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IIFF San Francisco Townhall Meeting (January 2008)Thursday, January 31, 2008 from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM (PT)San Francisco, CA |
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Event Details
IIFF/SF Townhall Meeting at Academy of Art University –
Where Film & Finance Meet to Succeed Together
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*** Don't miss our latest Workshop or Townhall Meeting near you! In Los Angeles? Check out IIFF's LA events. ***
The Bay Area chapter of the Institute for International Film Financing (IIFF) continues its popular series of monthly gatherings at the junction of film & finance with another special Townhall Meeting in San Francisco. Our friends at Academy of Art University are again hosting us at their new facilities in the City's SoMa district, conveniently located just a short walk from S.F. Caltrain Station at 4th & King.
This "grassroots" community get-together is designed to foster & inform productive relationships between attending professionals and to provide 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 again welcome real-world financiers among our guests for the evening!
IIFF's one-of-a-kind mission is to sustainably expand the scope & appeal of film financing, and to do so for the benefit of the public at large. True to our proven motto of "democratizing film financing," IIFF's regular, monthly Townhall Meetings bring together a wide array of professionals from relevant backgrounds in film, finance and beyond for a vibrant evening of insightful presentations and speeches, inspiring discussion and focused networking. Past meetings (e.g.: January '08 Los Angeles Townhall in Venice, CA & January '08 New York Metro Townhall in Manhattan | December '07 Bay Area Townhall in San Francisco, CA, December '07 Los Angeles Townhall in Santa Monica, CA, December '07 New York Metro Townhall in Manhattan & December '07 New England Townhall in Providence, RI | November '07 Bay Area Townhall in San Francisco & November '07 New England Townhall in Norwalk, CT | October '07 Los Angeles Townhall in Santa Monica, CA, October '07 New York Metro Townhall in Manhattan & October '07 New England Townhall in Boston, MA | September '07 Los Angeles Townhall in Santa Monica, CA & September '07 New England Townhall in Norwalk, CT | August '07 Los Angeles Townhall in Santa Monica, CA & August '07 New York Metro Townhall in Manhattan | July '07 New York Metro Townhall in Manhattan & July '07 Los Angeles Townhall in Santa Monica, CA | June '07 New York Metro Townhall in Manhattan | May '07 New York Metro Townhall in Manhattan & May '07 Bay Area Townhall in Mountain View, CA | April '07 New York Metro Townhall in Manhattan & April '07 Bay Area Townhall in San Francisco, CA | March '07 New England Townhall in Stowe, VT, March '07 Bay Area Townhall in San Rafael, CA & March '07 New York Metro Townhall in Manhattan | February '07 Townhall West in San Francisco, CA & February '07 Townhall East in New York City | January '07 Townhall in Santa Cruz, CA | December '06 Townhall East in New York City & December '06 Townhall West in San Francisco, CA | October '06 Townhall in New York City | September '06 Townhall in Oakland, CA | July '06 Townhall in Palo Alto, CA | June '06 Townhall in San José, CA | May '06 Townhall in San Francisco, CA | April '06 Townhall at Stanford business school) have reliably delivered useful insights into the business of film, provided valuable networking opportunities, and managed to draw large and enthusiastic crowds.
Who should attend? Entrepreneurs, technologists, attorneys, bankers, investment managers, venture capitalists and other non-film professionals are cordially invited to learn more about independent film. Are you considering taking an active role in film or would you like to expand your current involvement? Don't miss this opportunity to connect with the like-minded… Established and aspiring filmmakers are, naturally, more than welcome to join us as well!
The evening's five presentations plus panel discussion will address key issues relevant to filmmakers, financiers, and anyone interested in the economics, business mechanics, and financial dynamics of film. They will be followed by Q&A time. Attendees will also have ample opportunity to interact & network with our distinguished presenters and panelists and amongst themselves.
An informal après-meeting celebration will take place at an area restaurant.
