Michael
@therealmbennett.bsky.social
Film & TV producer | Founder, 727 Squared Entertainment
Publisher: Capital Meets Story - https://capitalmeetsstory.substack.com
Publisher: Capital Meets Story - https://capitalmeetsstory.substack.com
🎬 “Independent film financing isn’t broken — it’s just misunderstood.”
💭 Most great projects fail not because of the story, but because of the structure.
— Capital Meets Story — Pro
💭 Most great projects fail not because of the story, but because of the structure.
— Capital Meets Story — Pro
October 16, 2025 at 4:14 PM
🎬 “Independent film financing isn’t broken — it’s just misunderstood.”
💭 Most great projects fail not because of the story, but because of the structure.
— Capital Meets Story — Pro
💭 Most great projects fail not because of the story, but because of the structure.
— Capital Meets Story — Pro
🎬 Just launched: Capital Meets Story — Pro — a twice-weekly newsletter about independent film finance.
Read it here → bit.ly/4oipoPY
This week’s issue covers:
💡 The Indie Financing Stack (Primer #1)
⚖️ The looming sunset of Section 181
🏦 Private credit & tax incentives
Read it here → bit.ly/4oipoPY
This week’s issue covers:
💡 The Indie Financing Stack (Primer #1)
⚖️ The looming sunset of Section 181
🏦 Private credit & tax incentives
October 14, 2025 at 5:04 PM
🎬 Just launched: Capital Meets Story — Pro — a twice-weekly newsletter about independent film finance.
Read it here → bit.ly/4oipoPY
This week’s issue covers:
💡 The Indie Financing Stack (Primer #1)
⚖️ The looming sunset of Section 181
🏦 Private credit & tax incentives
Read it here → bit.ly/4oipoPY
This week’s issue covers:
💡 The Indie Financing Stack (Primer #1)
⚖️ The looming sunset of Section 181
🏦 Private credit & tax incentives
🔥 A 100% tariff on foreign-made films? It’s not policy — it’s wreckless and down right stupid.
Trump’s threat isn’t about jobs or patriotism. It’s about control — and chaos. Check out my new post!
open.substack.com/pub/capitalm...
#film #entertainment #hollywood #tariff
Trump’s threat isn’t about jobs or patriotism. It’s about control — and chaos. Check out my new post!
open.substack.com/pub/capitalm...
#film #entertainment #hollywood #tariff
October 7, 2025 at 3:01 PM
🔥 A 100% tariff on foreign-made films? It’s not policy — it’s wreckless and down right stupid.
Trump’s threat isn’t about jobs or patriotism. It’s about control — and chaos. Check out my new post!
open.substack.com/pub/capitalm...
#film #entertainment #hollywood #tariff
Trump’s threat isn’t about jobs or patriotism. It’s about control — and chaos. Check out my new post!
open.substack.com/pub/capitalm...
#film #entertainment #hollywood #tariff
The real threat to indie film isn’t uncertainty.
It’s stagnation — an industry recycling old models while shutting out new voices.
Entertainment doesn’t need defending. It needs evolving.
👉 Read more: open.substack.com/pub/capitalm...
It’s stagnation — an industry recycling old models while shutting out new voices.
Entertainment doesn’t need defending. It needs evolving.
👉 Read more: open.substack.com/pub/capitalm...
September 29, 2025 at 6:34 PM
The real threat to indie film isn’t uncertainty.
It’s stagnation — an industry recycling old models while shutting out new voices.
Entertainment doesn’t need defending. It needs evolving.
👉 Read more: open.substack.com/pub/capitalm...
It’s stagnation — an industry recycling old models while shutting out new voices.
Entertainment doesn’t need defending. It needs evolving.
👉 Read more: open.substack.com/pub/capitalm...
📦 The Package Trap is where too many indie films die.
Not because the stories are weak — but because the system was never designed to let outsiders in.
👉 Read Part 4 of my series When the Laurels Fade: lnkd.in/gfrbt-nr
Not because the stories are weak — but because the system was never designed to let outsiders in.
👉 Read Part 4 of my series When the Laurels Fade: lnkd.in/gfrbt-nr
September 26, 2025 at 4:34 PM
📦 The Package Trap is where too many indie films die.
Not because the stories are weak — but because the system was never designed to let outsiders in.
👉 Read Part 4 of my series When the Laurels Fade: lnkd.in/gfrbt-nr
Not because the stories are weak — but because the system was never designed to let outsiders in.
👉 Read Part 4 of my series When the Laurels Fade: lnkd.in/gfrbt-nr
📦 The Package Trap is where too many indie films stall.
Not because the stories are weak — but because the system was never designed to let outsiders in.
