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IIFF Los Angeles Film Financing Townhall in Santa Monica (February 2012): Networking & Education for Financiers & Filmmakers

Thursday, February 23, 2012 from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM (PT)

Santa Monica, CA

IIFF Los Angeles Film Financing Townhall in Santa Monica...

Ticket Information

Ticket Type Sales End Price Fee Quantity
IIFF Member   more info Ended $35.00 $1.87
Non-member   more info Ended $55.00 $2.37
IIFF Member: Last minute   more info Ended $45.00 $2.12
Non-member: Last minute   more info Ended $65.00 $2.62
IIFF Member: On-site   more info Ended $55.00 $2.37
Non-member: On-site   more info Ended $75.00 $2.87
Add: Bring a friend (limited availability)   more info Ended $40.00 $1.99
*** IIFF Associate Membership (1 yr) ***   more info Dec 31, 2012 $99.00 $3.47
*** Special: IIFF Full Membership (1 yr) + FREE Townhall registration ***   more info Dec 31, 2012 $199.00 $5.97
Add: Attendee bio book for Members   more info Ended $10.00 $1.24
Add: Attendee bio book for Non-members   more info Ended $20.00 $1.49
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Event Details

 
 
Visit IIFF at http://filmfinancing.org

LA Film Financing Townhall at Working Village

Film Meets Finance:
Networking & Education for
Filmmakers & Financiers

Seven Insightful Talks by Leading Experts & More

AddThis button (small)

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*** Don't miss other events in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver, Kansas City and New York ***

 
 
 

Abstract

"To-the-point presentations on the latest trends and targeted networking with like-minded pros set this event apart from the rest. IIFF delivers no-nonsense insight and real opportunity."Thomas Trenker, film financier

The Los Angeles chapter of the Institute for International Film Financing (IIFF) continues its popular monthly gatherings at the junction of film & finance with a special Film Financing Townhall at the renowned Working Village. Their facilities are conveniently located just off Main Street in Santa Monica.

This grassroots community get-together is designed to foster & inform productive relationships between attendees. It provides unbiased insight & education about the business of film and film financing in particular. The event features a powerful roster of highly topical speakers from the filmmaking and financial industries. We are delighted to welcome real-world financiers among our guests!

The evening's five seven presentations plus panel discussion address key issues relevant to filmmakers, financiers and anyone interested in the economics, business mechanics, and financial dynamics of motion pictures. They are followed by Q&A time. Attendees also have ample opportunity to interact & network with our featured experts and amongst themselves.

An informal après-meeting celebration will take place at a nearby restaurant.

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Attendees

Who should attend?

Entrepreneurs, consultants, attorneys, bankers, investment managers, venture capitalists, angel investors and other professionals with an interest in the movie business will find this event worthwhile. Everyone who cares about independent film is cordially invited to join us.

Are you considering taking an active role in film, or would you like to expand your current involvement? Don't miss this high-value yet low-cost learning experience and the opportunity to connect with like-minded peers.

Established & aspiring filmmakers looking to raise capital for their projects, production companies, movie slates, film funds or other ventures are, naturally, more than welcome as well.

Why attend?

New to film finance? Need to brush up your topical knowledge? Want to deepen your understanding? Care to participate in an ongoing conversation & community dedicated to the subject? This uniquely valuable gathering is right for you!

Gain crucial insights from leading experts in their field. Network with fellow film & finance professionals. Meet potential collaborators and future business partners. All this at a price that is hard to beat.

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Program Details

  1. Financing Independent Movies for the Global Market

    Deirdre Owens (bio), VP of Finance at LA-based film finance & production company Grosvenor Park; involved in senior, gap, tax & equity financing for such independents as Oscar winner "Hurt Locker," Ed Zwick's "Defiance" & Terry Gilliam's "Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus"; previously worked with fmr. Paramount Chair Jon Dolgen at his boutique private equity & consulting firm Wood River Ventures; fmr. Equity Research Associate at global investment bank RBC Capital Markets; fmr. Investment Banking Analyst at Boston-based regional investment bank Tucker Anthony Sutro; MBA from UCLA & AB degree from Harvard … (more) »

