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IIFF New York City Film Financing Townhall in Manhattan...

IIFF New York City Film Financing Townhall in Manhattan (August 2011): Networking & Education for Financiers & Filmmakers

Tuesday, August 16, 2011 from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM (ET)

New York, NY


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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
*** Associate Membership (1 year) ***   more info Ended $99.00 $3.46
*** Full Membership (1 year) ***   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

NYC Film Financing Townhall at SVA in Manhattan

Film Meets Finance:
Networking & Education for
Filmmakers & Financiers

Five Insightful Talks by Leading Experts & More

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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 New York City 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 School of Visual Arts (SVA). Their facilities are conveniently located near the corner of 23rd Street & 3rd Avenue.

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 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 & Distribution: How to Get the Best Results for Your Film

    Gregoire Gensollen (bio), VP of Int'l Distribution & Strategy at top foreign sales company FilmNation; in charge of int'l sales pricing, financial analysis, distribution strategy, business development & strategic planning; works with financiers & producers such as See-Saw ("King's Speech"), Relativity ("Snow White") & Pedro Almodovar's El Deseo; fmr. VP of Int'l Strategic & Sales Planning at Lionsgate; worked on Paul Haggis's "Next 3 Days," "Hunger Games," "Kick-Ass," "Blitz," "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen"; previously at Focus Features, Fox Searchlight, Warner Bros, Paramount & Samuel Goldwyn Films; fmr. Assistant to producers Fred Roos & Steve Golin … (more) »

  2. Basics of Private Equity & Securities: Know the Rules to Raise Money from Investors

    Robert Seigel, Esq. (bio), Partner at Cowan, DeBaets, Abrahams & Sheppard, focusing on film & TV; leading entertainment attorney representing directors, producers, writers, distributors & foreign sales agents; Counsel & Consultant to many successful indies or their filmmakers, incl. "Twelve," "Love Ranch," "I Sell the Dead," "Alphabet Killer," "Pieces of April," "Interview," "3 Backyards," "10th & Wolf," "Last Winter," "Dummy," "Blind Date," "Book of Love," "The Duel," "It Had to Be You," "Planet B-Boy," "Which Way Home," "Prodigal Sons," "Sordid Things," "Runaway," "40 Shades of Blue," "Grief Tourist," "Brother to Brother" … (more) »

  3. Does Your Movie Have Talent? How Casting Impacts Film Finance

    Kimberly Skyrme (bio), casting professional & indie producer with 20+ years experience on numerous projects such as "Deep Impact," "Hearts in Atlantis," "Beloved," "Pelican Brief," "True Lies" & "Unsolved Mysteries"; Founder & Casting Director at Kimberly Skyrme Casting; Producer at award winning Wonder Wheel Media ("Death of a Nation," "Twice Exceptional"); fmr. Casting Director at ACTOR, CACI Int'l (NYSE:CACI) & Central Casting; Board Member at Women in Film & TV Int'l (WIFTI); Advisory Board Member at Nat'l Conservatory of Dramatic Arts; fmr. Board Member at Women in Film & Video (DC); fmr. Volunteer Manager at AFI's Silverdocs Documentary Festival … (more) »

  4. Incentivize, Don't Penalize: Tax Incentives Can Help or Hurt Your Project

    Kenneth Blaine (bio), Film Tax Credit Specialist & Account Exec at Tax Credits, LLC; expert in placing & monetizing tax credits for independents & studios; built large base of corporate & individual buyers; evaluated legislation & helped several states design & improve incentive programs; firm completed 1,300 transactions & sold $460M+ in state tax credits … (more) »

  5. The Bottom Line: Producer Craft to Maximize Budgets

    Kim Jackson (bio), Founder/CEO at Streetwise Pictures; veteran producer with 15+ years in film, TV & commercials; credits include Spike Lee's "Inside Man" (Clive Owen, Denzel Washington, Jodi Foster), Spielberg's "Munich" (Eric Bana, Daniel Craig, Geoffrey Rush), "Click" (Adam Sandler, Kate Beckinsale, Christopher Walken), award winner "Children of God," Sundance Grand Jury Prize nominee "Gun Hill Road," "Young Americans" (Lukas Haas), Sundance selection "Tub," "Good Intentions" & Hamptons selection "Tran.si.tions"; fmr. Exec. Director at Malibu Celebration of Film; fmr. Ops Manager at Tribeca & Hamptons Film Fests; fmr. Director at Global Peace Film Fest; taught at Boston U. … (more) »

