First, ask yourself the question, “who is the business plan for?”
If you think it’s for other film and industry professionals, then think again. Most professionals in the industry have seen these things 100 times before. And to be frank, they don’t care.
There is nothing in that plan that is going to peak their interest more than what you can convey in under 5 minutes (but really, it could be closer to 1 minute).
Your story. Your Cast. Your Director. And any other key industry or financial attachments. Those are the critical elements that will get industry excited about your project.
BUT — if you need to provide a prospectus to outside investors, then you are dealing with a different situation all together. In that case, it gets exponentially more difficult. Because you are not only explaining the economics of your particular film, but to a certain extent the economics of the business itself and how the industry works.
Business plans are tricky things. Not because they are difficult to creator or produce. They are tricky because sometimes they can become distractions from what’s really important.
A business plan may be better for you, to help you understand the economics, marketing, and positioning of your film, then it is for the outside investor that you are looking to get funding from.
Be clear up front about what your goals are and why you think you need one.
Now play!