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Featured Moderator:
The event will be moderated by Thomas Trenker (LinkedIn profile | full bio | brief bio) who founded the Institute for Int'l Film Financing (IIFF) and runs FilmAngels, the world's first professional angel investor organization for independent film. Besides that and organizing a variety of events and initiatives at the junction of filmmaking, entrepreneurship and venture capital, Mr. Trenker 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 in person at this or another upcoming IIFF meeting.
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Meeting Venue:
Academy of Art University (AAU) – School of Motion Pictures & Television
466 Townsend Street (btw. 5th & 6th St.)
Room #230 – 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 month's Film Financing Townhall in the Bay Area 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 Jack Isgro, AAU's Department Director of Motion Pictures & Television, for making this event possible!
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Schedule:
6:00-6:30 pm ... Registration, welcome & introductions
6:30-7:45 pm ... Three featured presentations with Q&A (3x 25 min)
7:45-8:00 pm ... Networking break I (15 min)
8:00-9:00 pm ... Two featured presentations with Q&A (2x 30 min)
9:00-9:15 pm ... Networking break II (15 min)
9:15-10:00 pm ... Moderated panel discussion with Q&A (45 min)
10:00+ pm ... Community time at area restaurant
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Program Details:
1) The Seven Deadly Sins of Filmmaking: Do's & Dont's in Commercially Exploiting Indies — by Margaret Tritch (bio) »
2) Equity Financing for Movies: Understanding Private Placement Memos (PPMs) & Other Instruments — by Daniel Riviera, Esq. (bio) »
3) Screenwriting for Success: Using Story to Get Your Movie Financed & Made — by Sam Fisk (bio) »
4) Merchandising: The Lost Art of Developing Your Film — by Jennie-Sue Nuccio (bio) »
5) The Overseas Production Option: Viable for Indies? A Case Study from Eastern Europe — by Thomas Logoreci (bio) »
6) Hollywood Profits: Quantitative Drivers of Motion Picture Profitability — by Thomas Trenker (bio) »
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Speaker Bios:
– C. Margaret Tritch (topic): A former international investment banker turned film distribution & publishing executive, Ms. Tritch is the President of Maitland Primrose Group (MPG) —running MPG's multi-platform media business— and the Publisher of Moving Pictures Magazine. Headquartered in Phoenix, AZ, with offices in Los Angeles & New York, MPG is a multi-faceted media corporation whose mission is to enlighten audiences through thought-provoking & entertaining media products. MPG's holdings include: Moving Pictures Magazine, a quarterly publication that reports on the social, artistic & political elements shaping the world of movies, and that hosts hosts media lounges at the major film festivals; MovingPicturesMagazine.com, the online destination that provides connectivity to the magazine, Moving Pictures Short Film Contests, filmed interviews & film festivals; Maitland Primrose Film Distribution, the US theatrical & video distribution label; and Moving Pictures Film & Television, its international sales & distribution arm. Ms. Tritch took over running the company during the first half of 2004. Previously, she worked in international finance & business for eight years in London & New York. Moreover, Ms. Tritch is a member of the California Bar and Solicitor in England & Wales. Before working in international finance & business, she was a litigator in Los Angeles. Ms. Tritch holds a Bachelor's degree from Arizona State University, a Juris Doctorate from Pepperdine University, and a Master's degree from the London School of Economics (LSE). »
– Daniel Riviera, Esq. (topic): Mr. Riviera is a seasoned entertainment & intellectual property attorney with extensive professional experience in film, TV, music, publishing, trademarks & copyright. He practiced law in Los Angeles for many years before moving to the Bay Area. Mr. Riviera represents both individual artists & companies, and has worked for clients involved in all aspects of the development, production, financing & distribution of movies, TV & music. Past clients have included Carolco Pictures, Imagine Entertainment, Spelling Entertainment, The Groundlings, Keiko Matsui & Gilda Radner. Since coming to the Bay Area, independent film, music, video games, and book authors & publishing have occupied a greater proportion of his practice. Current clients include Oscar-nominated filmmakers, film companies producing narrative work with a social or political edge, award-winning singer-songwriters & prominent authors. Mr. Riviera's practice also involves intellectual property (trademarks & copyright), the Internet & new media, and corporate work including entity formation & financing, nonprofit corporations, employment law, and the license & sale of assets. He is a graduate of Harvard College & Georgetown University Law Center. »
