Contact IIFF San Francisco Bay Area for event and ticket information.
*** Upcoming Townhall in San Francisco: Join us on July 31 for networking & presentations! ***
The Bay Area chapter of the Institute for International Film Financing (IIFF) continues its popular education & networking events at the junction of film & finance with a another one-of-a-kind Film Financing Workshop for Northern California's community of filmmakers, entrepreneurs and financiers. IIFF's friends at Academy of Art University (AAU) in San Francisco are again making their new facilities near 4th & King St. available for our full-day clinic.
Following the much-acclaimed success of his inaugural Workshop in San Francisco, this intensive, hands-on learning experience brings veteran venture capitalist turned film financier Dr. Frank Greene back to the City for more! It forms an integral part of IIFF's unrivaled series of in-depth seminars featuring such iconic instructors as Hollywood film financing legend Lew Horwitz (April '08 San Francisco Workshop) and IFP founder Sandra Schulberg (April '08 Los Angeles Workshop | February '08 San Francisco Workshop & February '08 Los Angeles Workshop | January '08 Los Angeles Workshop). Dr. Greene's "One-Day MBA for Film Entrepreneurs" builds upon the exceptional popularity of IIFF's monthly Townhall Meetings —originally launched in the S.F. Bay Area during the spring of 2005— and features a highly topical program taught by a world-class expert instructor with an extensive background in venture capital & private investments. Our goal with this and future events is not only to provide unbiased insight & education about the business of film but also to foster & inform productive relationships between attending professionals.
Over the past years, the landscape of film financing has changed considerably and continues to be in flux. The ongoing democratization of the means of film production has loosed an avalanche of competition in independent film, making it more difficult for even the most talented filmmakers to stand out. On the other hand, film is attracting a wider range of financing sources than ever, including a large and diverse group of private equity investors (e.g., so-called angels).
In this environment of change, many of the old rules no longer apply. While content remains king, it is more critical than ever that filmmakers take a proactive, methodical and business-savvy approach to getting their films financed – be they narratives or documentaries, features or shorts, or experimental work. To thrive on the challenges ahead, filmmakers need to transform themselves from creative masterminds and technical mavens into holistic film entrepreneurs who navigate the waters of business and finance as competently and confidently as they tackle the creative and technical side of movie production. (After all, the complex and wonderful process of filmmaking starts and ends with the money.) There is no better place to start than the film business plan. It is the film entrepreneur's systematic roadmap for success, and the single most important document any serious film investor needs to see, evaluate and understand. Without a well thought-out business plan, even the most promising film venture can easily turn into a protracted odyssey and may ultimately be doomed to fail – or, at least, fail to live up to its full potential.
However, a compelling film business plan combined with a strong command of the creative, technical, business and financial aspects of filmmaking is not enough to succeed in an environment where increasingly sophisticated investors demand not just demonstrable expertise but dependable execution. They need to see entrepreneurial & leadership skills that can turn a business plan into a business reality poised for success. In the investment community, it is well understood that better leadership improves the chances of success of any project. To get a film funded, filmmakers must convince prospective investors that they are savvy entrepreneurs and capable leaders who can marshal the required resources and competently steer the venture from funding to completion to payoff.
Key challenges to creating a successful film project typically include:
It takes a special kind of highly skilled entrepreneurial leader to master all these challenges and, in the process, build a success story for everyone involved. (Outstanding examples of such leaders include self-made movie tycoons George Lucas and Steven Spielberg.) This intensive, daylong Workshop has been designed to help participants understand, acquire and improve the requisite skill set. It offers practical leadership and entrepreneurial tools to prepare any film venture for successful funding and execution. The ultimate goal is to empower film entrepreneurs to obtain financing and meet or exceed investor expectations. The Workshop can achieve this goal despite its highly condensed time frame by focusing on the most essential lessons extracted from a topical knowledge base that blends a vast reservoir of experience in venture capital and entrepreneurial leadership with IIFF's tried-and-true formula for film financing success.
Main takeaways from this Workshop:
Who better to deliver these and other crucial insights than a veteran entrepreneur, private investor & venture capitalist? In particular, one with nearly four decades of hands-on experience, who founded two successful software companies, took two public, invested in dozens of others, runs his own venture capital fund, and has recently become involved in film financing. Dr. Frank S. Greene, Jr. (bio) is the founding General Partner of New Vista Capital, a Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm that has funded over 26 start-ups. He was the founding CEO of Technology Development Corp. (TDC) and ZeroOne Systems, took Networked Picture Systems and TDC through public offerings (IPOs), and sold several other companies. Dr. Greene is also the Founder and President of the GO-Positive Foundation, a charitable educational foundation developing and implementing leadership programs. He has been a lecturer at leading universities including Stanford, Purdue, Northwestern, etc.