Part 4 of my series When the Laurels Fade is live now.
👉 Read here: open.substack.com/pub/capitalm...
#IndieFilm #FilmFinance #Screenwriting
Not because the stories are weak — but because the system was never designed to let outsiders in.
Part 4 of my series When the Laurels Fade is live now.
👉 Read here: open.substack.com/pub/capitalm...
#IndieFilm #FilmFinance #Screenwriting
September 24, 2025 at 2:26 PM
📦 The Package Trap is where too many indie films stall.
Not because the stories are weak — but because the system was never designed to let outsiders in.
Part 4 of my series When the Laurels Fade is live now.
👉 Read here: open.substack.com/pub/capitalm...
#IndieFilm #FilmFinance #Screenwriting
Not because the stories are weak — but because the system was never designed to let outsiders in.
Part 4 of my series When the Laurels Fade is live now.
👉 Read here: open.substack.com/pub/capitalm...
#IndieFilm #FilmFinance #Screenwriting
🎬 Part 3 of When the Laurels Fade is out: The Producer Wall - “No unsolicited submissions” isn’t just fine print. It’s the barrier that keeps indie scripts from reaching decision-makers — and why so many projects stall. open.substack.com/pub/capitalm...
The Producer Wall
Why Gatekeepers Keep Scripts Out
open.substack.com
September 17, 2025 at 2:35 PM
🎬 Part 3 of When the Laurels Fade is out: The Producer Wall - “No unsolicited submissions” isn’t just fine print. It’s the barrier that keeps indie scripts from reaching decision-makers — and why so many projects stall. open.substack.com/pub/capitalm...
Launching the T.R.U.T.H. Initiative—from story to screen for overlooked veteran histories. Read the story to learn more
Donate Monthly / One-time: open.substack.com/pub/capitalm...
Donate Monthly / One-time: open.substack.com/pub/capitalm...
Launching the T.R.U.T.H. Initiative
Where **forgotten—and erased—**valor meets the world.
open.substack.com
September 16, 2025 at 3:24 AM
Launching the T.R.U.T.H. Initiative—from story to screen for overlooked veteran histories. Read the story to learn more
Donate Monthly / One-time: open.substack.com/pub/capitalm...
Donate Monthly / One-time: open.substack.com/pub/capitalm...
🎬 Part 2 of my series When the Laurels Fade is live: The Investor Mirage.
The hardest part of indie film finance isn’t pitching.
It’s finding someone to pitch to.
👉 Read here: capitalmeetsstory.substack.com/p/the-invest...
The hardest part of indie film finance isn’t pitching.
It’s finding someone to pitch to.
👉 Read here: capitalmeetsstory.substack.com/p/the-invest...
September 9, 2025 at 6:20 PM
🎬 Part 2 of my series When the Laurels Fade is live: The Investor Mirage.
The hardest part of indie film finance isn’t pitching.
It’s finding someone to pitch to.
👉 Read here: capitalmeetsstory.substack.com/p/the-invest...
The hardest part of indie film finance isn’t pitching.
It’s finding someone to pitch to.
👉 Read here: capitalmeetsstory.substack.com/p/the-invest...
After the laurels fade, the next hurdle appears: The Investor Mirage.
Part 2 of my series drops Tues (Sept 9). Read Part 1 now → capitalmeetsstory.substack.com
#indiefilm #independentfilm #screenwriter #film
Part 2 of my series drops Tues (Sept 9). Read Part 1 now → capitalmeetsstory.substack.com
#indiefilm #independentfilm #screenwriter #film
September 5, 2025 at 6:54 PM
After the laurels fade, the next hurdle appears: The Investor Mirage.
Part 2 of my series drops Tues (Sept 9). Read Part 1 now → capitalmeetsstory.substack.com
#indiefilm #independentfilm #screenwriter #film
Part 2 of my series drops Tues (Sept 9). Read Part 1 now → capitalmeetsstory.substack.com
#indiefilm #independentfilm #screenwriter #film
Reposted by Michael
🎬 Screenwriters win competitions. Scripts stack laurels. Coverage sings praises.
And then… nothing. No calls. No money. No momentum.
Because validation ≠ financing.
That’s Part 1 of my new series: When the Laurels Fade
open.substack.com/pub/capitalm...
#FilmFinance #IndieFilm #Screenwriting
And then… nothing. No calls. No money. No momentum.
Because validation ≠ financing.
That’s Part 1 of my new series: When the Laurels Fade
open.substack.com/pub/capitalm...
