In a June 1, 2008 press release, Little Chicago, LLC, announced the company has embarked on a $15 million joint venture with Structured Capital Group Inc., an investment advisory and equity participation firm in New York to produce the upcoming feature film entitled “Little Chicago.” Structured Capital Group Inc. (SCGI) will provide funding through a secured credit facility and will assist with obtaining avenues for distribution of the film.

The $15 million budget movie, based on the true story in a chapter of “Invisible Ink” written by Carl A. Veno, Little Chicago, LLC’s manager and the film’s executive producer, depicts the fortunes made moving alcohol in small towns in Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania during the time of Prohibition. Speak-easies, bootleg whiskey and ambitious young thugs battling for power give the film a blend of history and action that will give it a world wide appeal. Mr. Veno commented:

“The Little Chicago team worked very hard to find the right company to assist with the full funding, and we are very pleased that SCGI has joined us. They are very enthusiastic about this movie and will work hard, as we are, to make it a success. We are now ready for a major movie with financing that will move production into high gear.”

“Structured Capital Group is committed to the production and distribution of the film as well as the financial success of the joint venture with Little Chicago,” stated President of SCGI, Basem Zakariya.

“This film is one of several productions being developed and produced through Structured Capital Group. The quality of this film along with the fine production team provides great financial potential,” added Michael Clarner, Executive Vice President of SCGI.

The feature is being filmed in Bradford, Pennsylvania, Olean, New York, and Niagara Falls, New York. Principle photography continues through August, 2008. The film is directed by Terence M. O’Keefe with Joseph Middleton of Middleton Casting, Inc., serving as casting director. Mr. Middleton has served in this capacity for films such as “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” “Old School,” and “The Bourne Identity.”

The infusion of millions SCGI will bring to the independent film venture allows the Little Chicago crew to pursue big name talent for the feature. Actor Scott Speedman, recently in “The Stranger,” is of high interest for one of the lead roles. In addition, Rapper DMX has expressed interest in the film in both an acting and musical capacity; fellow rapper 50 Cent has also been given consideration. The role of lead character Al Ritchie has yet to be cast. The production crew is looking for the right actor to bring to life Ritchie’s Valentino-like appearance paired with a cunning and ruthless ability to wear a smile on his face but harbor a sinister hate in his heart. The combination of Structured Capital Group’s financing strategies, a completed script, seasoned casting director and the anticipated Screen Actors Guild strike at the end of June will provide Little Chicago with a vast pool of available star talent.

The film project will also utilize Pennsylvania’s film tax credits for $2 million of its funding, as well as the production team pre-selling the movie to the overseas market. Pennsylvania Governor, Edward G. Rendell, created the “Creativity in Focus” program in July, 2007 which enhanced the existing PA Film Tax Credit of 2004 providing tax credits to film and television productions who agree to spend a minimum of 60% of their total production cost in Pennsylvania.

For information regarding Little Chicago, LLC and film production contact Linda Luther-Veno at 610-776-8411 or Carl A. Veno at 484-951-1091.
www.littlechicagothemovie.com

For information regarding the Motion Picture Funding Program of Structured Capital Group contact Michael Clarner or Basem Zakariya at 212-935-3041 or 230 Park Avenue, Suite 1544, New York, NY 10169

mclarner@scgionline.com
bzakariya@scgionline.com
www.scgionline.com

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Structured Capital Group Inc. (SCGI) is an investment advisory and equity participation firm that specializes in creative financial engineering techniques to raise capital for its clients. SCGI’s worldwide industry activities are focused in real estate, motion picture, manufacturing, technology, energy, service, distribution, among many others. SCGI’s innovative financing involves structural funds, risk syndication, creative financing and traditional banking and insurance elements that are successfully implemented on each project undertaken.

 SCGI offers comprehensive investment advisory services and participates in financial risk for qualified businesses and projects that require funding for Mergers & Acquisitions, Growth Projects, Buyouts, and Turnarounds and Bankruptcies. The combination of our industry specific affiliates and our creative financing techniques allow us to focus on most industries domestically and internationally. SCGI works on the following project types:

• Motion Picture Financing Group: The motion picture industry is extremely competitive and risky without the right assistance and partnership of an innovative and industry-experienced financing firm. SCGI utilizes various financial products to reduce the business risks in both international and domestic markets. SCGI Motion Picture Financing Group assists these projects from inception to conclusion with extensive experience in the media and entertainment industry.