IIFF cordially invites you to learn uniquely valuable lessons about succeeding as a film entrepreneur from Dr. Greene (bio) at an in-depth Film Financing Workshop that is truly the first of its kind. Never before has a highly accomplished venture capitalist spent a full, intensive day teaching filmmakers how to raise money from investors such as himself. Our seasoned instructor's deep insights are not simply based on anecdotal evidence or varying personal experience, but on the thorough and comprehensive analysis of a widely respected expert. What is more, the lessons conveyed are specifically relevant to the investor financing of independent films, as opposed to, say, the bank financing of studio pictures where a distinctively different set of rules may apply.
Who should participate? Established and aspiring filmmakers looking to raise venture capital for their independent films, production companies, movie slates, film funds, or other film-related ventures are well advised to attend this high-value yet low-cost intensive seminar. Entrepreneurs, technologists, attorneys, bankers, investment managers, venture capitalists, and other professionals with an interest in the film business will also find the Workshop worthwhile. Are you considering taking an active role in film or would you like to expand your current involvement? Don't miss this rare opportunity to gain highly relevant insights from a true veteran of the venture capital scene – and connect with like-minded peers in the process!
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This Workshop will be expertly taught by Dr. Frank Greene (bio), a highly accomplished venture capitalist, operating business executive, and technologist with four decades of experience. He holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and has been in private venture capital since 1986. In 1993, he started New Vista Capital to assist start-up companies in business planning and raising capital. Subsequently, he served as founding General Partner of the New Vista Capital Funds I & II. From 1971 to 1989, Dr. Greene was the founding CEO of two information technology companies, Technology Development Corp. (went public in 1985) & ZeroOne Systems (sold to Sterling Software). He took two companies through Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) and was instrumental in the merger or acquisition of several more. Prior to 1971, Dr. Greene developed high-speed semiconductor computer memory systems as a member of the technical staff at Fairchild Semiconductor R & D Labs, and participated in the development of high-performance computers as an electronics officer in the U.S. Air Force. Moreover, he has taught electrical engineering & computer science courses at Stanford University, Santa Clara University, Howard University, American University, and Washington University in St. Louis, MO. Dr. Greene is currently a Member of the Board of Reach Communications & Compliance Coach, and a Board Observer for ZNYX Corporation. He is a past Chairman of the American Musical Theatre of San Jose, Board Member of the National Conference of Community & Justice, and former Member of the Board of Trustees of Santa Clara University.
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Academy of Art University (AAU) – School of Motion Pictures & Television
466 Townsend Street (btw. 5th & 6th St.)
Room #225 – 2nd floor
San Francisco, CA 94107
(415) 274-2200
Map: Get a map of 466 Townsend St. from Ask, Google, MapQuest, MSN, Windows Live or Yahoo. Alternatively, use the map on AAU's website.
Driving & parking directions: Our meeting venue is easily reachable by car from the South Bay via nearby Highway 101 North (US-101 N) or nearby Interstate 280 North (I-280 N), and from the East Bay via nearby Interstate 80 West (I-80 W). Find a comprehensive overview of directions to 466 Townsend St. from different parts of the Bay Area here. Personalized driving directions can also be obtained from the above-listed online mapping services; just follow the link of your choice and enter your start address where required. Curbside parking is generally available at and around 466 Townsend St.; a map of parking facilities in the vicinity of our venue can be found here.
Nearest public transportation stop & walking directions (ca. 0.3 miles or 7 min.): San Francisco Caltrain Station at 4th & King St. is just a short walk from our venue at 466 Townsend St. Take Caltrain or Muni Metro line N Judah to 4th & King St. (San Francisco Caltrain Station), then walk northwest on 4th St. toward Townsend St.; turn left onto Townsend and proceed approx. 2 blocks to the last building on the right-hand side of the second block, a large warehouse-like facility, where our meeting takes place — look for Academy of Art University's signature red, white and black logo above the entrance!
