFIS business model has been designed to do exactly that. We are partners inDFIS offers its equity investors an unprecedented opportunity by providing an n old fashioned, unlevered structure business model with 105% downside risk protection and guaranteed North American distribution for all greenlit films. And best of all, equitythat ensures investors will share in all revenue streams of the studio including distribution fees and any exits. Additionally, the exceptional DFIS management team and producing partners are exactly the kind of people who can deliver on the DFIS premise of Indie Style - Studio Dependability.”

For further information please contact: Siobhan Aalders - SVP Ogilvy PR Worldwide: siobhan.aalders@ogilvypr.com