• Real Estate Development Group:  SCGI Real Estate Development Group provides advisory services in investment management to institutional and individual investors with real estate market opportunity. SCGI seeks to support real estate projects offering innovative solutions to their unique needs, optimizing the value of their portfolios, while reducing the high risk of default through the development of the complex real estate projects. SCGI’s team of professionals enable the delivery of the customized service to the projects diligently realizing highest level of returns on the assets. Through the identification and implementation of a customized financing strategy for each project, SCGI leverages real estate knowledge of current market conditions with each project’s return objectives. This custom-tailored approach enables SCGI to reach the target of each qualified project undertaken.

• Mergers & Acquisitions and Growth Projects: SCGI joint ventures with proven project leaders to support the financing of companies throughout the phases of sale and expansion. Our activities include analyzing, planning, structuring and closing transactions with a personal yet highest level of business ethics and professionalism. SCGI works with businesses to optimize the business investment and minimize the uncertainty associated with acquisitions and mergers by providing the resources and financial factors needed to preserve the businesses.

• Buyouts – LBOs and MBOs:  Persevering through buyouts necessitates broad industry, financial and legal expertise. Finalizing a transaction that is advantageous to all the participants requires the ability to solve a wide array of obstacles that may occur in the course of negotiations and implementation of the transactions. These specific business ventures require industry sensitive experience that will identify, analyze and address the impediments to meet the objectives of the project. SCGI offers prolific solutions to meet the unique demands of the companies that are considering to go through these phases by optimizing the value of the transaction.

• Turnarounds and Bankruptcies:  SCGI provides financing relief to viable businesses with good operations that are troubled with insufficiency in liquidity, excessive debt, shortfall to meet the debt obligations to creditors, or lacking capital for expansion and growth. SCGI, with its dynamic affiliates, works with burdened companies not only by identifying their problems but more importantly providing comprehensive solutions. SCGI’s approach resuscitates the troubled business by providing long term financial plan of restructuring for survival and continuous success.

For information regarding Structured Capital Group, their programs and investment opportunities contact Michael Clarner at 212-935-3041 Ext. 312 or 230 Park Avenue, Suite 1544, New York, NY 10169.

mclarner@scgionline.com

 Structured Capital Group Inc. is an experienced and innovative private financial firm located in New York City with a proven record of successfully implementing new and creative methods in the field of structured finance.  SCGI’s principals and managing partners have successfully provided funding for businesses worldwide.  Their personnel have diversified expertise and experience in domestic and international finance enabling clients to achieve their funding objectives. 

For every project undertaken, SCGI forms a team of affiliates focused exclusively on meeting the specific project’s financial requirements.  Each team works a transaction from inception to completion, managing the intricate details involved with the respective project.  The professionals of SCGI customize unique financial packages that enable clients to reach their goals.

Structured Capital Group’s creative risk-syndicated structuring is an integration of banking and insurance elements.  A credit facility is created utilizing both equity and debt, thus strengthening investor and lender confidence.  Their success is in their expertise in arranging and establishing the required risk-syndication in combination with various financial vehicles, greatly reducing the risk of default by the funded entity.  The applied structuring positions the client for future growth and strategic mobility, giving the business a positive outlook in the market.

When necessary, SCGI can incorporate offset lending, credit insurance, bonding, credit enhancement and a variety of other financial products, providing the capability of undertaking projects in countries where traditional banking or credit is not available.  This structuring protects against the credit, currency and political risks in foreign markets.

SCGI’s involvement is to arrange the proposed syndication and related funding.  Primarily the risk syndication would consist of financial participation from:

• Borrowing Entity
• SCGI
• Insurance Company
• Bank(s)

The main purpose of SCGI’s financial structuring is for the maximization of the client entities value at the lowest risk of default.

Other related risk coverage includes:

• Credit Enhancement Advisory
• Risk Syndication
• Offset Lending
• Currency Risk
• Devaluation
• Builder’s Risk
• Performance Guarantees
• Credit Insurance
• Restructuring
• Securitization
• Political Risk
• Specialized Insurance Instruments
• Asset Management and Insurance

 

Structured Capital Group’s film financing program represents debt and equity elements arranged in a risk free environment through a special purpose vehicle pledged as collateral for a bank credit facility. This will include Domestic and Foreign markets, tax credits and rebates, along with gap and equity commitments which are then monetized and backed by letters of credit or bankable guarantees.

