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IIFF Los Angeles Film Financing Townhall (December 2010):...

IIFF Los Angeles Film Financing Townhall (December 2010): Networking & Education for Filmmakers & Financiers

Wednesday, December 15, 2010 from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM (PT)

Santa Monica, CA


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Ticket Information

Ticket Type Sales End Price Fee Quantity
IIFF Member   more info Ended $35.00 $1.86
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 Ended $99.00 $3.46
*** Special: IIFF Full Membership (1 yr) + FREE Townhall registration ***   more info Ended $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

Event Details

 
 
Visit IIFF at http://filmfinancing.org

LA Film Financing Townhall at the Writers Boot Camp

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 Writers Boot Camp. Their facilities are conveniently located at Bergamot Station in Mid-City 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. Marketing Your Film: Why Make It If You Don't Know Who Will See It?

    David Weitzner (bio), Founder at David Weitzner Associates; Legendary movie marketing guru with decades of experience; Has worked side by side with film luminaries such as Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, and Kathleen Kennedy; Spearheaded marketing campaigns for “Star Wars,” “E.T.” and “Alien”; Current marketing clients include Honda Motors, PepsiCo, Philips Electronics North America, The WB Network, International Merchandising Group, the Children's Television Workshop, The American Film Institute, Universal Studios, The Brunei Development Corporation, Tri-Star Pictures, Hilton Gaming, Ogilvy, and Mather Advertising, Lego International; fmr. President of Worldwide Marketing for MCA/Universal Studios Recreation Services Group and fmr. President of Worldwide Marketing for 20th Century Fox, Universal Pictures, Embassy Pictures and Palomar Pictures, etc … (more) »

  2. International Financing And Transmedia: Global Trends

    Peter Shiao (bio), Founder, CEO, and Chairman at Orb Media Group; Seasoned executive, producer, cultural and political strategist, building bridges between the East and the West; Currently he is the founder and CEO of Orb Media Group, a “transmedia” production, marketing and financing company based in Los Angeles and Beijing; Created Celestial Pictures, where he produced the first US-China co-production, Restless, with Josh Lucas (“A Beautiful Mind), and the successful Asian American film The Debut, with Dante Basco (“Hook”); fmr. CEO of Ironpond, a US-Asia based finance/production company specializing in Chinese-Hollywood co-productions and fmr. Co-founder of Ionic Studios, an end to end digital entertainment company; fmr. principal consultant to the Special Committee on the Entertainment industry, Select Committee on the Pacific Rim, Committee on Insurance, Claims, and Corporations, and Senate Special Task Force on A New Los Angeles; Was born in China, graduated from UCLA, and attended graduate school in public policy as a State Senate Fellow, etc … (more) »

  3. Finding The Balance: Studio System vs Independent

    Deboragh Gabler (bio), President and CEO at Legacy Filmworks; Extraordinarily versatile and experienced independent producer with over thirty credits to her name; Produced, “A Dangerous Man” with Steven Seagal, “Bang Bang You're Dead,” with Ben Foster and Tom Cavanagh, and “The Breakup Artist” with Amanda Crew; fmr. Co-Executive Producer at Hallmark Entertainment, Inc.; Legacy's films have garnered four Emmys, a George F. Peabody Award, a DGA Award, a Lifetime Prism Award, and a Movie Guide Award, etc ... (more) »

  4. Sales And Intellectual Property: You Own More Than You Think:

    Sean O'Reilly (bio), CEO at Arcana Studio and Independent producer; Accomplished private equity capital raiser and sales agent; Currently working on “Clockwork Girl” with Carrie-Anne Moss, Alexa Vega and Brad Garrett; In one short year, Sean took Arcana from a one-person operation in his basement to Canada's largest comic book publisher; Also wrote and produced “Circle of Pain” with Bai Ling and “Beatdown” with Eric Balfour; Was honored at the 2008 Top 40 Under 40 in Vancouver awards, etc ...  (more) »