  2. More Than Pretty Pictures: Filmmaking, the Art Form of the Entrepreneur

    Arvind Ethan David (bio), financier, producer & marketeer of feature films; CEO at Slingshot Studios, co-founded with Arts Alliance CEO & venture capitalist Thomas Hoegh; raised substantial venture, angel & strategic money for Slingshot & film funds; produced & co-financed indie hit "Infidel," "Tormented" (Alex Pettyfer), "Sugarhouse," "Faintheart" & "French Film"; has multi-picture deals with BBC, Pathe, Salt Company & Independent Film Sales; called "true entrepreneur" & one of "most innovative players" by Variety; splits his time between London & Los Angeles … (more) »

  3. Your Investment Banker: Strategic Partner in Film Finance

    Jim Mullany (bio), Managing Director at investment bank & wealth management firm Salem Partners; provides advisory, valuation & M&A services for entertainment companies & library assets incl. Village Roadshow, Morgan Creek, Alcon, Hannover Leasing, City National Bank & Bank of America; expert witness in Stephen Bochco vs. 20th Century Fox litigation; fmr. Sr. VP at Houlihan Lokey, serving major studios & many indie film companies; fmr. CFO at Shelley Duvall's TV production company Think Entertainment; fmr. VP at Wells Fargo, focusing on single-picture financing & corp. credit facilities for film/TV; fmr. Asst. VP at Union Bank; fmr. Sr. Account Officer at Citibank … (more) »

  4. Raise Your Game: Perfecting Your Pitch to Investors

    Ed Blum (bio), Writer/Director/Producer at Tin Pan Films; BAFTA-nominated drama director & critically-acclaimed doc filmmaker; produced & directed "Scenes of a Sexual Nature" (Tom Hardy, Ewan McGregor), nominated for British Independent Film Award, sold to 22 countries; made numerous docs for BBC & Channel 4; Director on ITV series "The Bill"; fmr. Deputy Editor of BBC News & Current Affairs Development; developed Big Pitch winner "Crimebusters," comedy "Laughter Clinic" … (more) »

  5. Transmedia Monetization: Film, Games & Everything in Between

    Toby Jörgensen (bio), President & Chair at business-strategy think tank Federation X Holdings; works with major entertainment & media companies on new distribution, marketing & business models; President at hybrid physical/digital content distributor Phone4Fun & website venture HitBrigade; 30+ years in advertising & entertainment; fmr. CEO at game developer Malamute/Moloto ("Zelenhgorm"); fmr. award-winning illustrator ("Lord of the Rings," "Star Trek," Disney) … (more) »

  6. Maximizing Tax Credits: Get the Most for Any Movie

    Shawn Gillespie (bio), Director of Production Incentive Administration & Finance at Entertainment Partners, provides consulting & administrative services for tax incentives for film, TV & commercials; has 17 years of production accounting experience; worked for 20th Century Fox ("Titanic"), Universal ("Evan Almighty," "Leatherheads"), DreamWorks ("Collateral," "Eagle Eye"), Sony ("Fun with Dick & Jane," "Talladega Nights"), Disney ("Sweet Home Alabama"), MGM ("Out of Time"), Miramax ("Havana Nights") & ABC ("Army Wives"); fmr. Manager of Production Finance at HBO, supervised production accounting on "Sopranos," "6 Feet Under," "Arli$$," "61*," "Dinner with Friends," "Shot in the Heart" & "Laramie Project" … (more) »

  7. Building Strategic Partnerships for Your Production Company

    Jeanette Buerling (bio), President & CEO at film finance & production company Magnet Media Group incl. new European division with €150M projected investment volume; focuses on features with budgets < $40M; 20+ years experience with gap, mezzanine, tax credit, co-production, licensing & equity finance; involved in 45+ film/TV projects worth $200M+ in total production spend; recently financed & produced "13" (Statham, Rourke); "Experiment" (Brody, Whitaker) & "Dark Tide" (Berry, Martinez); previously ran equity film funds Hollywood Int'l Finance & Camden Worldwide Equities for Far East Nat'l Bank in LA, invested in 38 titles for HBO, Showtime, ABC, USA, Disney, Lionsgate & others, incl. "Harvard Man" (Gellar, Grenier), "Rent Control" (Hart, Electra) & "Case of Evil" (Anwar, D'Onofrio) … (more) »