 We look at advanced projects from experienced producers with significant attachments (talent, director etc.) and a quality commercial script. We prefer to be involved in film projects geared towards family carrying an MPAA rating of no more than PG-13.

 We require a minimum of 15% of the budget to be covered by the borrower in cash collateral or equivalent guarantee in the form of a letter of credit. The investors can expect a significant return depending on their specific role in the transaction. Ultimately, our goal is to reduce the risk exposure with the production and filming of the picture in a tax beneficial state or province. The risk is essentially controlled and the upside can be virtually unlimited, depending on the quality of the film. The risk is spread among all the deal participants and secured by sales, deferred sales, tax benefits, excess risk coverage, leading to significant cost reduction.We plan to keep revenues from Domestic and approximately 50% of revenues from foreign territories to apply as a risk reduction to the investors.

 Through alliances and ventures, we are currently involved in various levels of production and distribution and are exploring others with quality groups and organizations to further our capacity and make an indelible mark in the film industry.SCGI brings vast experience in creative financing and risk syndication and credit enhancement.

Over a number of years SCGI has developed new financial products combining elements of insurance and banking, eliminating the risk of default and allowing risk participation in different forms by combining its expertise with various business alliances in both the insurance and private placement markets. The combination of its affiliations and its innovative approach have given SCGI the ability to raise almost unlimited capital and financing for a transaction that it evaluates as suitable, and where its participation will add substantial value to bringing a project to fruition.

 For information regarding Structured Capital Group contact Michael Clarner or Basem Zakariya at 212-486-6920 or 230 Park Avenue, Suite 1544, New York, NY 10169

mclarner@scgionline.com

bzakariya@scgionline.com

 Structured Capital Group announced its new venture with Independent Producers Alliance for a 60 million film fund partnership.  The following press release was distributed detailing the partnership, participating firms and production plans.

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Independent Producers Alliance Announces Partnership for $60,000,000 Film Fund

The Charlotte-based Independent Producers Alliance, LLC (“IPA”) has entered into partnership with Structured Capital Group, Inc.

Charlotte, NC (PRWEB) October 11, 2007 — The Charlotte-based Independent Producers Alliance, LLC (“IPA”), which represents a growing number of award-winning independent producers similar to the original United Artists venture, has entered into partnership with Structured Capital Group, Inc., a New York City financing firm, to provide financing for a slate of family-friendly, independently-produced films.

IPA Chief Executive Jim Van Eerden confirms that the studio’s recent partnership with Structured Capital Group (“SCG”) will infuse IPA with the production financing required to produce an anticipated 5-6 films, each in the $8-$10 million range, and that it will be a revolving fund designed to roll forward into subsequent film slates as well.

“Structured Capital Group was the right partner for this strategic effort,” Van Eerden noted, “because they created a model for the financing structure that was the best we have seen from an investment point of view.”

SCG’s participation complements the role of Stanford Financial Group in the first IPA Film Fund, which led to the recent productions of ”The Ultimate Gift,” ” Running the Sahara, ” and ” The Perfect Game ” (see summaries following).

Veteran media executive and IPA President Rick Eldridge noted that the funding of this second slate of films provides the studio, which includes state-of-the-art post-production facilities and a developing distribution and marketing arm, with point-to-point capacity for top producers.

“We’ve created a unique and supportive environment for some of the industry’s best producers to do great films that merge the independent filmmakers approach to storytelling with a studio model of distribution and support for film projects,” noted Eldridge.

“We were impressed with the quality and financial potential of the projects hand-picked by IPA and their partnering producers,” said SCG CEO Basem Zakariya.

“We recognized the unique leverage that IPA represents in facilitating and supporting the entire scope of film production capacity — from financing, production and post-production to marketing and distribution services,” added Structured Capital Group Executive Vice President Michael Clarner.

