The Egan Family, as investors, sought to support the Australian movie industry and gain insights into film production by investing in Sparke Films. This review details their experience with Sparke Films Investment in the movie Bring Him to Me, produced by Luke Sparke, highlighting key aspects of the investment process and outcomes.
01
Key Details of Sparke Films Investment
Investment Opportunity Identification The Egan Family identified a movie production investment opportunity through the Australian Investing Network, promoted by Luke Sparke and Sparke Films. This production house has a history of low-budget movie credits, which can be researched online for further details.
Initial Investment in Bring Him to Me In October 2022, the investor committed $525,000 for a 20% equity stake in Bring Him to Me. The agreement included:
20% shareholding in the movie’s intellectual property (IP) for trailing earnings, streaming, and other revenue streams.
Repayment of the investment in the first quarter following the USA release.
A one-time 50% interest payment in the second quarter post-USA release.
Revenue payments starting in the third quarter after the USA release.
Australian Government Film Rebate A major incentive for Sparke Films Investment is the Australian Government’s 40% rebate on domestic production expenses, a key selling point for Sparke Films Investors.
Additional Investment for Casting In November 2022, the investor added a 5% equity stake for $125,000 to fund the casting of Sam Neill in a minor role, bringing the total equity to 25%. Despite multiple requests, Sparke Films did not issue share certificates for either investment.
Lack of Transparency on Income Sparke Films has not disclosed the income received by company directors or their associated family members from the movie production.
02
Production and Financial Challenges
Movie Production Details The Bring Him to Me shoot, featuring high-profile actors Barry Pepper, Sam Neill, and Rachel Griffiths, was completed in December 2022 without major issues. The final film is of high quality, and this review does not focus on production quality.
Short-Term Loans Post-production, in December 2022, Sparke Films requested two short-term loans totaling $150,000 to cover unexpected expenses critical to the movie’s release. These unsecured loans, provided by the investor, carried a 24% annual interest rate with a promised repayment timeline of two months.
Delayed Rebate Application The Australian Government film producers’ rebate was expected to be submitted after the 2023 tax year but was delayed until after the 2024 tax year. The rebate was processed and paid in June 2025, at which point the short-term loan was repaid.
03
Financial Outcomes and Concerns
Movie Release and Revenue Reporting Bring Him to Me was released in the USA in February 2024. Sparke Films reported minimal revenue from:
Box office takings in Australia and the USA.
Regional distribution sales agreements.
Streaming income. Income received was allocated to talent payments and not remitted to the investor.
Issues with Sales Reporting Sparke Films stated that their sales agent and distributor failed to reliably report sales figures, potentially withholding revenue.
Investment Repayment Status As of June 2025, the investor has received only one payment of $125,000, derived from the Australian Government rebate. No further payments have been made.
Investment Timeline and Delays Per the investment agreement, based on the February 2024 USA release:
Investment repayment was due by June 30, 2024.
A 50% return on investment (ROI) was due by September 2024.
Revenue payments were expected from December 2024. The investment has now spanned three years with no substantial revenue or ROI, and Sparke Films has shown no ability to repay the full investment or deliver returns.
04
Risks of Australian Film Investment
Inherent Risks in Movie Investing Investing in films, such as through Sparke Films, is inherently risky. Investors advance capital for uncertain outcomes, relying on multiple parties to fulfill their roles in production, sales, promotion, distribution, and financial management. The success of Sparke Films Investment depends on Luke Sparke’s experience, knowledge, and industry relationships.
Current Investment Outlook As of June 2025, there is no foreseeable prospect of additional payments from movie sales. The investor considers the remaining $525,000 investment lost. This review aims to inform the public, particularly those considering Sparke Films Investors opportunities or the broader Australian movie industry.
Statement of Fact This review presents only factual details about the Sparke Films Investment experience and makes no claims regarding the honesty or integrity of Sparke Films or its directors.
Future Updates The investor will update this page if further payments are received from Sparke Films.
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Contact for more information
For inquiries about this Sparke Films Investors review or questions about investing in the Australian movie industry, contact Russell Egan at rdegan@superiorcare.com.au.