– Sam Fisk (topic): Mr. Fisk is an accomplished screenwriting professional & teacher. A former Story Analyst at Oscar-winning animation studio Pixar (now part of Disney), Mr. Fisk currently works as a screenwriter, coach, development executive and "gun for hire" story editor when not teaching about the facets of story & screenwriting as an Instructor at Academy of Art University (AAU). »
– Jennie-Sue Nuccio (topic): Ms. Nuccio has been a production consultant on many successful projects, large & small. A writer, actor & musician, she began her career as an award-winning experimental director in New York. Besides helming her own work as a filmmaker, she has worked as a script doctor, consultant & producer on films that have been heralded from Sundance to Tokyo. A festival habitué, Ms. Nuccio started a company, Harpswell Moving Pictures, helping others navigate the film festival circuit. Since 2001, she has served in multiple capacities at Lucasfilm, contributing to the success of the "Star Wars" series, "Episode II: Attack of the Clones" & "Episode III: Revenge of the Sith." Previously, Ms. Nuccio worked at NBC News and as a full-time White House Intern during the Clinton administration, a job that, she says, taught her more about Hollywood then she'd ever learn in L.A. Ms. Nuccio studied at New York University (NYU), the Juilliard School of Music & Mount Holyoke College. »
– Thomas Logoreci (topic): Mr. Logoreci is a successful independent filmmaker & writer, producer & editor, occasional cameraman, and performer/actor. He is primarily known for his work with actor/director/screenwriter & cult figure Caveh Zahedi, although he has also worked with the likes of award-winning San Francisco filmmaker Jay Rosenblatt & many others. Mr. Logoreci recently produced Caveh Zahedi's widely acclaimed feature "I Am a Sex Addict" which premiered at the prestigious International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR), was subsequently picked up for distribution by IFC Films, and aired on Showtime & The Movie Channel in 2007. As a cinematographer, he shot Zahedi's musical doc "Tripping With Caveh", his short films "I Was Possessed By God" & "The World is a Classroom", as well as Jay Rosenblatt's experimental documentary "I Used To Be A Filmmaker" which aired on Cinemax & PBS. Mr. Logoreci has also directed his own films, including "9/10" which aired as part of the "Underground Zero" anthology on the Sundance Channel. His next project is entitled "Albania - Who Cares?". Mr. Logoreci lives in San Francisco, and regularly contributes as a writer to publications such as SF 360, Release Print & GreenCine. »
– Thomas Trenker (topic): 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 FilmAngels 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. »
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Registration:
Online registration is available at http://events.filmfinancing.org/sfb/?id=013108 (top of this page)
Early bird registration NLT Wednesday, January 9:
IIFF Member ... $25 if registered online no later than 1/9
Non-member ... $40
Regular registration NLT Wednesday, January 23:
IIFF Member ... $35 if registered online no later than 1/23
Non-member ... $50
Last minute registration NLT Wednesday, January 30:
IIFF Member ... $45 if registered online no later than 1/30
Non-member ... $60
On-site registration (at the door):
IIFF Member ... $55
Non-member ... $70
To learn more about membership with IIFF, email our Membership Bureau, or approach an IIFF team member at or after the event.
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Questions?
Please direct all your questions and inquiries regarding this event to IIFF's online community forum at http://forum.filmfinancing.org.
Having trouble with Eventbrite (this site), PayPal or Google Checkout? Get help in IIFF's online forum. (You can also notify us by email well in advance of the event, and register on-site.)
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The Buzz: The following is a sampling of what others are saying 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 Would you like to speak out? We want to hear from you! Send us your comments by email. |
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Copyright © 2008 Institute for Int'l Film Financing, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
When & Where
Academy of Art University
466 Townsend Street
Room 230 - 2nd floor
San Francisco,
CA 94107
Thursday, January 31, 2008 from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM (PT)
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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.