The IPA – SCG partnership was arranged and negotiated by IPA Board member Marcia Allen, CEO of Allen & Associates, LLC (“A&A”) an LA-based corporate finance advisory firm. Ms. Allen formed The Movie Group with Frank Giustra and Peter Straus, which was the predecessor company to LionsGate. A&A has subsequently been an investor and advisor for many notable film and television properties. “This combination is a natural,” Allen said, “and will help establish IPA as one of the leading independent film-making brands in the world.”

ABOUT INDEPENDENT PRODUCERS ALLIANCE, LLC (“IPA”)

IPA (IPAfilms.com), based in Charlotte, NC, with offices in Los Angeles, operates a state-of-the-art production and post-production facility, as well as administrative and distribution/marketing service units. IPA helps to fund, produce and champion the work of award-winning independent producers who make films that ”inspire people to good things.”

ABOUT STRUCTURED CAPITAL GROUP. INC. (“SCG”)

SCG, based in New York City, is an investment advisory and equity participation firm that specializes in creative financial engineering techniques to raise capital for its clients. SCG’s worldwide industry activities are focused in the real estate, motion picture, manufacturing, technology, energy, and distribution industries. SCG’s innovative financing involves structural funds, risk syndication, creative financing and traditional banking and insurance elements that are implemented through replicable strategies for its investment ventures.

ABOUT ALLEN & ASSOCIATES, LLC (“A&A”)

A&A (http://www.allen-assoc.net/) is a Los Angeles-based corporate finance advisory firm which has broad-based experience in funding entertainment and media projects, as well as private equity initiatives in other sectors. A&A has established a network of experienced partners who build long-term strategic relationships for their clients and partners.
Recent Release
In the Spring of 2007, IPA released the award-winning feature film ” The Ultimate Gift, ” starring 10-year old Oscar-award nominee Abigail Breslin and TV and film veteran James Garner. On August 21, the film was released on DVD by 20th Century Fox, with a great reception.

Next Scheduled Release
IPA is in post production with its next project, with Executive Producer and Narrator Matt Damon and production companies LivePlanet and Allentown. ” Running the Sahara ” is a documentary feature film directed by Oscar-winner James Moll. The film debuted during the Toronto International Film Festival in September and will be released in theatres in early 2008.

Now in Post Production
Also due for release in 2008 is ”The Perfect Game” starring Clifton Collins, Jr., Cheech Marin and other names of note. The film is based on the true story of a group of Mexican boys who, fifty years ago, became the first non-US team to win the Little League World Series. William Dear, who also directed the popular “Angels in the Outfield,” directs the film.

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Contact Structured Capital Group at 230 Park Avenue, Suite 1544, New York, NY 10169 ~ 212-935-3041

Michael Clarner, Exec Vice President:  mclarner@scgionline.com

Basem Zakariya, CEO:  bzakariya@scgionline.com

Structured Capital Group Announces Shareholding in Lumiere Film

Basem Zakariya, CEO; Michael Clarner, Exec. Vice President; Larry Paul, Senior Vice President

November 2007 Structured Capital Group partnered for a successful 10 million investment in the Brazil based Lumiere Film Distribution Company.   As part of this successful investment, SCGI become shareholders in Lumiere which is the biggest film distribution company in Brazil.   The following press release was distributed detailing the investment as well as the involvement of Infinity FCS in the project  and further information about Lumiere.

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Infinity FCS buys 25% in Brazil’s Lumiere

by Sanjeev Bhalla on Tue 13 Nov 2007 10:43 AM IST  

One of India’s premiere film bonding company, Infinity Film Completion Services, has acquired 25 per cent stake in Brazil’s biggest film distribution company Lumiere.

With this arrangement in place, Infinity FCS now becomes a 25 per cent partner in Lumiere’s distribution business thereby allowing Infinity FCS to distribute all of Lumiere’s films in the Indian market.

According to Aanand Mahendroo, managing director, Infinity FCS, “We have ambitious plans in this line of business for the coming years and joining hands with Lumiere is the first step in this direction. We should be announcing more such deals in the coming months.”

Founded by Aanand Mahendroo and Mehool Parekh, Infinity FCS is a division of Infinity India Advisors Pvt Ltd. The nature of business conducted includes giving guarantees of completion to producers and financiers of Indian and international films.

The General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC)-India’s state-owned re-insurer-backs Infinity’s services.

