The film industry is a lot like the aviation business -- it absorbs money and more often than not, it gives very little in return. But people still flock to both because they possess a degree of glamour that is lacking in many more reliable money making options, such as real estate and mutual funds.
Independent films are a high-risk investment the odds are against the investor. For every commercially viable film, there are dozens that barely cover the cost of production. The successful films however, offer a massive payback.
If you want to make money, you need to find a film that is being made with a producer who has a business background. A...