IIFF/LA Film Financing Workshop With Veteran of 200+ ProductionsMovie Budgeting & Scheduling
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Abstract"Both producers and investors will learn a lot about the 'manufacturing process' of filmmaking, and about budgeting and scheduling in particular. The newly acquired knowledge will help you better understand, analyze and prepare film projects for financing purposes." — Curran Engel This Workshop may end up saving you 1000s of dollars in consulting fees and other expenses. It packs a whole, semester-long course on the subject into one intensive, highly focused day of hands-on learning. That's the essence of 45 hours worth of classes in film school… For the price of about an hour of work with a high-end budgeting consultant like our expert instructor! Perhaps more importantly than saving money, our seminar gives you control over a crucial part of the preparations for any successful film project. One that profoundly impacts its ultimate success. You will not only be able to ask all the right questions, analyze the risk, and find your own solutions to budgeting and scheduling problems. You will actually possess the fundamental skills necessary to create and revise production budgets and schedules. Too often, inadequate, inflated or otherwise inaccurate budgets put film entrepreneurs in a less than ideal starting position, complicate the financing process, and ultimately derail the entire project. Our seasoned instructor teaches you not just how to craft a budget, but how to do it right given the unique nature and circumstances of your movie. What is more, he helps you maximize your fundraising chances and the likelihood of financial success! ^top | abstract | intro | description | outcomes | reading | instructor | attendees | venue | host | schedule | program | bios | register | help | buzz | links |
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IntroductionThe Los Angeles chapter of the Institute for International Film Financing (IIFF) continues its acclaimed education & networking events at the junction of film & finance with a one-of-a-kind Film Financing Workshop for Southern California's community of filmmakers, entrepreneurs and financiers. This intensive, hands-on learning experience forms an integral part of IIFF's 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). The upcoming Workshop builds on 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 an in-the-trenches expert 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. 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 funded – be they fictional narratives or nonfiction 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, 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 movie venture can turn into a protracted odyssey and may be doomed to fail – or, at least, fail to live up to its full potential. Key elements of a business plan include:
The production budget & schedule are essential components of every film business plan. Getting them right is not just a point of professional pride. The budgeting and scheduling process offers an important opportunity to prudently explore different scenarios and options available to you and your team. The choices made (e.g., budget size) will have a profound and lasting impact on the financing, production & success of your movie. ^top | abstract | intro | description | outcomes | reading | instructor | attendees | venue | host | schedule | program | bios | register | help | buzz | links |
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Seminar DescriptionThis class covers the everyday challenges that film entrepreneurs face as they prepare to finance their films, and the solutions that they currently employ. The emphasis is on the proper breakdown, scheduling & budgeting of a motion picture, including all associated topics. Although Production Managers are usually brought on to a project after the bottom line has been established, their skill set is frequently called upon during development to create estimates for the production. Our intensive seminar condenses 45 hours worth of classes —typically taught over the course of a fifteen-week semester— into six seven highly instructive hours (plus an hour total for breaks and networking). Among many big and small lessons, you will learn:
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Learning OutcomesAs a result of successfully completing this course, you will have acquired a variety of valuable skills & knowledge. SkillsYou will be introduced to crucial skills, including:
KnowledgeYou will be exposed to mission-critical knowledge, including:
Review the detailed Workshop Program for additional information! » ^top | abstract | intro | description | outcomes | reading | instructor | attendees | venue | host | schedule | program | bios | register | help | buzz | links |
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Suggested Reading
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Featured Instructor
Over the course of his accomplished career, Curran has worked as Producer or Line Producer on such feature films as "This Space Between Us," "Skeleton Woman," "The Sculptress," "Tryst," and others. A long-time senior faculty member at Academy of Art University, he also instructs classes in producing and production management for motion pictures. Curran is a sought-after consultant and guest lecturer on film industry topics. » ^top | abstract | intro | description | outcomes | reading | instructor | attendees | venue | host | schedule | program | bios | register | help | buzz | links |
