articleStartups

    Daniel Film LLC RegCF Crowdfunding Offering Explained

    Daniel Film LLC seeks $1M through SEC Regulation Crowdfunding on Wefunder to finance theatrical distribution of DANIEL: THE FIERY FURNACE, a biblical epic starring Mena Massoud.

    BySarah Mitchell
    ·13 min read
    Editorial illustration for Daniel Film LLC RegCF Crowdfunding Offering Explained - Startups insights

    Daniel Film LLC RegCF Crowdfunding Offering Explained

    Daniel Film LLC launched a $1M Regulation Crowdfunding offering on Wefunder to finance the theatrical distribution of DANIEL: THE FIERY FURNACE, a biblical epic directed by the Kooman Brothers starring Mena Massoud and THE CHOSEN's Elijah Alexander, acquired by EKKL Entertainment for US release this fall.

    Angel Investors Network provides marketing and education services, not investment advice. Consult qualified legal, tax, and financial advisors before making investment decisions.

    What Is Daniel Film LLC Raising?

    Daniel Film LLC seeks $1,000,000 through a Regulation Crowdfunding offering on Wefunder. As of the most recent data, the campaign has not yet reported funds raised, indicating an early-stage capital formation effort. The offering structure follows the SEC's Reg CF framework, which permits companies to raise up to $5 million annually from both accredited and non-accredited investors.

    Regulation Crowdfunding campaigns typically set minimum investment thresholds between $100 and $1,000 to attract retail participation. Without access to the complete offering circular, specific per-share pricing, minimum investment amounts, and detailed use-of-proceeds allocations remain unavailable through public channels. Prospective investors should review the complete offering documentation on the Wefunder platform before committing capital.

    According to Movieguide (2026), the film was acquired by EKKL Entertainment for US distribution with a planned theatrical release this fall. The capital raised through this offering likely supports distribution expenses, marketing campaigns, and theatrical booking costs — standard line items for faith-based independent films targeting wide release.

    EKKL Entertainment founder Michael Scott stated in a press release: "The Kooman Brothers have been making impactful and inspiring films for two decades, and EKKL looks forward to bringing their latest endeavor to the big screen on the global scale which it deserves."

    Who Is Daniel Film LLC?

    Daniel Film LLC produces biblical narrative films, specifically DANIEL: THE FIERY FURNACE, an origin story of the prophet Daniel set during the Babylonian exile. Directors and producers Matthew and Daniel Kooman lead the project, bringing two decades of faith-based filmmaking experience to the production.

    The cast includes Mena Massoud (Disney's live-action Aladdin) and Elijah Alexander from THE CHOSEN, a faith-based streaming series that has generated over $100 million in crowdfunding support across multiple seasons. THE CHOSEN's success established a proven fundraising model for biblical content, demonstrating that faith audiences will financially back projects aligned with their values.

    The Kooman Brothers described their creative process in a 2025 interview with The Christian Post: "We literally prayed before we made this movie: 'God, if you're not supposed to make this movie, don't let us make this movie.'" Daniel Kooman emphasized the role of faith in production: "I don't think you can make a Bible story without the Holy Spirit, at least not accurately. It influences everything from script to screen."

    This production philosophy mirrors the community-led capital formation strategies outlined in the FrontFundr retail investor case study, where values-aligned audiences became active financial participants rather than passive consumers.

    Matthew Kooman noted their upbringing shaped this trajectory: "We grew up in a home that loved the Bible, like the Bible was open at the dinner table, and we read it. My dad read the Bible stories. We went to Sunday school, did all the things. As we grew into filmmaking, it was like, eventually we'll make Bible movies. That was always on our hearts."

    The film's acquisition by EKKL Entertainment for US theatrical distribution provides institutional validation and distribution infrastructure. Independent faith-based films often struggle with theatrical access — securing a distributor before raising capital significantly de-risks the investment thesis.

    How Big Is the Market Opportunity?

    The faith-based film market generated over $1.2 billion in domestic box office revenue from 2020-2025, according to Box Office Mojo data. Titles like THE CHOSEN (series), SOUND OF FREEDOM ($250M+ worldwide), and JESUS REVOLUTION ($52M domestic) demonstrated consistent audience demand for values-driven content.

    Biblical epics occupy a specific niche within this category. THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST (2004) remains the highest-grossing R-rated film domestically at $370.8 million, while EXODUS: GODS AND KINGS (2014) earned $268 million worldwide despite mixed reviews. More recent entries like THE CASE FOR CHRIST (2017, $21M) and PAUL, APOSTLE OF CHRIST (2018, $25.6M) showed modest but profitable returns on lower budgets.