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Featured Moderator

Moderator headshotThe event will be moderated by Roger Royse (bio), who founded the Royse Law Firm, a business and tax law firm with offices in Northern and Southern California. Roger provides consultation and services to a wide spectrum of clients, from newly formed startups to publicly traded multinationals, in a broad range of industries. His firm's Entertainment Group, led by Roger, advises motion picture, television, music and media production teams, distributors and performers as well as new media entertainment companies and professional athletes. Roger also practices in the area of angel and venture fund formation. (more) »

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Schedule

From To What
  6:30 PM Kick-Off & Welcome
  6:30 PM   7:30 PM Four Featured Presentations with Q&A (4x 15 mins)
  7:30 PM   7:45 PM Networking Break (15 mins)
  7:45 PM   8:30 PM Three Featured Presentations with Q&A (3x 15 mins)
  8:30 PM   8:45 PM Networking Break (15 mins)
  8:45 PM   9:30 PM Moderated Panel Discussion with Q&A (45 mins)
9:30 PM+ Community Time at Area Restaurant

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Townhall Venue

Working Village: The Station

212 Marine St
(between Main & 2nd St)
Suite 100 - Ground floor
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 450-7070

Map: Get a map of 212 Marine St at Ask, Bing, Google, MapQuest or Yahoo.

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Our Host

Host logoThis month's Film Financing Townhall in Los Angeles is hosted by the esteemed Royse Law Firm at Santa Monica's Working Village, a boutique hotel-style work and event space for startups, micro businesses, entrepreneurs, freelancers, writers, designers and other savvy professionals. With offices in Northern and Southern California, Royse Law provides transactional tax, business and corporate law services to closely held, emerging-growth and middle-market companies in numerous industries. Clients include companies in the technology and alternative-energy sectors as well as base-economy businesses such as food services, food processing, real estate and manufacturing. Many of them are multinational companies, with Asian manufacturing, Indian development and European distribution. The firm also focuses on closely held and family businesses due to their unique need for integrated legal solutions that emphasize tax efficiencies. Tax expertise is the common thread that runs throughout its practice and distinguishes Royse Law from other general business firms. Its attorneys frequently advise other law firms on the tax aspects of corporate, real estate or commercial transactions and provide tax advice to litigators in various contexts, including the taxation of recoveries and professional liability. Finally, the Royse Law Firm is experienced in the negotiation of mergers and acquisitions, financings, and partnership and joint venture transactions.

Very special thanks for making this event possible go to Roger Royse (bio), the founder of Royse Law Firm, PC.

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Registration

Filmmaker-friendly affordable online registration is available at the top of this page.

Ticket type IIFF Member* Non-member Registration deadline
Early bird $25 $45 3 weeks before event
Regular $35 $55 1 week before event
Last minute $45 $65 1 day before event
On-site (at the door) $55 $75 Day of event

Register now to secure the best available price!

* To learn more about membership, email our Membership Bureau or ask an IIFF staffer at or after the event.

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Need Help?

Direct all your questions and inquiries about this event to IIFF's online forum at http://forum.filmfinancing.org.

Having trouble with Eventbrite (this site), PayPal or Google Checkout? Get help in our online forum. You can also notify us by email well in advance of the event and register on-site.

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Speaker Bios

Roger Royse

Moderator

Speaker headshot 10Roger Royse is the founder of Royse Law Firm, PC, with offices in Silicon Valley, San Francisco and Los Angeles. He practices in the areas of corporate and securities law, domestic and international tax, mergers and acquisitions, and fund formation. Among his clients are emerging and middle-market companies as well as high-net-worth individuals. Roger has represented companies spanning a variety of industries, including clean tech, internet, life sciences, entertainment and new media, sports, real estate, retail, and mobile devices and applications. Practicing since 1984, he has been widely published on technical tax topics, is a regular speaker for the California CPA Education Foundation, and has served as an Adjunct Professor of Taxation (Property Transactions and International Taxation) at Golden Gate University. Moreover, he is the author of an upcoming book entitled "Dead on Arrival: How to Avoid the Mistakes That Can Kill Your Start-Up." Prior to founding the Royse Law Firm, Roger practiced with the Silicon Valley law firms of GCA Law Partners LLP (formerly General Counsel Associates LLP) and Berliner Cohen, and with the New York City office of Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy. He is an active member of the American Bar Association Tax Section and Business Law Section. (more) »