While Mahendroo refrained from disclosing the financial details of the deal, according to a Brazil’s Variety Magazine, Infinity FCS and NYC-based investment advisory and equity participation firm SCGI Financial Partners have together invested $10 million for becoming Lumiere’s shareholders.

As for Infinity FCS’s other investment plans are concerned, company sources indicated that it is either close to or has already acquired 25 per cent stake for an undisclosed sum in Hong Kong filmmaker Yu Lik-wai’s upcoming international co-production Plastic City. An acclaimed filmmaker and Cannes award winner Yu Lik-wai is exploring something new and revolutionary in his new movie.

“In fact, there are quite a few deals being pursued across various nations globally. However, we are not at liberty to make these public. We will slowly unfold the plans in the coming few months,” said a company official.

In fact, Infinity FCS will also be launching a film next month.

Christened, The Gift Horse, the film will be shot in Yorkshire and will be directed by Ahmed A Jamal who also directed a movie on the murder of journalist Daniel Pearl.

Company sources said that Jamal is soon expected to visit India to finalise the lead pair. “Irfan Khan and Tabu are being considered for the lead pair,” said the source.

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For more information contact  Michael Clarner or Basem Zakariya at 212-935-3041 or 230 Park Avenue, Suite 1544, New York, NY 10169

mclarner@scgionline.com

bzakariya@scgionline.com

Structured Capital Group Inc (SCGI) Film Funding Program 

The Motion Picture Financing Program of Structured Capital Group maintains an edge with innovative techniques in motion picture finance, film production and distribution. These methods may include credit enhancement, gap financing, international co-productions, joint ventures, strategic alliances, equity funding, tax-advantage programs, goods and services participation, pre-sales and other benefits. SCGI’s industry-focused affiliates strengthen the project position through extensive experience in the media and entertainment industry.

The general information required for SCGI’s review process can be seen as follows:

• Script (to include synopsis)
• Film budget
• Biographies of talent
• Background of producer/director
• Potential distributors, tax credits and subsidies, territories and rights to be acquired
• Production schedule
• Completion guarantor
• Contract details (if any)
• Additional requests for information and documentation may be required.

Contact Michael Clarner at mclarner@scgionline.com for further information.

Structured Capital Group Inc. (SCGI) is an investment advisory and equity participation firm that specializes in creative financial engineering techniques to raise capital for its clients.

SCGI’s worldwide industry activities are focused in real estate, motion picture, manufacturing, technology, energy, service, distribution, among many others.SCGI’s innovative financing involves structural funds, risk syndication, creative financing and traditional banking and insurance elements that are successfully implemented on each project undertaken.

SCGI works with businesses that have a proven management team and the capabilities to generate adequate revenue, in most industries throughout the world. The combination of SCGI’s experienced professionals, innovative financial structuring abilities, and close interaction with their industry-specific affiliates gives them the resources needed to bring a clients financing goals to realization.

mclarner@scgionline.com

bzakariya@scgionline.com

Structured Capital Group Inc.

Structured Capital Group, Inc. (“SCGI”) is a New York based investment advisory firm.  SCGI is specialized in creative financing, risk syndication and credit enhancement for worthy projects worldwide.

The Company has grown from providing advisory services to its clients, to becoming a partner in the transactions through risk participation and credit enhancement.

Over a number of years SCGI has developed new financial products combining elements of insurance and banking, eliminating the risk of default and allowing risk participation in different forms.

By combining its expertise with various business alliances in both the insurance and private placement markets, SCGI has also established financial products that are structured to protect against the credit and currency risks in variable markets. 

Active involvement and innovation in financial products and services are the basis upon which most project financing are being undertaken.  

By creatively resolving financial problems, and finding ways to overcome the troubles associated with the implementation of projects in such markets, SCGI has set forth a viable and attractive means of overcoming various financial difficulties.  The combination of risk syndication, bonding, credit insurance, credit enhancement, offset mechanism and a variety of other financial products, provide access to capital that is not usually available to such markets, allowing major projects to be developed regardless of the difficulties in these markets.

The combination of its affiliations and its innovative approach have given SCGI the ability to raise almost unlimited capital and financing for a transaction that it evaluates as suitable, and where its participation will add substantial value to bringing a project to fruition.

Mclarner@scgionline.com

Bzakariya@scgionline.com

Lspaul@scgionline.com