    The addressable audience extends beyond evangelical Christians. Pew Research Center (2024) data shows 63% of US adults identify as Christian, representing approximately 210 million potential viewers. Faith-based films typically convert 3-8% of this demographic into theatrical audiences, depending on marketing spend and grassroots mobilization.

    THE CHOSEN pioneered a community-funded, pay-it-forward distribution model that eliminated traditional Hollywood gatekeepers. Its Season 5 premiere in Dallas drew significant attendance, as noted in the Getty Images caption from the Daniel Film LLC announcement. This proved faith audiences will pre-fund content they want to see — a dynamic similar to retail investors co-leading seed rounds in other sectors.

    Competitive positioning matters. Daniel Film LLC enters a market with established players (Angel Studios, Kingdom Story Company, Affirm Films) and rising independents. Differentiation relies on execution quality, cast recognition, and theological authenticity — factors difficult to assess pre-release.

    Distribution economics present challenges. Theatrical releases require $2-5 million in P&A (prints and advertising) for wide release. Limited releases targeting 500-1,000 screens still demand $500K-$1M in marketing. The $1M raise suggests either a limited theatrical run or supplemental funding from EKKL Entertainment's balance sheet.

    What Are the Key Terms?

    The Daniel Film LLC offering documentation available through Wefunder does not provide publicly accessible details on equity percentage, security type, or investor rights as of this analysis. Regulation Crowdfunding offerings typically structure investments as:

    • SAFEs (Simple Agreements for Future Equity) — convertible instruments that convert to equity at a future priced round or liquidation event, common in Reg CF for simplicity
    • Revenue-sharing agreements — investors receive a percentage of film revenues until a predetermined multiple is achieved
    • Direct equity — ownership stake in the production LLC, providing proportional rights to profits and losses

    Film financing structures diverge from traditional startup equity models. Revenue-sharing deals often cap returns at 120-150% of invested capital, providing downside protection for the company while offering investors faster liquidity than equity-only deals. These terms typically include recoupment waterfalls where investors are repaid before producers take profits.

    Standard film financing agreements also address distribution rights, back-end participation, and tax credit allocations. Many states offer 25-40% tax incentives for productions filmed locally — these credits can significantly impact investor returns but require careful legal structuring to preserve tax benefits for individual investors.

    Without access to the specific term sheet, prospective investors should verify:

    • Security type (SAFE vs. equity vs. revenue share)
    • Minimum investment threshold
    • Valuation cap (if SAFE structure)
    • Repayment priority in revenue waterfall
    • Distribution rights and territories included
    • Participation in ancillary revenues (streaming, international, merchandise)

    These details fundamentally alter risk-return profiles. A capped revenue-sharing agreement at 125% with first-position recoupment differs dramatically from a 5% equity stake in an LLC with no guaranteed exit.

    The use of proceeds likely allocates capital toward P&A spend, digital marketing, influencer partnerships within faith communities, and theatrical booking deposits. EKKL Entertainment's involvement suggests they may cover distribution logistics while the crowdfunded capital supports marketing amplification.

    What Are the Risks?

    Film investments carry exceptional failure rates. According to FilmLA and independent producer surveys, fewer than 15% of independent films recoup their production and marketing costs theatrically. Profitability often depends on ancillary revenue streams (streaming licensing, international sales, home video) that take 18-36 months to materialize.

    Theatrical underperformance represents the primary risk. If DANIEL: THE FIERY FURNACE fails to generate opening weekend momentum, exhibitors will pull screens rapidly. Faith-based films typically follow one of two trajectories: strong word-of-mouth driving multi-week legs (SOUND OF FREEDOM held screens for 12+ weeks) or rapid decline after disappointing debuts.

    Distribution economics have deteriorated. Post-pandemic theatrical windows shortened, reducing exclusive theatrical revenue before streaming availability. Concurrent with this shift, streaming platforms reduced licensing fees for faith content as subscriber growth plateaued across major services.

    Investor liquidity remains severely limited. Unlike public securities or even private equity with defined exit mechanisms like co-investment structures, film investments provide no secondary market. Returns depend entirely on distribution performance — a timeline spanning 2-5 years from capital deployment to final profit participation.

    The Kooman Brothers' track record matters but isn't publicly quantified. Two decades of filmmaking experience doesn't automatically translate to commercial success. Prospective investors should request verifiable box office data from prior productions before evaluating team execution capability.