#FilmFinance #IndieFilm #Screenwriting
The Validation Trap
Why Script Laurels Don’t Lead to Financing
open.substack.com
September 3, 2025 at 8:10 PM
🎬 Screenwriters win competitions. Scripts stack laurels. Coverage sings praises.
And then… nothing. No calls. No money. No momentum.
Because validation ≠ financing.
That’s Part 1 of my new series: When the Laurels Fade
open.substack.com/pub/capitalm...
#FilmFinance #IndieFilm #Screenwriting
And then… nothing. No calls. No money. No momentum.
Because validation ≠ financing.
That’s Part 1 of my new series: When the Laurels Fade
open.substack.com/pub/capitalm...
#FilmFinance #IndieFilm #Screenwriting
🎬 Screenwriters win competitions. Scripts stack laurels. Coverage sings praises.
And then… nothing. No calls. No money. No momentum.
Because validation ≠ financing.
That’s Part 1 of my new series: When the Laurels Fade
open.substack.com/pub/capitalm...
#FilmFinance #IndieFilm #Screenwriting
And then… nothing. No calls. No money. No momentum.
Because validation ≠ financing.
That’s Part 1 of my new series: When the Laurels Fade
open.substack.com/pub/capitalm...
#FilmFinance #IndieFilm #Screenwriting
The Validation Trap
Why Script Laurels Don’t Lead to Financing
open.substack.com
September 3, 2025 at 8:10 PM
🎬 Screenwriters win competitions. Scripts stack laurels. Coverage sings praises.
And then… nothing. No calls. No money. No momentum.
Because validation ≠ financing.
That’s Part 1 of my new series: When the Laurels Fade
open.substack.com/pub/capitalm...
#FilmFinance #IndieFilm #Screenwriting
And then… nothing. No calls. No money. No momentum.
Because validation ≠ financing.
That’s Part 1 of my new series: When the Laurels Fade
open.substack.com/pub/capitalm...
#FilmFinance #IndieFilm #Screenwriting
Reposted by Michael
Democrats need to fight. I’m standing for Jersey.
July 29, 2025 at 10:24 PM
Democrats need to fight. I’m standing for Jersey.
🎬 New post: The Illusion of “Hollywood Risk” — and Why Investors Deserve Better
Film investing only feels risky when there’s no structure. Here's how to flip the model.
Read: capitalmeetsstory.substack.com/p/the-illusi...
#AltInvestments #FilmFinance #CapitalMeetsStory #AlternativeInvestment
Film investing only feels risky when there’s no structure. Here's how to flip the model.
Read: capitalmeetsstory.substack.com/p/the-illusi...
#AltInvestments #FilmFinance #CapitalMeetsStory #AlternativeInvestment
May 15, 2025 at 3:36 PM
🎬 New post: The Illusion of “Hollywood Risk” — and Why Investors Deserve Better
Film investing only feels risky when there’s no structure. Here's how to flip the model.
Read: capitalmeetsstory.substack.com/p/the-illusi...
#AltInvestments #FilmFinance #CapitalMeetsStory #AlternativeInvestment
Film investing only feels risky when there’s no structure. Here's how to flip the model.
Read: capitalmeetsstory.substack.com/p/the-illusi...
#AltInvestments #FilmFinance #CapitalMeetsStory #AlternativeInvestment
Why Smart Investors Are Rethinking Entertainment open.substack.com/pub/capitalm...
#AlternativeInvesting #EntertainmentFinance #FilmInvestment
#SmartMoney #AccreditedInvestor #CreativeCapital #FilmFinance #StructuredCapital #CulturalAsset #PrincipalProtection
#AlternativeInvesting #EntertainmentFinance #FilmInvestment
#SmartMoney #AccreditedInvestor #CreativeCapital #FilmFinance #StructuredCapital #CulturalAsset #PrincipalProtection
Why Smart Investors Are Rethinking Entertainment
How We're Making it Safer to Step In
open.substack.com
May 12, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Why Smart Investors Are Rethinking Entertainment open.substack.com/pub/capitalm...
#AlternativeInvesting #EntertainmentFinance #FilmInvestment
#SmartMoney #AccreditedInvestor #CreativeCapital #FilmFinance #StructuredCapital #CulturalAsset #PrincipalProtection
#AlternativeInvesting #EntertainmentFinance #FilmInvestment
#SmartMoney #AccreditedInvestor #CreativeCapital #FilmFinance #StructuredCapital #CulturalAsset #PrincipalProtection
Coming May 8: A new issue of Capital Meets Story explores why “Hollywood risk” is misunderstood — and what smart capital is doing differently.