This Film Financing Workshop is graciously hosted by Academy of Art University (AAU), a leading private university founded in 1929 in San Francisco. With nearly 10,000 students that occupy its 30+ buildings in downtown San Francisco, AAU is considered the largest private school of art and design in the United States. It offers both traditional on-campus and online distance-education degree and certificate programs in a wide variety of fine arts-related majors, including Motion Pictures & Television and Animation & Visual Effects. In May 2007, AAU was granted regional accreditation by the Senior Commission of the prestigious Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), one of the six major regional accreditation commissions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
At AAU's School of Motion Pictures & Television, students learn the ins and outs of "Lights, Camera, Action!" in a real-world movie studio setting with state-of-the-art equipment and guidance by top industry professionals. The School fosters creativity and independence in filmmaking as an art while also providing instruction in the commercial aspects of filmmaking as a business. The School's educational approach is dedicated to practical, hands-on training in a collaborative framework. Students are immersed in a broad range of filmmaking skills, including producing, directing, cinematography, lighting, sound, editing, and screenwriting. Ultimately, they concentrate on one area and train to become highly employable specialists in their chosen field.
Very special thanks go to Curran Engel, Full-time Instructor in AAU's film school, for making this event possible!
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| From | To | What |
| 9:00 am | 9:30 am | Registration, welcome & preliminaries |
| 9:30 am | 11:30 am | Workshop session I with Frank Greene (2 hrs) |
| 11:30 am | 12:00 pm | On-site lunch & networking break (30 min) |
| 12:00 pm | 2:00 pm | Workshop session II with Frank Greene (2 hrs) |
| 2:00 pm | 2:15 pm | Networking break (15 min) |
| 2:15 pm | 4:15 pm | Workshop session III with Frank Greene (2 hrs) |
| 4:15 pm | 4:30 pm | Networking break (15 min) |
| 4:30 pm | 5:00 pm | IIFF presentation & FilmAngels briefing with Q & A (30 min) |
| 5:00+ pm | Community time at area restaurant | |
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Session I – Leadership (2 hours) with Frank Greene (bio) »
Becoming a Better Leader: Understand & Improve Your Leadership Skills
Session II – Strategy (2 hours) with Frank Greene (bio) »
Strategy For Success: Funding & Executing Your Film Project
Session III – Pitch (2 hours) with Frank Greene (bio) »
Winning Over Investors: Pitch Presentations That Produce Results
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– Frank S. Greene, Jr., Ph.D.: Dr. Greene is a venture capitalist, start-up entrepreneur, operating business executive, engineer and technologist with over 40 years of experience. As an engineer he developed high-speed computer systems while serving in the U.S. Air Force and one of the fastest semiconductor memory systems while associated with the technical staff at Fairchild Semiconductor Research and Development Labs. Dr. Greene then founded ZeroOne Systems, a large systems software and services company, where he successfully marketed and established the facility for the first Cray supercomputer installation at NASA Ames Research Center. He served as President/CEO of ZeroOne for four years before it was acquired by Sterling Software and continued to manage the company for two years after the sale. In 1971, Dr. Greene founded Technology Development Corporation (TDC), a software company for testing of electronic systems. Under his direction as President/CEO for 14 years, TDC became a $30 million business by 1985. He developed the marketing strategy and financing that enabled the company to grow at an average rate of over 40% per year for over ten years. TDC completed an IPO in 1985. In 1993, Dr. Greene was a founding General Partner of New Vista Capital and the New Vista Capital Funds I & II. Among his accomplishments there, he provided management direction in the successful completion of the first IPO of Networked Picture Systems for $3.5 million and assisted in raising an additional $1.5 million in private capital. Dr. Greene was a Member of the Board of Directors of Networked Picture Systems, led the company's strategic planning, became the operating President for 18 months during a turn-around phase of its development, and managed the achievement of the company's first profitable quarter. The New Vista Capital group of private equity venture capital funds totals $50 million. Dr. Greene continues as Managing Director at New Vista Capital. He has received numerous awards for his accomplishments, and for his service to the engineering profession and the community. His education includes a PhD in Electrical Engineering (EE) from Santa Clara University, an MS in EE from Purdue University, and a BS in EE from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Moreover, he is a graduate of the AeA/Stanford University Executive Management Institute. Dr. Greene taught computer science and electrical engineering courses at at Stanford University, Santa Clara University, Howard University, American University, and Washington University in St. Louis, MO. Also, at Stanford University from 1972 until 1975, he was Assistant Chairman of the Electrical Engineering Department. Dr. Greene is a former Member of the Board of Directors of Technology Development Corp., ZeroOne Systems, Networked Picture Systems, Comsis Corp., Beyond Software, ZNYX Corp., Epicentric, e-Acumen, Quippe Technology Corp., and Graham Technology. Currently, he is a Member of the Board of Reach Communications and Compliance Coach, and a Board Observer for ZNYX Corporation. Dr. Greene's community activities include serving as a past Chairman of the American Musical Theatre of San Jose, a Board Member of the National Conference of Community and Justice, and a former Member of the Board of Trustees of Santa Clara University. He is listed in Who's Who of America.