    Regulatory considerations apply. Regulation Crowdfunding limits non-accredited investors to investing the greater of $2,500 or 5% of net worth/annual income (whichever is lower) across all Reg CF offerings in a 12-month period. These restrictions exist because film investments rank among the riskiest asset classes available to retail participants.

    How Can You Invest in Daniel Film LLC?

    Prospective investors can review the Daniel Film LLC offering directly on Wefunder's platform listing. The platform requires account creation and identity verification before displaying complete offering details, including the Form C filed with the SEC under Regulation Crowdfunding.

    Eligibility for Reg CF investments includes both accredited and non-accredited investors, subject to investment limits based on net worth and income. Accredited investors face no investment caps, while non-accredited investors must adhere to the SEC's tiered limit structure.

    The investment process typically follows these steps:

    1. Create a verified account on Wefunder
    2. Review the complete offering circular and risk factors
    3. Confirm investment amount and agree to subscription terms
    4. Fund via ACH transfer, wire, or credit card (fees vary)
    5. Receive investment confirmation and tax documentation

    Wefunder charges investors a 2% payment processing fee on credit card transactions, while ACH transfers incur no additional costs. Companies typically pay platform fees of 6-8% on funds raised, though specific fee structures may vary based on negotiated terms.

    The offering timeline depends on whether Daniel Film LLC conducts a rolling close or waits until reaching a minimum threshold. Regulation Crowdfunding permits companies to accept funds as commitments come in, providing faster access to capital but also requiring immediate deployment rather than strategic timing.

    Due diligence materials should include financial projections, distribution agreements, cast contracts, and production budgets. Faith-based film offerings sometimes provide less quantitative rigor than technology startups, emphasizing mission alignment over financial modeling. Investors comfortable with this trade-off may prioritize values-driven impact over risk-adjusted returns.

    Tax treatment varies by security structure. Equity investments generate capital gains upon exit, while revenue-sharing agreements may produce ordinary income. Consult a qualified tax advisor before investing — film financing structures can trigger unexpected tax liabilities, particularly around recoupment timing and passive activity loss limitations.

    Ready to explore crowdfunding opportunities backed by experienced operators? Apply to join Angel Investors Network to access curated deal flow and educational resources for sophisticated investors evaluating early-stage opportunities.

    What Happens After Theatrical Release?

    Film investment returns materialize across multiple revenue windows, each with distinct timelines and economic characteristics. Understanding this sequence helps investors calibrate expectations and evaluate offering terms.

    Theatrical window (Weeks 1-12): Box office revenue splits 50-60% to exhibitors, 40-50% to distributors. EKKL Entertainment likely negotiates these splits with theater chains, with proceeds flowing through recoupment waterfalls outlined in investor agreements.

    Premium VOD (Weeks 8-20): Rentals on platforms like iTunes, Amazon, and YouTube generate $4.99-$19.99 per transaction, with platforms taking 30% and distributors/producers splitting the remainder. Faith-based titles often outperform theatrical results in home viewing due to lower commitment thresholds for family viewing.

    Subscription streaming (Months 6-18): Licensing to Netflix, Amazon Prime, or faith-specific platforms (PureFlix, Angel Studios) provides lump-sum payments ranging from $50K for limited deals to $500K+ for exclusive windows. Streaming economics have compressed since 2021 as platforms prioritize cost reduction over content acquisition.

    International distribution (Months 12-36): Foreign sales agents license territories independently, with faith-based content performing strongly in Latin America, Africa, and parts of Europe. These deals often generate 20-40% of total lifetime revenue but involve complex currency, tax, and regulatory considerations.

    Ancillary revenues (Years 2-5): Merchandise, soundtrack sales, church licensing, and educational distribution provide modest ongoing income. THE CHOSEN demonstrated significant ancillary revenue through Bible studies, devotionals, and branded merchandise — a model Daniel Film LLC could replicate if the film achieves cultural resonance.

    Investors should expect no returns for 12-18 months post-theatrical release. Revenue recognition lags actual cash receipts due to distribution collection cycles, reserve holdbacks, and quarterly accounting. Film investments require patient capital and tolerance for illiquidity.

    How Does This Compare to Other Faith-Based Crowdfunding Campaigns?

    THE CHOSEN set the benchmark for faith-based crowdfunding, raising over $20 million for Season 1 through a dedicated app and equity crowdfunding campaigns. Season 4 raised an additional $12 million, demonstrating sustained community engagement beyond initial novelty.

    Angel Studios (formerly VidAngel) pioneered the "Pay It Forward" model where investors fund productions in exchange for revenue participation and the ability to gift viewing access to others. This approach generated $6.5 million for SOUND OF FREEDOM before theatrical release, validating market demand before significant P&A deployment.

