Company Description: Reel Image Incorporated ( "RII" ), is a California 501 c ( 3 ) Not-For-Profit Corporation, that provides debt and equity financing and services to independent filmmakers with proven talent whose film content fosters a greater appreciation of cultural diversity by depicting images of positive role models and realistic portrayals of women and minorities in society. RII will provide advisory start-up services and production and gap loans or equity investments of up to $500, 000 at competitive rates for independent film projects that reflect a new global awareness of depicting cultural diversity in a positive light.History and Evolution of Idea: Reel Image Inc is the successor to the original company named Rebuild Los Angeles Community Lending Corporation, ( "CLC" ), a California 501 c ( 3 ) Not-For-Profit Corporation that was established to revitalize low-income communities throughout Los Angeles County by providing business expansion loans to small businesses and creating jobs throughout the area. CLC was the first organization in the post 1992 civil unrest era in Los Angeles to address these needs and was one of three out of 17 original organizations ) remaining until its transition to Reel Image Inc CLC was committed in excess of $4, 500, 000 in loan funding through a portfolio of 30 loans and influenced the creation of over 500 new jobs in the State of California. CLC changed its name to Reel Image Incorporated in 2002.In determining its new direction, the board and staff of Reel Image Inc ( RII ) wanted to remain committed to its original mission of improving access to economic opportunity on an equitable basis. RII has decided to narrow its lending efforts and focus on lending to independent filmmakers whose film content meets RII criteria. The main reasons for this change in direction are provided below.Role models and positive images are scarce in most disenfranchised communities. Revitalizing the attitudes, beliefs and education of the individuals making up a community and creating a strong, positive feeling of self-worth will help revitalize a community. Film is a primary means of conveying ideas that shape attitudes and beliefs and persuade public perception. One of the best ways to enhance an individual's self-image is through exposure to positive imagery as presented in film content. As such, film is invaluable in promoting positive images of a diverse society, and hence access to economic opportunity.The industry has historically treated content ( film, radio, and television ) and the depictions of plight, history, existence and struggle of America's minority population in a less than favorable light. These groups whether African-American, Native-American, Latino, Asian-American or women are often characterized and portrayed in a negative, stereotypical, and subservient fashion, or are relegated to placement as of objects of ridicule or exploitation.