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AttendeesWho should attend?Established and aspiring filmmakers looking to raise capital for their independent films, production companies, movie slates, film funds, or other film-related ventures are well advised to participate in this high-value yet low-cost learning experience. Entrepreneurs, technologists, attorneys, bankers, investment managers, venture capitalists, and other professionals with an interest in the business of film will also find the Workshop useful & worthwhile. Why attend?Are you considering taking an active role in film or expanding your current involvement? Don't miss this rare opportunity to gain crucial insights from a seasoned expert, and connect with like-minded peers (and potential collaborators) in the process! ^top | abstract | intro | description | outcomes | reading | instructor | attendees | venue | host | schedule | program | bios | register | help | buzz | links |
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Workshop VenueL.A. Film Studies Center(LAFSC)5455 Wilshire Boulevard (at S. Cochran Ave.) Map: Get a map of 5455 Wilshire Blvd. from Ask, Google, MapQuest, MSN, Windows Live or Yahoo. Driving directions: LAFSC is located in the Miracle Mile District, on the NW corner of Wilshire Blvd. and S. Cochran Ave. Due to its central location, our venue can be easily reached by car from downtown L.A. (circa 20 minutes), Santa Monica (ca. 20 mins), Burbank (ca. 20 mins), Inglewood (ca. 20 mins), Van Nuys (ca. 25 mins), Pasadena (ca. 30 mins), Long Beach (ca. 40 mins), Irvine (ca. 55 mins), Riverside (ca. 75 mins), and elsewhere. For an all-in-one overview of directions to 5455 Wilshire Blvd. from different parts of the Greater L.A. Area, click here. Personalized driving directions can be obtained from any of the above-listed online mapping services; simply follow the link of your choice and enter your start address where required. Parking: $4 visitor parking (flat fee) is available in the building. ^top | abstract | intro | description | outcomes | reading | instructor | attendees | venue | host | schedule | program | bios | register | help | buzz | links |
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Our Host
Special thanks go to Rebecca Ver Straten-McSparran, the Director of the L.A. Film Studies Center, for making this event possible! ^top | abstract | intro | description | outcomes | reading | instructor | attendees | venue | host | schedule | program | bios | register | help | buzz | links |
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Schedule
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Program DetailsSession I(3 hours) with Curran Engel
Session II(2 hours) with Curran Engel
Session III(2 hours) with Curran Engel
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Speaker BiosCurran G. Engel
During the course of his career, Curran has worked in varying capacities for The Walt Disney Co., Warner Bros., NBC Television, and others, including a number of independent productions like "This Space Between Us" (2000), featuring Jeremy Sisto, Poppy Montgomery, Erik Palladino, Alex Kingston, Vanessa Marcil and Garry Marshall. His screen credits also include:
Curran has produced and consulted for numerous production companies and independent filmmakers around the country. He frequently serves as a guest lecturer on film industry topics. Moreover, Curran has been a faculty member at Academy of Art University in San Francisco since 1999, teaching courses in producing, production management and creating demo reels. » Thomas TrenkerA Wall Street investment banker & Silicon Valley startup executive turned independent film financier, Thomas (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. Thomas 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, Thomas 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 Thomas via LinkedIn or at an upcoming IIFF meeting. ^top | abstract | intro | description | outcomes | reading | instructor | attendees | venue | host | schedule | program | bios | register | help | buzz | links |
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RegistrationFilmmaker-friendly, affordable online registration is available at the top of this page.
Register now to secure the best available price!^top | abstract | intro | description | outcomes | reading | instructor | attendees | venue | host | schedule | program | bios | register | help | buzz | links |
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Need Help?Direct all your questions and inquiries about this event to IIFF's online forum at Having trouble with Eventbrite, 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 | intro | description | outcomes | reading | instructor | attendees | venue | host | schedule | program | bios | register | help | buzz | links |
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| Workshop contents & title are Copyright © 2009 Curran Engel & Thomas Trenker. All other content is Copyright © 2009 Institute for Int'l Film Financing (IIFF). All rights reserved. |
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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 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 and the Lower Midwest.
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.
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