The lure of of stage and screen is one which thousands find almost irresistable. And investment specialists are increasingly seeking to tempt backers with government tax breaks,introduced to stimulate film production. The private investor can access cinema and stage via tax-efficient Enterprise Investment Schemes. Durbeyfield Ltd, a theatre production company, has used the EIS route to fund its musical adaptation of Thomas Hardy's Tess of the D'Urbervilles , which opens in Sheffield in September, followed by stints in Manchester and Norwich. She says 'We were advised that we were more likely to attract funding by doing it via an EIS route.
People buy shares in the company and get a stake in any profit from the shows or merchandising.
The best way to consider money invested in film or theatre is as money that has been spent rather than invested because you really could lose the lot. Of course, the returns could be quite exceptional. The best thing to do is look at the people behind the production. Find out if they have a track record and also make sure there is an exit route for your money,' he says. Jory says the most important thing to remember is to invest in the company as a whole, not just the production, so you stand a chance of a taking a share in the merchandising and spin-offs.