This event has ended!
View current events hosted by IIFF San Francisco Bay Area
IIFF's Film Financing Workshop (February 2009):
|
|
Event Details
IIFF/SF Film Financing Workshop With Leading Fundraising Guru –
Shaking the Money Tree: How to Get Grants & Donations for Film & Video
abstract | instructor | venue | schedule | program | bios | registration | help
*** Upcoming Townhall in San Francisco: Join us on February 26 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 another one-of-a-kind Film Financing Workshop. Our 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 seminar.
Building on the exceptional success of previous Workshops in San Francisco, this intensive, hands-on learning experience brings —for the first time— renowned fundraising guru Morrie Warshawski (bio) to IIFF's growing community of filmmakers, entrepreneurs and financiers in Northern California! It forms an integral part of our unrivaled series of in-depth seminars with such iconic instructors as Hollywood film financing legend Lew Horwitz (April '08 San Francisco Workshop), IFP founder Sandra Schulberg (April '08 Los Angeles Workshop | February '08 San Francisco Workshop & February '08 Los Angeles Workshop | January '08 Los Angeles Workshop), and Silicon Valley venture capitalist Dr. Frank Greene (July '08 San Francisco Workshop | June '08 Los Angeles Workshop | June '08 Silicon Valley Workshop | May '08 Los Angeles Workshop | March '08 San Francisco Workshop & March '08 Los Angeles Workshop). Like its predecessors, "Shaking the Money Tree" features a highly topical program taught by a world-class instructor with a distinguished track record of success. 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.
Nationally recognized consultant Morrie Warshawski has teamed up with IIFF to present his popular full-day seminar full of patented street-savvy, in-the-trenches advice on how to get grants & donations for independent film & video projects. Looking for funding while maintaining a career as a media maker can be a competitive, elusive and overwhelming proposition. Mr. Warshawski provides practical advice based on real experience to get filmmakers focused and effective at getting money for their projects.
The Workshop completely demystifies the world of donations and grants by providing an introduction and guide to all the fundamental principles of successful fundraising, including:
- Ways to approach individuals for donations (houseparties, direct mail, etc.);
- How to get money from foundations and corporations;
- Alternative fundraising techniques;
- Designing your project to make it attractive to funders;
- Adopting the proper mindset;
- Laying the groundwork and conducting research;
- Creating the perfect written grant proposal.
Mr. Warshawski's class includes exercises, lecture, video clip examples, and an extensive handout packet full of information and references on fundraising. This high-value yet low-cost seminar is a must for the beginning, emerging or experienced filmmaker who has any qualms about fundraising. Don't miss this opportunity to gain critical insights from a highly accomplished fundraising professional with a track record of success in independent film financing – and connect with like-minded peers (and potential collaborators) in the process!
Watch Morrie Warshawski introduce his "Grants & Donations" seminar
In this video clip, Morrie Warshawski speaks about his upcoming Film Financing Workshop on the topic "Grants & Donations for Film & Video" at IIFF's San Francisco Townhall Meeting on January 29, 2009
^top | abstract | instructor | venue | schedule | program | bios | registration | help
The Workshop will be masterfully taught by noted writer, media consultant and fundraising expert Morrie Warshawski (bio), who has served as the former Executive Director of Bay Area Video Coalition (BAVC) and The Media Project, Inc. His clients over the last 30 years include the American Film Institute (AFI), National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), California Arts Council, MacArthur Foundation, WGBH-TV, President's Commission on the Arts and Humanities, and many others. Mr. Warshawski has sat on numerous grant panels, has written over 500 funding proposals, and is the author of "The Fundraising Houseparty: How to Party With a Purpose and Raise Money for Your Cause", and "Shaking the Money Tree: How to Get Grants and Donations for Film and Video" (2nd Edition). You can find Warshawski and an audio clip on fundraising houseparties at www.warshawski.com.
^top | abstract | instructor | venue | schedule | program | bios | registration | help
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!
^top | abstract | instructor | venue | schedule | program | bios | registration | help
| From | To | What |
| 9:00 AM | 9:30 AM | Registration, welcome & networking |
| 9:30 AM | 11:30 AM | Workshop session I with Morrie Warshawski (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 Morrie Warshawski (2 hrs) |
| 2:00 PM | 2:15 PM | Networking break (15 min) |
| 2:15 PM | 4:15 PM | Workshop session III with Morrie Warshawski (2 hrs) |
| 4:15 PM | 4:30 PM | Networking break (15 min) |
| 4:30 PM | 5:00 PM | FilmAngels briefing with Q & A (30 min) |
| 5:00+ PM | Community time at area restaurant | |
^top | abstract | instructor | venue | schedule | program | bios | registration | help
- Ways to Approach Individuals for Donations (Houseparties, Direct Mail, Etc.)
