Flagship gets more funding
Flagship Studios has announced a funding deal with Comerica Bank which apparently uses "an independent film financing model as its basis". A film facility's been set up based on the money made from Hellgate, from the sound of it.
"By following a model similar to independent film financing, we are able to directly finance ongoing content for our online games without relying upon a publisher’s investment," said Flagship's biz dev boss, Steve Goldstein. "As the PC game business makes the transition from the boxed retail model to the online model, alternative financing will become a cornerstone of expanding the industry."
Press release after the link.
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Comerica Bank Finances Flagship Studios
Innovative Independent Videogame Finance Transaction Finalized
Los Angeles, CA (March 26, 2008) - Flagship Studios, the San Francisco-based creator of both Hellgate: London™ and Mythos™ for PC, and Comerica Bank, a Texas-based regional bank, today announced that they have closed an innovative finance transaction to support Flagship’s continuing development of AAA and online game franchises.
Using an independent film financing model as its basis, Comerica Bank has created a multi-million dollar facility backed by the sale and distribution rights to Flagship’s game franchise “Hellgate: London”.
"By following a model similar to independent film financing, we are able to directly finance ongoing content for our online games without relying upon a publisher’s investment," said Steve Goldstein, Director of Business Development and General Counsel, Flagship Studios. "As the PC game business makes the transition from the boxed retail model to the online model, alternative financing will become a cornerstone of expanding the industry."
"We are pleased that Comerica Bank could build on our expertise in financing films to help meet the financial needs of Flagship Studios," said Jeff Colvin, Senior Vice President with Comerica Bank, from its Entertainment Group offices in Century City.
Jeff Colvin and Todd Steiner structured the transaction on behalf of Comerica. Joshua Grode and Sam Kozhaya of Liner Yankelevitz Sunshine & Regenstreif, LLP led the legal team on behalf of Comerica. Andrew Katz of Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp, LLP represented Flagship Studios in the transaction.