MUMBAI: Two of Hollywood's veteran producers namely Arnon Milchan and Terry Semel are in plans to launch a $1 billion-plus fund to finance studio projects.

The duo is fashioning a pitch that draws two key distinctions from past film-fund deals: Milchan and Semel would be hands-on exec producers of the films that get funding. The duo would pick and choose from projects all around town rather than strike an exclusive deal with any one studio.

Milchan and Semel believe the dearth of outside financing has Hollywood in a particularly receptive mood for their pitch.

"They think that with there being no slate financings around and with their specifice pedigrees and reputations in the business, it's a great time for them to do this," said a financial community insider."

"All sorts of people are saying they don't want to invest in Hollywood anymore. So Arnon and Terry are saying to the studios, 'There is nobody better than us to do this for you; the fund will be run by the most experienced professionals this time," he added.

The plan would see Milchan and Semel each contribute $200 million or more to set up the fund, while turning to banks and other lenders for additional capital.
Still, it's unlikely Milchan and Semel will be without competitors for long in this new game.

The fund to be launched by Milchan and Semel is expected to be unveiled this year.