- How to Get Money From Foundations & Corporations
- Alternative Fundraising Techniques
- Designing Your Project to Make It Attractive to Funders
- Adopting the Proper Mindset for Fundraising Success
- Laying the Groundwork & Conducting Research
- Creating the Perfect Written Grant Proposal
^top | abstract | instructor | venue | schedule | program | bios | registration | help
– Morrie Warshawski: Noted fundraiser & financing guru, media consultant, facilitator & writer with 30+ years experience; specializes in working with nonprofits, especially arts & culture groups, that wish to realize their full potential; helps create powerful roadmaps to success through strategic planning; past clients include American Film Institute (AFI), Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), Council on Foundations, Federation of State Humanities Councils, Habitat for Humanity, Independent Feature Project (IFP), MacArthur Foundation, National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), National Wildlife Federation & President's Commission on the Arts & Humanities, as well as regional nonprofits like California Arts Council, Illinois Arts Council, Michigan Museums Association, New Orleans Video Access Center, St. Louis Art Museum, Western States Arts Federation, WGBH-TV (Boston), Yerba Buena Center for the Arts & many more; served on numerous grant panels, wrote 500+ grant proposals; also consults with individual film/video makers focusing on specific projects or long-range career planning (dozens of indie clients throughout US); author of several books incl. "Shaking the Money Tree: How to Get Grants & Donations for Film & Video" & "The Fundraising Houseparty: How to Party With a Purpose & Raise Money for Your Cause"; Executive Producer of "The Stand In" (1986 dramatic feature starring Danny Glover); fmr. Executive Director at Bay Area Video Coalition (BAVC); fmr. Executive Director at The Media Project; fmr. Managing Director at Portland Dance Theater; fmr. Project Evaluator at National Endowment for the Arts; fmr. English Instructor at LA Southwest College; fmr. Assistant Director at University of Southern California/Semester of the Arts Program; MA & BA (cum laude) in English, Creative Writing & Film from University of Southern California.
– 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.
^top | abstract | instructor | venue | schedule | program | bios | registration | help
Online registration is available at http://sfb.filmfinancing.org/022809 (top of this page)
| Ticket type | IIFF Member | Non-member | Registration deadline |
| Early bird | $100 | $125 | February 6 |
| Regular | $125 | $150 | February 20 |
| Last minute | $150 | $175 | February 27 |
| On-site (at the door) | $175 | $200 | February 28 |
To learn more about membership with IIFF, email our Membership Bureau, or approach an IIFF team member at or after the event.
^top | abstract | instructor | venue | schedule | program | bios | registration | help
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.)
^top | abstract | instructor | venue | schedule | program | bios | registration | help
|
The Buzz: The following quotes are samples of what others say 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, Producer, "Collateral" (Tom Cruise, Jamie Foxx) "I wanted to let you know just how much I enjoyed last Saturday's workshop. It was extremely informative and comprehensive. Thank you so much! I look forward to attending many more of the IIFF workshops." — Janine Goldberg, Director of Business Affairs, Polygon Entertainment Would you like to speak out? We want to hear from you! Send us your comments by email. |
^top | abstract | instructor | venue | schedule | program | bios | registration | help
Please support IIFF's nonprofit mission by spreading the word!
- IIFF/SF Workshop on 2/28 ... http://sfb.filmfinancing.org/022809
- Latest IIFF Workshop in the SF Bay Area ... http://sfb.filmfinancing.org/latest-ws
- Latest IIFF Townhall in the SF Bay Area ... http://sfb.filmfinancing.org/latest-thm
- Latest IIFF event in the SF Bay Area ... http://sfb.filmfinancing.org/latest
- Latest IIFF event in the Pacific Northwest ... http://pnw.filmfinancing.org/latest
- Latest IIFF event in Washington, DC ... http://bdc.filmfinancing.org/latest
- Latest IIFF event in New England ... http://ne6.filmfinancing.org/latest
- Latest IIFF event in London, UK ... http://lon.filmfinancing.org/latest
- Latest IIFF event in Los Angeles ... http://gla.filmfinancing.org/latest
- Latest IIFF event in New York ... http://nym.filmfinancing.org/latest
- Latest IIFF event in Florida ... http://fla.filmfinancing.org/latest
- Latest IIFF event anywhere ... http://all.filmfinancing.org/latest
- IIFF homepage: "Connecting Film & Finance" ... http://www.filmfinancing.org
Bookmark this event:
Keep in touch:
Join IIFF's online forum & discussion mailing list at http://forum.filmfinancing.org
^top | abstract | instructor | venue | schedule | program | bios | registration | help
Workshop contents & title are Copyright © 2009 Morrie Warshawski. All other content is Copyright © 2009 Institute for Int'l Film Financing, Inc. All rights reserved.
When & Where
Academy of Art University
466 Townsend Street
Room 225 - 2nd floor
San Francisco,
CA 94107
Saturday, February 28, 2009 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (PT)
Add to my calendar
Hosted By
IIFF San Francisco Bay Area
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.
Founded by Thomas Trenker in 2003 and headquartered in San Francisco, IIFF has chapters in the Bay Area, New York City, New England, Florida, Los Angeles, Washington, DC, London, the Pacific Northwest, the Lower Midwest, the Southwest and the Great Lakes Region.
Help launch or run an IIFF chapter in your area! We make it easy and worthwhile. Email the chapter development team and tell us about yourself. Or join our online community at http://forum.filmfinancing.org to keep in touch with a growing number of filmmakers and financiers.