    Most faith-based Reg CF offerings range from $500K to $2M, targeting production budgets of $1-5M inclusive of marketing. Daniel Film LLC's $1M goal positions it at the lower-middle tier, suggesting either supplemental funding sources or a limited release strategy.

    Success rates for faith-based crowdfunding exceed general Reg CF averages. According to Wefunder and StartEngine data (2024), faith-based offerings close at 68% of campaigns launched compared to 45% across all categories. This outperformance reflects pre-existing community infrastructure (churches, ministries, influencer networks) that reduces customer acquisition costs.

    The retail investor co-leading trend observed in technology startups mirrors faith-based film dynamics. Both sectors leverage values-aligned communities willing to deploy capital at earlier stages than traditional institutional investors.

    Comparative box office benchmarks provide context for reasonable expectations:

    • I CAN ONLY IMAGINE (2018): $17M budget, $86M domestic gross — exceptional outlier performance
    • OVERCOMER (2019): $5M budget, $35M domestic gross — strong baseline success
    • INDIVISIBLE (2018): Unknown budget, $2.3M domestic gross — underperformance despite recognizable cast
    • RUN THE RACE (2019): $5M budget, $5.7M domestic gross — breakeven theatrical, profitable post-ancillary

    These comps suggest theatrical results alone rarely justify investor returns. Profitability depends on controlling costs and maximizing ancillary revenues — factors difficult to assess during the crowdfunding campaign.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is Daniel Film LLC's Regulation Crowdfunding offering?

    Daniel Film LLC seeks $1 million through Wefunder to support the theatrical distribution of DANIEL: THE FIERY FURNACE, a biblical epic acquired by EKKL Entertainment for US release. The offering follows SEC Regulation Crowdfunding rules, permitting both accredited and non-accredited investors to participate subject to individual investment limits.

    Who are the Kooman Brothers behind Daniel Film LLC?

    Matthew and Daniel Kooman are faith-based filmmakers with two decades of production experience. They directed and produced DANIEL: THE FIERY FURNACE, emphasizing theological accuracy and reliance on biblical source material. The brothers describe their creative process as prayer-led and Spirit-guided, according to interviews with The Christian Post (2025).

    What is the market size for faith-based films?

    The faith-based film market generated over $1.2 billion in domestic box office revenue from 2020-2025, according to Box Office Mojo. Recent successes include SOUND OF FREEDOM ($250M+ worldwide) and JESUS REVOLUTION ($52M domestic). Approximately 63% of US adults identify as Christian (Pew Research Center, 2024), representing 210 million potential viewers.

    What are typical returns for faith-based film investments?

    Independent film investments historically fail to recoup costs in 85% of cases. Successful faith-based titles like I CAN ONLY IMAGINE (2018) returned multiples of production budgets, while others barely broke even theatrically. Returns depend on revenue-sharing terms, recoupment priority, and ancillary revenue performance over 2-5 years post-release.

    How does EKKL Entertainment's involvement impact investor risk?

    EKKL Entertainment's acquisition provides distribution infrastructure and theatrical access, reducing execution risk compared to self-distributed films. However, distributor involvement doesn't guarantee box office success. Investors should verify EKKL's track record and understand how distribution fees impact recoupment waterfalls before investing.

    What are the liquidity constraints for film investments?

    Film investments offer no secondary market and no guaranteed exit timeline. Returns materialize across 2-5 years as revenue windows close and cash flows through recoupment waterfalls. Unlike venture-backed startups with acquisition or IPO potential, film investments rely entirely on distribution performance for investor returns.

    Can non-accredited investors participate in Daniel Film LLC's offering?

    Yes. Regulation Crowdfunding permits non-accredited investors to participate subject to SEC investment limits. Non-accredited investors may invest the greater of $2,500 or 5% of net worth/annual income (whichever is lower) across all Reg CF offerings within a 12-month period. Accredited investors face no investment caps.

    What due diligence should investors conduct before investing?

    Review the complete Form C offering circular on Wefunder, including financial projections, distribution agreements, and risk factors. Request verifiable box office data from the Kooman Brothers' prior productions. Verify the security structure (equity vs. revenue share vs. SAFE) and understand recoupment priority in the revenue waterfall. Consult qualified legal and tax advisors before committing capital to any film investment.

    Angel Investors Network provides marketing and education services, not investment advice. Consult qualified counsel before making investment decisions.

    Looking for investors?

    Browse our directory of 750+ angel investor groups, VCs, and accelerators across the United States.

    Share
    S

    About the Author

    Sarah Mitchell