Abstract:

This vibrant, monthly community event of the Institute for International Film Financing (IIFF) features an eclectic lineup of topical speakers from the worlds of film, finance, and beyond. We are particularly delighted to welcome several seasoned angel investors among our distinguished presenters for the evening.

In keeping with IIFF’s mission to expand the scope and appeal of film financing, our regular Chapter Meetings bring together professionals from a wide range of relevant backgrounds for an evening of insightful presentations, inspiring discussion and focused networking. Past meetings (e.g.: April, March) have consistently delivered useful insights into the business of film, and managed to draw large and enthusiastic crowds.

Entrepreneurs, technologists, attorneys, bankers, venture capitalists and other non-film professionals who wish to learn about or take an active role in independent film are cordially invited to attend. Established and aspiring filmmakers are, naturally, more than welcome to join us as well.

The evening’s five presentations will address key issues relevant to filmmakers, financiers, and anyone interested in the economics, business mechanics, and financial dynamics of film. The presentations will be followed by Q&A time. Attendees will also have ample opportunity to interact and network with our expert presenters and amongst themselves.

An informal apres-meeting celebration will take place at a nearby restaurant starting at 9:00 pm.

The evening will be moderated by our esteemed guest moderator, John Marlow, Founder & Partner, Entrepreneurs Law Group, LLP.

Meeting Venue:

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
50 Fremont Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
415.983.1000
(directions: from airports | map)

Schedule:

6:30-7:00 pm ... Registration and introductions
7:00-9:00 pm ... Presentations and Q&A
9:00-10:00 pm ... Community time at nearby restaurant

Detailed Agenda:

1) Hollywood Profits REDUX: The Story Thus Far.

Thomas Trenker, Chairman, Institute for International Film Financing (bio)

Tom revisits and summarizes the conclusions of parts I & II of his quantitative series on statistical factors that, alone or combined, predispose movies for profitability. Digging deep into his data, Tom makes the case that small, indie-type film is superior not just on its widely accepted creative merits, including originality, but --perhaps surprisingly-- also on its commercial merits as measured by profitability. As the economics of filmmaking have evolved past Hollywood's traditional "rules of thumb", a new savvy generation of film entrepreneurs and their financiers is well positioned to succeed through innovation.

2) Buzzmaking on the Net: Online Grassroots Marketing for Independent Film.

Mark Pincus, Founder, Chairman & former CEO, Tribe Networks (bio | blog)

The consummate serial entrepreneur, Mark has started three successful companies and invested in many more. Most recently, he created and ran one of the largest online social networks, Tribe.net. Mark is no newcomer to film either, having served as associate producer on Fox Searchlight's Kissing Jessica Stein. From this unique vantage point, Mark will tackle questions such as: How can filmmakers take advantage of the emerging "PeopleWeb" to generate buzz? What does a grassroots marketing strategy look like that combines the opinion-making impact of blogs with the reach of social networks? Are online communities offering new revenue opportunities for indies?

3) Film Financing in Silicon Valley: Lessons from a Techie Turned Indie Producer.

JC Davis, Founder & Executive Producer, Johnny Cat Productions (bio)

What are the skills and strategies an independent filmmaker needs to survive and thrive in Silicon Valley? What does it take to raise money for film in an environment favoring technology investments? Who better to answer this question than a techie-turned-filmmaker! For many years, JC has been a highly successful sales executive at enterprise software companies, consistently ranking as their number one revenue generator. Then he reinvented himself as a film producer and financier, successfully tapping into a wealth of experience from the high tech industry. JC also puts his insights to use as an angel investor and advisor to many unique business ventures.

4) Mobilize Your Audience: Film Financing, Marketing, Distribution in Non-profit Networks.

Celia Alario, PR and Media Strategist, PR for People and the Planet (bio)

Celia is a renowned media strategist and communications consultant to environmental, human rights and social justice causes. She has worked for a long list of prestigious nonprofits, served as Arianna Huffington's deputy press secretary in the gubernatorial recall campaign, and held roles as publicist and producer for Michael Moore. Celia will discuss the "how-to" of creative promotional and fundraising partnerships between filmmakers and nonprofit networks... How to cultivate your target audiences? How to harness the power of "grassroots activism" to drive ticket and DVD sales? How to catalyze meaningful audience engagement on a film's underlying issues?

5) Confessions of an Angel: Why and How I Invest in Film.

Bob Phillips, Founder & CTO, Nomis Solutions (bio)

The world knows and respects Bob as a published author, researcher, Columbia & Stanford professor, and wildly successful entrepreneur specializing in "pricing and revenue optimization" algorithms. Few, however, know that Bob is also a repeat --and unrepentant-- film investor! Driven by the conscience of an angel, Bob will candidly share his advice and experience financing independent film -- an entrepreneurial venture that is so much unlike developing high-end optimization software and complex mathematical algorithms... or is it? In his presentation, Bob treats us to an insightful exploration into the mind, reasons and rationale of a "film angel," an angel investor in films.

Registration:

Pre-registration is available at http://iiff-chapter-sf.mollyguard.com (bottom of page)

Pre-registration NLT May 17th:
IIFF Member ... $20 if pre-registered no later than May 17th
Non-member ... $30

On-site registration:
IIFF Member ... $30
Non-member ... $40

NOTE: Non-member portion of attendance fee can be credited towards IIFF annual membership fee.

To inquire about membership with IIFF, email us at membership@filmfinancing.org, or approach Patrick Reilly during the event.

Questions?

Please direct your questions and inquiries regarding this event to:

Patrick Reilly
(831) 332-7127
patrick.reilly@filmfinancing.org

Having trouble with Mollyguard or PayPal? Please contact Patrick in advance and register on-site.

LATE PAYERS ONLY: Please use this link and enter the appropriate dollar amount.

Link to this page:
http://iiff-chapter-sf.mollyguard.com

Keep in touch:
Join our discussion mailing list at http://forum.filmfinancing.org/