Could producing a film be a smarter way to handle your next tax bill than simply writing a check to the IRS?

In this episode, Angel Williams is joined by Brian Baniqued, a multi-industry entrepreneur who shares how he blends real estate, finance, and entertainment to create tax-efficient income streams. From leveraging depreciation on laser cutters to investing in movie productions to offset seven-figure tax bills, Brian walks through the mindset and mechanics of using entertainment ventures as a vehicle for wealth preservation. He also explains how his love for comic books and collectibles led him to Saudi Arabia to help organize the first Stan Lee Comic-Con in Riyadh—all while building strategic tax shelters.

 

[00:01 - 04:42] From Real Estate to Tax Strategy

• Why identifying the motivation behind a purchase helps structure win-win deals
• How tax shelters and depreciation play a central role in his strategy
• The importance of viewing homes and investments as income tools, not just assets

 

[04:43 - 08:26] How Movies Can Offset Millions in Taxes

• What qualifies a movie production for dollar-for-dollar tax deductions
• Why films are ideal vehicles due to long production timelines and capital-intensive
• The significance of combining entertainment with savvy financial timing

 

[08:27 - 12:05] Comic-Cons and Career Crossovers

• What his experience in Saudi Arabia’s Stan Lee Comic-Con taught him about dealmaking
• Why pursuing personal interests can lead to unexpected financial opportunities
• How the entertainment space connects with licensing, merchandise, and IP revenue

 

[12:06 - 16:16] Monetizing Hobbies and Building Networks

• How personal passions evolve into business partnerships
• What the significance of genuine interest is in professional networking
• Why exposure to multiple communities accelerates entrepreneurial growth

 

[16:17 - 22:15] Tax Rebates, Real Estate, and Risk Reduction

• What the state rebate process looks like for film investors
• How to time capital deployments to maximize write-offs and minimize audit risk
• The importance of understanding where you sit in the capital stack

 

Connect with Brian:

 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-baniqued-83637530/

 

 

Key Quotes:

 

“You’re going to pay it anyway—so why not pay it into something that can park and potentially make a return?” - Angel Williams

 

“If you're sitting on a big tax bill, a movie production can be a parking lot that turns into a springboard.” - Brian Baniqued

 

 

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