Thomas Trenker

Founder

Speaker headshot 11A Wall Street investment banker and Silicon Valley startup executive turned independent film financier, Thomas (LinkedIn profile | full bio) serves as Chairman of the Institute for International Film Financing (IIFF). An innovative and ambitious social-impact organization, IIFF endeavors to bridge the gap between the worlds of filmmaking and finance for the benefit of all stakeholders including the public at large. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in San Francisco, IIFF has active chapters in multiple cities across the U.S. and continues to expand.

In his role as Managing Director of FilmAngels, Thomas also runs the world's first professional angel investor group for film. FilmAngels has been modeled after the way successful angel networks function in Silicon Valley and adapted to the unique characteristics of the movie industry. It focuses exclusively on funding independent films and film-related ventures. FilmAngels address the unfilled need for a structured, highly efficient and ultimately more effective environment for the vetting and financing of high-risk film projects.

Don't hesitate to connect with Thomas on LinkedIn or at an upcoming IIFF meeting near you. (more) »

*** To be finalized shortly ***

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The Buzz

These quotes are samples of what past attendees say about IIFF events:

"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, Executive Producer/Convener, 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! [A]gain, 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 Townhall 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 Townhall 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 Townhall 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 [his] 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 [film financing] 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 FilmAngels 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)

"It was another great event and I appreciate all your work […]. Thank you." — Paul Oja, Writer/Director, "Bus Trip"

"I must thank you for sending [Workshop instructor] Dr. Patrick O'Heffernan down to Los Angeles last month. It was the best $200 I have ever spent on a seminar. [S]ince Patrick has both raised money and invested money, his perspective was simply invaluable!!!" — Rosser Goodman, Director, KGB Films

"You assembled an impressive group of speakers (and characters). […] I think we share a strong desire to help filmmakers." — Darren Ehlers, COO, Scenechronize

"First, I simply must say what an amazingly informative session it was and well carried out by [Workshop instructor] Tricia van Klaveren and her guest speakers. It packed a memorable punch. […] I had never heard of IIFF previously and now look forward to more of the same from you guys." — Teo, CEO, Cool Room Entertainment

"I really enjoyed [Kaiser Wahab's] class. A great value. Thank you for sharing your knowledge." — Bob Rudis, Director of Photography & President, Tubular, Inc.

Speak out, we would like to hear from you! Send us your comments by email.

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About IIFF

IIFF logoThe Institute for International Film Financing (IIFF) is an independent grassroots organization equally dedicated to serving the needs of filmmakers & financiers. IIFF's one-of-a-kind mission is to sustainably expand the scope & appeal of film financing and do so for the benefit of the public at large.

True to our proven motto of "democratizing film finance," IIFF's frequent Townhall Meetings bring together a wide array of professionals from relevant backgrounds in film, finance and beyond for a vibrant evening of insightful presentations, inspiring discussion & focused networking. Past meetings have reliably delivered useful insights into the business of film, provided valuable networking opportunities and drawn large, enthusiastic crowds.

IIFF has active chapters in multiple cites, and we are looking to expand further to better serve filmmakers and financiers everywhere. Help start or run a local chapter in your area! We make it easy and worth your while. Take a first step and tell us about yourself.

Not ready for your own chapter but eager to get involved in another meaningful way? We may have just the right full- or part-time internship for you, no matter where you are. Simply email us your resume to apply. IIFF interns are treated as equals while they learn about film finance and interact with industry leaders.

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When & Where



Working Village
212 Marine Street
Suite 100 - Ground floor
Santa Monica, CA 90405

Thursday, February 23, 2012 from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM (PT)


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Hosted By

IIFF Greater Los Angeles



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.