– Thomas Trenker: A Wall Street investment banker & Silicon Valley startup executive turned independent film financier, Mr. Trenker (LinkedIn profile | full bio) serves as Chairman of the Institute for Int'l Film Financing (IIFF), an innovative, independent social-impact organization that endeavors to bridge the gap between the worlds of filmmaking and finance for the benefit of all stakeholders, including the public at large. IIFF was founded in 2003 and incorporated in California as a not-for-profit, public benefit corporation. Headquartered in San Francisco, IIFF has active chapters in multiple cities across the U.S. and continues to grow and expand rapidly. Mr. Trenker is also Managing Director of FilmAngels, the world's first professional angel investor organization for film. Modeled after the way successful angel groups function in Silicon Valley, and adapted to the unique characteristics of the movie industry, FilmAngels focuses exclusively on the financing of independent films and film-related ventures. FilmAngels was founded by a group of accomplished Silicon Valley professionals with backgrounds in venture capital, investment banking, corporate law, real estate, software, and angel investing. The founding team developed the FilmAngels process and established the organization to address the unfilled need for a structured, highly efficient and, ultimately, more effective environment for the screening and financing of high-risk independent film projects. In addition to his leadership roles at FilmAngels and IIFF, Mr. Trenker organizes a variety of events and initiatives at the junction of filmmaking, entrepreneurship & venture capital. He is always on the lookout for worthwhile and intriguing new indie film projects that are seeking investor financing; don't hesitate to connect with Mr. Trenker via LinkedIn or at an upcoming IIFF meeting.
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Online registration is available at http://sfb.filmfinancing.org/072608 (top of this page)
| Ticket type | IIFF Member | Non-member | Registration deadline |
| Early bird | $155 | $180 | July 15 |
| Regular | $170 | $195 | July 22 |
| Last minute | $195 | $220 | July 25 |
| On-site (at the door) | $230 | $255 | July 26 |
To learn more about membership with IIFF, email our Membership Bureau, or approach an IIFF team member at or after the event.
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Please direct all your questions and inquiries regarding this event to IIFF's online forum at http://forum.filmfinancing.org.
Having trouble with Eventbrite (this site), PayPal or Google Checkout? Please get help in IIFF's online forum. (You can also notify us by email well in advance of the event, and register on-site.)
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The Buzz: The following is a sampling of what others are saying about IIFF meetings… "Wow. Last night was great! I want to thank you again for the inspiring work you do. This is such a big need […] and you're truly doing the work of angels (literally and figuratively)." — Brant Smith, Producer, "Quality of Life" "I really must say that I found all speakers very interesting, and I was hanging on their every word. IIFF, the mission and content, seems to be a good fit for me, because it is my dream to run a medium size production house. […] Thank you, BIG THANK YOU […], for inviting me to this very quality and important event." — John Henry, Owner, John Henry Filmworks "Let me again say I think you did a great job putting yesterday's event together — great crowd, smart presentation, lots of enthusiasm." — David Rosen, Convener/Executive Producer, Digital Independence "Wow! For such a moderate investment, so much information. So much good networking. I hope you are proud of the magic you've created with IIFF." — Kevin Morrison, Writer/Director/Producer of independent film & TV "I just wanted to say thanks for another great and informative meeting. The speakers were impressive and I made some good contacts." — Jesse Ford, Founder & Executive Director, Group Hug Productions "IIFF and FilmAngels has really impressed me so far with its focus on the independent film community. I've traveled and interacted with film organizations around the world […]." — Jin Woo Joo, Founder, Cinemasports "Thanks so much for hosting such an interesting program last week. I am always inspired by the creativity, and most recently, by the commitment to 'a better world'. It keeps my cynic's heart at bay! […] again, my heartfelt thanks for your mission and execution. Well done!" — Teri Cundall, Founder & President, Propville.com "The event was great, very helpful." — Marc Perez, Co-President & Founding Partner, Sirk Productions "[…] I greatly enjoyed attending last night's event and found it very informative - certainly something that's been missing in New York so far." — Michael Gunther, Director/Producer, Triboro Pictures "Great presentation tonight. Lots of energetic discussions and questions." — Campbell Dalglish, Prof. of Screenwriting, MFA in Film & Video at CUNY "Thanks so much for tonight's event. It was really inspiring and incredibly informative." — Elizabeth Foley, Founding Faculty Member, Producing Dep't at NYFA "I enjoyed