Investor's Cut Get your shot at the silver screen without setting a foot in Hollywood.

While an undergrad at the University of Southern California 30 years ago, John Wheeler caught the Hollywood bug. But unlike a number of his classmates who studied film, Wheeler majored in economics and went on to launch two companies: investment firm Copper Mountain Trust and technology retailer Tactix. Now 48, he's finally getting in on the act . . . sort of.

Wheeler is investing in films through IndieVest, an independent film studio and financier that offers a portfolio of films. "It's an interesting way to make money," says Wheeler, who also invests in a ski resort and other real estate. "And the business is a lot of fun."