  5. Piecing Together A Film Budget With Minimal Personal Investment

    Bianca Bezdek (bio), Principal at Law Offices of Bianca Bezdek; Renowned international film finance attorney and an expert in state and federal tax incentives; Has advised the structuring and allocation of over $1 billion into films including "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider", "Lara Croft: The Cradle of Life", "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets", "The Core", "The Fighting Temptations", "Marci X", "Looney Tunes Back in Action!", "Malibu's Most Wanted", and "Paycheck"; helps represent actors, writers, directors, producers, financiers and lenders. Her clients have included Paramount Pictures, New Line Cinema, Universal Pictures, Miramax Films, Warner Bros. Pictures, Endemol Group BV, and Fallbrook Credit Finance; Member of the New York Bar Association and a Foreign Registered Advocate with the European Union; Adjunct Professor at New York University (NYU) and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), etc ...  (more) »

  6. Getting Out There: Attorneys Can Be Your Best Friends

    Tom Lewis (bio), Founder at the Law Offices of Tom Lewis; Seasoned entertainment attorney and independent producer; Over twenty films to his credit; Worked on “Crossover” with Anthony Mackie (“8 Mile,” “Hurt Locker”), and currently has, “Blood Out,” with Val Kilmer and Annalynne McCord, and “The Courier,” with Mickey Rourke in production; Represents Strategic Film Partners, Continuum Pictures, and Face2Face Productions; Has written and sold a number of screenplays, including a pilot for “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” etc … (more) »

  7. Finding Your Inner Artist: Concept To Cashflow

    Robert Morgan Fisher (bio), Program Coordinator at Writers Boot Camp and Screenwriter; Veteran songwriter, has had screenplays optioned by DreamWorks, New Regency and Paramount; Has won many awards including the PublishingOnline Great North American Fiction Prize, the New Century Writer Award and the Washington State Film Office Competition; Completed four albums of story songs with popular singer/songwriter Darryl Purpose, etc … (more) »

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Featured Moderator

Moderator headshotThe event will be moderated by Ty Pukatch (bio), who runs the Los Angeles chapter of the Institute for International Film Financing (IIFF) and organizes IIFF's monthly Film Financing Townhalls in LA. Tyler is a former red-carpet reporter for The Hollywood Reporter. He moved on to stints in public relations before landing at Hero Pictures, a Los Angeles-based production company backed by a high-profile investor from Spain. Tyler holds a degree in Legal Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz. (more) »

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Schedule

From To What
7:00 PM Kick-Off & Welcome
7:00 PM 8:00 PM Three Featured Presentations with Q&A (3x 20 mins)
8:00 PM 8:15 PM Networking Break (15 mins)
8:15 PM 9:00 PM Three Featured Presentations with Q&A (3x 15 mins)
9:00 PM 9:15 PM Networking Break (15 mins)
9:15 PM 10:00 PM Moderated Panel Discussion with Q&A (45 mins)
10:00 PM+ Community Time at Area Restaurant

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Townhall Venue

Writers Boot Camp

2519 Michigan Avenue
Building I
Santa Monica, CA 90404
(310) 998 - 1199

Map: Get a map of 2519 Michigan Avenue at Ask, Bing, Google, MapQuest or Yahoo.

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Our Host

Host logoThis month's Film Financing Townhall in Santa Monica is hosted by Writers Boot Camp, a leading screenwriting workshop and career development program headquartered in Los Angeles. Alumni of this organization have written screenplays that have brought in nearly $1B in box office revenue, and past students of his program have written hits including, “Ocean's 13,” :Sex and the City,” “Lost,” “Mad Men,” “Grey's Anatomy,” “Friends,” and “Law & Order."

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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

Ty Pukatch

Moderator

Speaker headshot 10Tyler got his start in the film industry as a red-carpet reporter for The Hollywood Reporter. He moved on to stints in public relations before settling with Hero Pictures, a Los Angeles-based startup production company backed by a high-profile investor from Spain. At Hero, Tyler handles corporate structure, accounting and international taxation, as well as special projects. In addition, he assists the CEO in developing the company's movie production strategy and managing related financial matters. Tyler graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz with a degree in Legal Studies. (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) »

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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

Wednesday, December 15, 2010 from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM (PT)

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Where

Writers Boot Camp
2525 Michigan Avenue
Building I at Bergamot Station
Santa Monica, CA 90404




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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.

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