📩 Subscribe now: capitalmeetsstory.substack.com
#FilmFinance #CreativeCapital
📩 Subscribe now: capitalmeetsstory.substack.com
#FilmFinance #CreativeCapital
May 7, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Coming May 8: A new issue of Capital Meets Story explores why “Hollywood risk” is misunderstood — and what smart capital is doing differently.
📩 Subscribe now: capitalmeetsstory.substack.com
#FilmFinance #CreativeCapital
📩 Subscribe now: capitalmeetsstory.substack.com
#FilmFinance #CreativeCapital
What if film investing didn’t feel like a gamble?
Capital Meets Story is my new Substack on protecting capital while funding bold, meaningful stories.
🎬 Subscribe free: capitalmeetsstory.substack.com
#FilmFinance #AltInvesting #CapitalMeetsStory
Capital Meets Story is my new Substack on protecting capital while funding bold, meaningful stories.
🎬 Subscribe free: capitalmeetsstory.substack.com
#FilmFinance #AltInvesting #CapitalMeetsStory
May 6, 2025 at 9:15 PM
What if film investing didn’t feel like a gamble?
Capital Meets Story is my new Substack on protecting capital while funding bold, meaningful stories.
🎬 Subscribe free: capitalmeetsstory.substack.com
#FilmFinance #AltInvesting #CapitalMeetsStory
Capital Meets Story is my new Substack on protecting capital while funding bold, meaningful stories.
🎬 Subscribe free: capitalmeetsstory.substack.com
#FilmFinance #AltInvesting #CapitalMeetsStory
on.soundcloud.com/6eptR3pUM6um... - Here's Part 1 of my interview on the R U Ready program on WDRB about my memoir 7-10 Split - the story about my challenging childhood as a military brat.
R U Ready program on WDRB Media with guest Michael Gordon Bennett 040925
This was an interview with Michael Gordon Bennett for the radio show and podcast R U Ready, with host Rachelle Logan which aired on WDRB Media April 9, 2025. It tells the story of my life as a militar
on.soundcloud.com
April 14, 2025 at 6:45 PM
on.soundcloud.com/6eptR3pUM6um... - Here's Part 1 of my interview on the R U Ready program on WDRB about my memoir 7-10 Split - the story about my challenging childhood as a military brat.
apnews.com/article/dday...
A Black medic wounded on D-Day saved dozens of lives. He's finally being posthumously honored - Woodson's story is one of the many featured in my film "Barrage" Help me bring this story to life: gofund.me/bd22fd64
A Black medic wounded on D-Day saved dozens of lives. He's finally being posthumously honored - Woodson's story is one of the many featured in my film "Barrage" Help me bring this story to life: gofund.me/bd22fd64
A Black medic wounded on D-Day saved dozens of lives. He's finally being posthumously honored
Waverly Woodson Jr., a medic who was part of the only Black combat unit to take part in the D-Day invasion of France, is being posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.
apnews.com
April 4, 2025 at 3:24 PM
apnews.com/article/dday...
A Black medic wounded on D-Day saved dozens of lives. He's finally being posthumously honored - Woodson's story is one of the many featured in my film "Barrage" Help me bring this story to life: gofund.me/bd22fd64
A Black medic wounded on D-Day saved dozens of lives. He's finally being posthumously honored - Woodson's story is one of the many featured in my film "Barrage" Help me bring this story to life: gofund.me/bd22fd64
Reposted by Michael
LOOKING BACK: This all began with Reagan's repeal of the Fairness Doctrine. News stopped bring a regulated public service....
January 21, 2025 at 1:57 PM
LOOKING BACK: This all began with Reagan's repeal of the Fairness Doctrine. News stopped bring a regulated public service....
1,460 days to go.
January 21, 2025 at 4:45 AM
1,460 days to go.
Reposted by Michael
The sad reality is, the overwhelming majority of Americans don't know there's a voter for the Speaker going on, don't care & won't be able to name him after the vote. This is what happens in a country where civics education is no longer universal. Its absence lets darkness settle in over democracy.
January 3, 2025 at 6:21 PM
The sad reality is, the overwhelming majority of Americans don't know there's a voter for the Speaker going on, don't care & won't be able to name him after the vote. This is what happens in a country where civics education is no longer universal. Its absence lets darkness settle in over democracy.
Reposted by Michael
Reposted by Michael
The fact that I know more about Fani Willis’ and Nathan Wade’s relationship than I do about the crimes committed by Ginni Thomas and Clarence Thomas shows exactly what is terribly wrong with today’s political mainstream media.
December 19, 2024 at 3:15 PM
The fact that I know more about Fani Willis’ and Nathan Wade’s relationship than I do about the crimes committed by Ginni Thomas and Clarence Thomas shows exactly what is terribly wrong with today’s political mainstream media.