Shark Tank US | Will Guest Shark Kevin Hart Invest In Black Sands Entertainment?

Summary

Black Sands Entertainment, a representation-focused company, seeks $500,000 for a 5% stake on 'Shark Tank.' With a mission to highlight the black community's history, they've sold 100,000 copies of their flagship title, 'Black Sands: The Seven Kingdoms.' The founders, a military veteran and an entertainment enthusiast, aim to expand their publishing house into an animated series, leveraging their IP for licensing and merchandising. They've shown growth in sales, with a current year-to-date of $800,000, and are profitable at $108,000. The negotiation highlights the value of their IP and the potential for a franchise.

Takeaways

• 🎬 Manuel, Giselle, and Ternes are the founders of Black Sands Entertainment, seeking $500,000 for a 5% stake in their company.
• 📚 Black Sands Entertainment is a black-owned publishing house with a flagship title 'Black Sands: The Seven Kingdoms' that has sold 100,000 copies.
• 🎨 The company's mission is to represent the black community's historical achievements before slavery through various forms of entertainment.
• 💼 Ternes has over 25 years of experience in the industry, having worked with major studios like Disney and Pixar, and has joined Black Sands out of belief in its mission.
• 💰 The primary revenue stream for Black Sands comes from the sale of physical books, with an annual target of 120,000 units sold directly to consumers.
• 📈 The company has seen a steady increase in sales since its inception in 2017, with 800,000 in sales year to date.
• 🤝 Emanuel, a military veteran, and Giselle, his wife, bring a strong business management background to the company.
• 📚 Manuel is passionate about creating authentic stories about the Middle East, challenging the repetitive narratives often seen in the industry.
• 💡 The company is profitable, with $108,000 in the green this year and $300,000 in the bank.
• 🚀 The investment is intended to expand the company's offerings, potentially increasing the number of issues published annually and developing a full season of the main title.
• 🤝 Discussions with the 'sharks' (investors) highlight the importance of leveraging intellectual property (IP) and the potential for the brand to grow into a franchise.

Q & A

What is the primary mission of Black Sands Entertainment?

Black Sands Entertainment's primary mission is to provide representation for the black community through various forms of entertainment, focusing on historical achievements before slavery.

What is the flagship title of Black Sands Entertainment?

The flagship title of Black Sands Entertainment is 'Black Sands: The Seven Kingdoms'.

How many copies of the flagship title have been sold so far?

Over 100,000 copies of the flagship title have been sold.

What is the current funding goal for Black Sands Entertainment on the show?

Black Sands Entertainment is seeking $500,000 for 5% of their company.

What is the background of Ternes, the head of the studio at Black Sands Entertainment?

Ternes has over 25 years of experience in the industry, having worked with major studios like Disney and Pixar, and he joined Black Sands Entertainment because he believes in its mission.

What is the main source of revenue for Black Sands Entertainment currently?

The main source of revenue for Black Sands Entertainment is the sale of physical books, with an expected 120,000 units to be sold this year.

What is the retail price of the books sold by Black Sands Entertainment?

The retail price of the books is $20.

What is the progression of sales for Black Sands Entertainment since its inception?

In their first year, they did about 40,000 in sales, followed by 220,000 in 2018, 600,000 in 2020, and are currently at 800,000 in sales for the year.

What is the background of Manuel, one of the founders of Black Sands Entertainment?

Manuel is a military veteran who, along with his wife Giselle, uses his military background to execute and manage the business.

What is the current profitability of Black Sands Entertainment?

Black Sands Entertainment is currently $108,000 in the green.

How much cash does Black Sands Entertainment have in the bank?

Black Sands Entertainment has $300,000 in the bank.

What is the plan for the investment received from the sharks?

The investment will be used to expand the production, aiming to increase the number of issues per year and produce a full season of the main title along with series for the supporting characters.

What is the counteroffer made by one of the sharks for Black Sands Entertainment?

The counteroffer is $500,000 for 10% equity and a royalty deal of 25 cents per hardcover book sold.