Contact Institute for Int'l Film Financing (IIFF) for event and ticket information.
Tuesday, June 21, 2005 from 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM (PT)
Abstract:
This month's community event of the Institute for International Film Financing (IIFF) features a powerful roster of topical speakers from backgrounds in film, finance, and beyond. We are delighted to again welcome real-world investors & financiers among our presenters for the evening.
IIFF’s unique mission is to sustainably expand the scope & appeal of film financing, and to do so for the benefit of the public at large. Our monthly Chapter Meetings bring together a wide array of professionals from relevant backgrounds for a vibrant evening of insightful presentations, inspiring discussion and focused networking. Past meetings (e.g.: May | April | March) have reliably delivered useful insights into the business of film, provided valuable networking opportunities, and managed to draw large and enthusiastic crowds.
Who should attend? Entrepreneurs, technologists, attorneys, bankers, venture capitalists and other non-film professionals are cordially invited to learn more about independent film. Are you considering taking an active role in film or would you like to expand your current involvement? Don't miss this opportunity to connect with the like-minded... 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 & network with our expert presenters and amongst themselves.
The event will be co-moderated by a powerhouse tag team of Silicon Valley executives-turned-producers: Brant Smith (bio) is a successful entrepreneur, technology executive and award-winning independent producer of "Quality of Life"; JC Davis (bio) transformed himself from a top revenue-generating software sales executive into a go-getter film financier and executive producer.
An informal apres-meeting celebration will take place at a nearby restaurant starting at 9:00 pm.
Meeting Venue:
SAP Labs North America
3410 Hillview Avenue, Building D
Palo Alto, CA 94304
(directions: via 101 | via 280)
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) FilmAngelsSM Perspectives: Investing in Indies vs. High Tech.
Brian Frenzel, Founder & Principal, AnVent Group; Member, Band of Angels (bio)
If there was an Oscar for "Best Entrepreneur in Life Sciences," Brian would be a top contender. And he'd give them a run for the money in "Most Prolific Angel Investor" too... Throughout his illustrious career, Brian has started no fewer than five companies (two IPO's, one sale to Fortune 100, one merger to IPO), invested in dozens of startups, and raised a total of $500M in growth capital. Tapping into two decades of investment experience, Brian candidly explores the differences & similarities of investing in high-tech startups vs. independent film projects. While new to film financing, Brian argues compellingly that film financiers should be guided by the same principles that precondition success for ANY serious investor.
3) Movie Budgeting & Scheduling: "How Long is a Piece of String?"
Paul Martin, Chairman (San Francisco Coordinating Committee), Directors Guild of America (bio)
IIFF is delighted to welcome an official representative of the DGA! Paul has a fruitful career as an award-winning filmmaker in LA and the SF Bay Area. With feature credits including "Dude Where's My Car", "Hellraiser III" and many others, Paul knows what makes a movie tick. He dispenses valuable advice on a topic that never fails to irk filmmakers & investors alike: what's just the right budget & schedule for a film production? There certainly is no boilerplate approach to budgeting & scheduling -- the two of which are inseparably intertwined. Paul will, however, delve into key factors to carefully consider & weigh when tackling this critical challenge that is part of every prudent filmmaker's business planning process.
4) The Way of the VC: Fundraising for Docs in Silicon Valley.
Sheridan Tatsuno, Founder & Principal, Dreamscape Global (bio: business | creative)
Hailing from Santa Cruz, this Yale & Harvard man is a renowned business author, semiconductor industry analyst and venture catalyst -- with a prolific passion for screenwriting that has, to date, yielded nine completed screenplays. Few other than Sheridan cross as easily & successfully from the sober world of high-tech business to the creative realm of filmmaking, and back... Which helps explain Sheridan's success raising funds for film, in particular documentaries. A career-long insider of the venture capital (VC) scene, Sheridan understands the motivating factors behind Silicon Valley's predominant source of capital. His intimate familiarity with the creative process puts him in a powerful position to "bridge the gap" between film & finance.
5) From Wall Street to Hollywood: An Investment Banker's Lessons in Film Financing.
Benjamin Katz, Founder & Executive Producer, Ben Katz Productions (bio)
Been there, done that... If anyone can unabashedly make this claim, it is Ben. But he is hardly done yet. A Wharton-educated banker on Wall Street, Ben was involved in billions of dollars worth of financial transactions at two leading global investment banks. Following a stint in production, he worked not at one but two of LA's top-2 talent agencies. These days, it's all about the Benjamins again with Ben -- who executive produces independent films. In his talk, he shares lessons learned as a banker-turned-producer, and lessons applied to film from his banker's repertoire. Ben's view of the film financing process will appeal not only to entrepreneurial filmmakers but also to finance professionals outside of film!
Registration:
Pre-registration is available at http://iiff-chapter-sv.mollyguard.com (bottom of page)
Pre-registration NLT June 20th:
IIFF Member ... $20 if pre-registered no later than June 20th
Non-member ... $30
On-site registration:
IIFF Member ... $35
Non-member ... $45
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 an IIFF team member during the event.
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The Buzz: The following is a sampling of what others are saying about IIFF Chapter Meetings... "Wow. Last night was great! I want to thank you again for the inspiring work you do. This is such as 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 Would you like to speak out? Please send your comments to team@filmfinancing.org. |
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 notify Patrick in advance and register on-site.
Link to this page:
http://iiff-chapter-sv.mollyguard.com
Keep in touch:
Join our discussion mailing list at http://forum.filmfinancing.org/
The Institute for International Film Financing (IIFF) is 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 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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