this evening's townhall presentation and found it very informative." — William Doll, Writer/Director, World Stage Pictures "Your Town Hall mtg was stimulating. You managed to attract the right target audience, and I loved your choice of speakers." — Sandra Schulberg, Founder, Independent Feature Project (IFP) "I attended the New York Town Hall Meeting and just wanted to thank you for setting up such an informative colloquium. It was my first IIFF event and I look forward to attending more in the future." — Blythe Frank, Producer, "Kettle of Fish" (Michael Mailer Films) "Thank you again for a wonderful event last night." — Morgan Pehme, Co-founder & CEO, Merlion Entertainment "I'm just writing […] pertaining to the IIFF meeting last night, which I found both entertaining and informative and also promising of great things to come from IIFF in the near future!" — Thomas Woodrow, Producer, Furnace Films "I attended the IIFF town hall last week in New York and came away impressed. Thank you for putting together such an excellent panel of speakers. I found [Mr. Trenker's] presentation especially useful. As a former quant at Putnam Investments, I tend to dig into the numbers and [Mr. Trenker's] analysis was illuminating." — Robert Milacci, Executive Producer, Sinestra Pictures "I very much enjoyed the seminar last Saturday in Stowe, VT. It was a lot of driving in one day (3.25 hrs. each way…), but worth it. […] Thanks again for a very enlightening day." — Marjorie Short, Oscar-nominated Writer/Producer/Director, Short Productions "Just a note to say Larry Meistrich had a good time last night and was impressed with the quality of the group." — Jeff Silverstein, President of NEHST Access + Learning, NEHST Studios "As it turns out, my producing partner [producer/director Leszek Burzynski] attended your IIFF meeting in Santa Monica on July 16. He was quite impressed with the presentations." — Terrance Sweeney, Partner & Producer, Winning Team Studios "I just wanted to say thanks again for putting on such a great forum last night. […] I really enjoyed the occasion and especially the presentations. They were extremely relevant and really strong, credible presenters." — Gordon Clark, CEO, The Movie Portfolio Fund "First, I wanted to say how much I really enjoyed your premier IIFF/LA seminar…!" — Frank Sacks, Founder & Principal, The Frank Sacks Company "I had a very enjoyable experience. The seminar was extremely professional and well put together." — Adam Tantleff, Founder, President & Executive Producer, Sinestra Pictures "THANKS […] There are no organizations or groups that I have come across that are doing what you and Film Angels are doing." — J. Martin, Co-Owner, 24 Bros Entertainment "I cannot express enough gratitude toward the great job that you are doing to help talented filmmakers realize their dreams. God bless you!" — Mara Vardanyan, Producer, Roman Pictures "Your seminars are FIRST RATE!" — Rowan Joseph, President, Greenwood Hill Productions "Thanks for organizing a great event. I thought it was a very interesting group of speakers." — Tricia van Klaveren, Producer/Exec. Producer & Principal, Fully Loaded Pictures "[T]hank you for a terrific meeting last night…" — Greg Lejnieks, Actor/Filmmaker, Art Dealer & fmr. Pro Soccer Player "First of all, thank you for hosting the Film Financing seminar. Very, very informative. I hope you have another one very soon." — Richard Beaty, Writer/Producer/Director & Co-Owner, Cielo Azul Films "Just wanted to say 'thank you' for last night's IIFF meeting. […] The slides look great […]. I look forward to the next meeting." — Robert Pratten, Founder & Writer/Director, Zen Films "I'm a big fan of all you're doing with IIFF… very inspiring to filmmakers." — Thomas Mignone, Director/Writer, DOOM Incorporated "Thank you for hosting the [Workshop] last week. It was very informative and [the instructor] was spectacular. I learned a lot and met several fantastic people." — Lisa McTigue, Producer/Director, Three Masked Peeps Productions "Thank you for inviting us to present to your [FilmAngels] groups in both Palo Alto and San Francisco. The attendees were warm and educated investors. You've done a terrific job gathering people with a passion for film." — Julie Richardson, Managing Member, Genre Film Partners; Producer, "Collateral" (Cruise, Foxx) Would you like to speak out? We want to hear from you! Send us your comments by email. |
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The Institute for International Film Financing (IIFF) is an innovative, independent social-impact organization that endeavors to bridge the gap between the worlds of film and finance for the benefit of all stakeholders – including the public at large.
IIFF was founded by Thomas Trenker in 2003 and incorporated in California as a not-for-profit, public benefit corporation. Headquartered in San Francisco, IIFF currently has chapters in the SF Bay Area, New York City, New England, Florida, Los Angeles, Washington, DC, London, and the Pacific Northwest.
Help us expand further, or join our online community at http://forum.filmfinancing.org to keep in touch with a growing number of filmmakers and financiers!
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