💸 Save Money: File Your Film LLC Without a Lawyer

You don’t need to pay LegalZoom, Rocket Lawyer, or a “producer services” company hundreds of dollars to form your Film LLC.
In most states, you can do it yourself — online — in under 30 minutes.

✅ It’s official
✅ It’s fast
✅ It’s cheaper than you think

🎬 Lex Nova Tip: The LLC is where the budget goes. The filing shouldn’t be your biggest expense.

🔧 What You’ll Need

• A project name for your LLC (e.g., Hot Girl Horror 2, LLC)
• A registered agent (can be you in most states)
• Your business address (PO Boxes not accepted in some states)
• A card to pay the fee
• 10–30 minutes of your time
• An Operating Agreement to make your LLC legit

📍 DIY Filing Instructions by State

Pro Tip: If you’re making your LLC for a single film or series, you’re actually creating a Single Purpose Entity (SPE) — which is a must if you have investors, SAG-AFTRA contracts, or a distributor deal in play.

🟨 California

• Total Cost: ~$90
• Annual Franchise Tax: $800 (first year often waived for new entities)
• File Here: bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov

Steps:

1. Go to bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov
2. Create a free account
3. Select “Form LLC (Articles of Organization)”
4. Fill in your project name and agent info
5. Pay $70 filing fee
6. Submit Statement of Information ($20) right after
7. Get an EIN at irs.gov/ein

✅ You’re done. Use this LLC on all film contracts going forward.

🟦 New York

• Total Cost: $200–$400 (includes publication requirement)
• File Here: dos.ny.gov/corps/llcfile.html

Steps:

1. Download & complete the Articles of Organization
2. File online or by mail — fee is $200
3. Publish a legal notice for 6 weeks in 2 newspapers in the LLC’s county (cost varies)
4. File a Certificate of Publication with $50 fee
5. Get an EIN at irs.gov/ein

💡 Tip: Form your LLC in Albany County if possible — cheaper publication costs.

🟥 Georgia

• Total Cost: $100
• Annual Renewal Fee: $50
• File Here: ecorp.sos.ga.gov

Steps:

1. Go to ecorp.sos.ga.gov
2. Click “Create or Register a Business”
3. Choose Domestic LLC
4. Fill out your form online
5. Pay $100 filing fee
6. Submit your Annual Registration ($50/year)
7. Get an EIN at irs.gov/ein

✅ Georgia’s online system is fast — approvals can be same-day.

🟪 Delaware (Common for Investors & Production Financiers)

• Total Cost: ~$90 to file + $300 annual franchise tax
• File Here: corp.delaware.gov

Steps:

1. Hire a Delaware Registered Agent (required — ~$50–$100/year)
2. Go to corp.delaware.gov and download the Certificate of Formation
3. File by mail or via your agent
4. Pay $90 filing fee
5. Get an EIN at irs.gov/ein

💡 Delaware doesn’t require you to live there — which is why it’s popular with investors. Best if you have out-of-state partners or financing plans.

📌 Final Tips for Filmmakers

• Use your Film LLC name on all contracts, call sheets, and invoices
• Don’t mix personal funds with LLC expenses
• Always create an Operating Agreement — Thoolie’s version is ultra-low-budget friendly
• Pair your LLC with a Chain of Title Checklist before signing with a distributor

💬 Lex Nova Tip: An LLC is your film’s first line of defense against legal and financial headaches. Form it right — and keep all your rights, risks, and revenue where they belong: inside the LLC, not on your personal plate.