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Featured Moderator

Moderator headshotThe event will be moderated by Kaiser Wahab (bio), a seasoned media, entertainment and tech attorney and partner at entrepreneurial law firm Wahab & Medenica. He routinely handles such issues as emerging growth, partnerships, financing, e-commerce and intellectual property for his diverse clientele. A graduate of Cornell University and Columbia Law School, Kaiser has assisted individual filmmakers, entrepreneurs and small business owners as well as multinational corporations manage their business operations. As Executive Vice President of independent film company Anywhere Road Entertainment, he was intimately involved in the financing and distribution of all the company's movies, including multiple award winner "Black Irish" (Michael Angarano) and Sundance Grand Jury Prize nominee "A Very British Gangster." Kaiser currently also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Columbia University, teaching feature film finance. (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   9:15 PM Two Featured Presentations with Q&A (2x 30 mins)
  9:15 PM   9:30 PM Networking Break (15 mins)
  9:30 PM 10:00 PM Moderated Panel Discussion with Q&A (30 mins)
10:00 PM+ Community Time at Area Restaurant

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Townhall Venue

School of Visual Arts: Film, Video & Animation Department

209 E 23rd St
(between 2nd & 3rd Ave)
Rm 502 - 5th Fl
New York, NY 10010
(212) 592-2000

Map: Get a map of 209 E 23rd St at Ask, Bing, Google, MapQuest or Yahoo.

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Our Host

Host logoThis month's Film Financing Townhall in New York is hosted by the esteemed School of Visual Arts (SVA), one of the nation's largest independent, regionally accredited art and film schools. Located in the heart of New York City, SVA is an established leader and innovator in the education of artists, offering graduate, undergraduate and continuing-education classes.

From its inception in 1947 as a trade school with three instructors and 35 students, SVA has grown into a dynamic, multidisciplinary institution with a faculty of more than 800 and a student body of almost 3,500. The School distinguishes itself by its extensive facilities, state-of-the-art equipment, unique program philosophies, and the size, breadth and professional standing of its faculty.

Very special thanks for making this event possible go to SVA's Film, Video and Animation Department and its Chairman, Reeves Lehmann. Department members are industry-renowned for turning ideas into cinematic works of art. The faculty even includes Oscar winners. SVA is one of the best-equipped film and animation schools in the country with industry-standard digital facilities that rival many professional studios.

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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

Kaiser Wahab

Moderator

Speaker headshot 10Kaiser Wahab is a seasoned business, intellectual property, technology and entertainment lawyer with the Manhattan firm of Wahab & Medenica LLC, whose attorneys are hands-on business people and counselors. A graduate of Cornell University and Columbia Law School, he routinely assists film producers and entrepreneurs in crafting investment structures. He is also an Adjunct Professor at Columbia University School of the Arts, instructing students in venture financing and private offerings of securities for feature film vehicles. Kaiser's client list has included Das Films ("Veronika Decides to Die" with Sarah Michelle Gellar), Yash Raj Films, Anywhere Road Entertainment (as Executive Vice President), Andrew Paquin and his movie "Open House" featuring Oscar winner Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer, Faulkner Award winning author Phillip Jennings, and others. Kaiser has broad experience, having worked on films that run the gamut from Bollywood productions such as "Ta Ra Rum Pum" with Rani Mukerji and Saif Ali Khan, to indie comedies such as "The Oh in Ohio" starring Parker Posey, Paul Rudd and Danny DeVito. With Anywhere Road, he was intimately involved in the clearance, financing and distribution of all the company's films, including the Sundance Grand Jury Prize nominated documentary "A Very British Gangster" and "Black Irish" (Michael Angarano, Brendan Gleeson) by Brad Gann, writer of "Invincible." He also developed the financing and business model for Imagine Fashion's video collective, which features top fashion photography and modeling names. Beginning his career with Pryor Cashman LLP, Kaiser later joined Day Pitney LLP, where he handled licensing, trademark/copyright and contractual issues for companies like Microsoft and UTC. In addition to that, he clerked at the US Court of International Trade. Kaiser is published in the Cardozo Arts & Entertainment Journal, and he has lectured and presented at Harvard Law School, Columbia University and the School of Visual Arts on film financing, copyright and digital media. He has also served as Chair of the Corporations Law Committee at the New York County Lawyers Association. He sits on the Advisory Board for Heart Gallery NYC, a nonprofit that places foster children with families. (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

Tuesday, August 16, 2011 from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM (ET)

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Where

School of Visual Arts
209 E 23rd Street
Room 502 - 5th floor
New York, NY 10010




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Hosted By

IIFF New York Metro 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.

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