This event has ended!
View current events hosted by IIFF Greater Los Angeles
IIFF's Film Financing Workshop (September 2009):
|
|
Event Details
IIFF/LA Film Financing Workshop With Top Film Finance Attorney –
Investor Financing of Independent Films: How to Raise That Equity Component
abstract | instructor | venue | schedule | program | bios | registration | help
*** Fast-track your fundraising progress at IIFF's networking-oriented Film Financing Townhall on September 24 in Hollywood ***
"In today's ever-changing market, filmmakers need to have a working understanding of a wide variety of financial models in order to successfully fund the different phases of their projects. This one-day seminar supplements other IIFF presentations by providing an in-depth explanation of the equity component […] and how it relates to other forms of film finance." — John Cones, Esq.
The 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 learning experience features veteran securities/entertainment attorney John Cones (bio), author of the now-classic "43 Ways to Finance Your Feature Film," for the first time in a full-day format! It forms an integral part of IIFF's unrivaled series of in-depth seminars featuring such luminaries 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). John Cones' "Investor Financing of Independent Films" 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 offers a highly topical program taught by a expert instructor 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.) Similarly, film investors and financial intermediaries such as bankers, attorneys, executive producers, etc. are well advised to not only take a close look at (notoriously hard to evaluate) screenplays, talent attachments, and production budgets, but also familiarize themselves with a wide and ever-changing array of financing sources, incentives and strategies in order to find the right fit for each and every project.
Of all sources of financing for independent film, equity investments are arguably the most essential. To maximize their chances of success, film entrepreneurs need to equip themselves with a detailed understanding & plan before setting out to raise capital from investors. Without a well-informed and effective financing plan, even the most promising film venture can easily turn into a protracted odyssey and may ultimately be doomed to fail (or, at least, fail to live up to its full potential). Moreover, the right financing strategy is a key component of any viable business plan – the entrepreneur's systematic road map for success and the single most important document any serious investor needs to see, evaluate, and understand.
As filmmaker or financier, or if you are just curious about film finance, ask yourself these questions:
- What is the best financing strategy for each phase of a movie project?
- Should you approach single & multiple-film offerings differently?
- Can investor funding be combined with other film finance options?
- How do you recognize if fundraising activities involve the sale of securities?
- When is a securities disclosure document required, and not just a business plan?
- How do the contents of a business plan and private placement memorandum differ?
- What choice of investment vehicle do you have for active vs. passive investors?
- Should you conduct a public or private offering of securities?
- What are the rules associated with each type of offering?
- How do you comply with securities notice filing requirements?
- What are the real (hidden & obvious) costs of a securities offering?
- Are you familiar with legitimate marketing strategies for a private offering?
- What do you know about using the Internet to raise money for a movie?
- Does your offering document have to include financial projections?
- How do you find the right prospective investors for your film?
IIFF cordially invites you to get answers to these and other key questions at a hands-on Film Financing Workshop with leading film finance attorney John Cones (bio). Our veteran instructor has helped prepare the business plans and/or disclosure documents for well over 250 non-securities & securities offerings for feature films, television pilots, and other entertainment projects. His deep insights are not simply based on anecdotal evidence or varying personal experience, but on thorough and comprehensive analysis that has elevated him to the status of a widely respected expert and published author. What is more, the lessons conveyed are specifically relevant to the investor financing of independent films, as opposed to, say, the bank financing of studio pictures where different principles may apply.
Who 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. 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 top expert, and connect with like-minded peers (and potential collaborators) in the process!
^top | abstract | instructor | venue | schedule | program | bios | registration | help
This Workshop will be expertly taught by John W. Cones (bio), a Los Angeles-based securities and entertainment attorney who has advised film, video and television producers for nearly 20 years. His industry-leading law practice focuses on investor/equity financing (non-securities and securities offerings) of independent entertainment projects and business start-ups. John has participated in the preparation of business plans and/or the required disclosure documents for well over 250 such offerings for feature film development deals, production funds and completion funds, along with documentaries, music projects and television pilots. Furthermore, he is the author of the now-classic guide to independent film financing, "43 Ways to Finance Your Feature Film: A Comprehensive Analysis of Film Finance," as well as several other topical books.
^top | abstract | instructor | venue | schedule | program | bios | registration | help
L.A. Film Studies Center (LAFSC)
5455 Wilshire Boulevard (at S. Cochran Ave.)
Suite 1615 – 16th floor
Los Angeles, CA 90036
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.
This Film Financing Workshop is hosted by the L.A. Film Studies Center (LAFSC), an intensive semester program designed for final-semester seniors from colleges all over the U.S. who are completing film or communications degrees.
Special thanks go to Rebecca Ver Straten-McSparran, the Director of the L.A. Film Studies Center, for making this event possible!
^top | abstract | instructor | venue | schedule | program | bios | registration | help
| From | To | What |
| 10:00 AM | 10:30 AM | Registration, Welcome & Networking (30 mins) |
| 10:30 AM | 12:30 PM | Workshop Session I with John Cones (2 hrs) |
| 12:30 PM | 1:15 PM | Lunch & Networking Break (45 mins) |
| 1:15 PM | 3:15 PM | Workshop Session II with John Cones (2 hrs) |
| 3:15 PM | 3:30 PM | Networking Break (15 mins) |
| 3:30 PM | 5:30 PM | Workshop Session III with John Cones (2 hrs) |
| 5:30 PM | 5:45 PM | Networking Break (15 mins) |
| 5:45 PM | 6:00 PM | FilmAngels Briefing with Q&A (15 mins) |
| 6:00+ PM | Community Time at Area Restaurant | |
^top | abstract | instructor | venue | schedule | program | bios | registration | help
Session I – 2 hours with John Cones (bio) »
Film Finance Overview
- The Broader View: "43 Ways to Finance Your Feature Film"
- Industry Financing
- Lender Financing
- Investor Financing
- Foreign Finance Options
- 5 Most Common Film Finance/Distribution Scenarios
- In-House Production/Distribution
- Production Financing/Distribution Agreement
- Negative Pickup, Etc.
- Acquisition Distribution Deal
- Rent-A-Distributor Deal
Initial Documentation With Which to Approach Financing Sources
- Producer's Package
- Business Plan
- Securities Disclosure Document
- Prospectus
- Private Placement Offering Memorandum (PPM)
Session II – 2 hours with John Cones (bio) »
Investor Financing Strategies (Uses of Investor Financing)
- Single & Multiple-Film Development Offerings
- Single & Multiple-Film Production Offerings
- Single & Multiple-Film P&A Offerings
- Completion Funds
- Investor Funding for Co-Production Deals
- Investor Funding Combined With Other Film Finance Options
Choice of Investment Vehicle: Practical Considerations
- Active vs. Passive Investors
- Recognizing When Fundraising Involves Sale of Securities & When It Doesn't
- When to Use a Business Plan
- When a Securities Disclosure Document Is Required
- Differences in Contents of Business Plan vs. PPM
- Long-Term or Project Financing
- Up-Front Cost
Session III – 2 hours with John Cones (bio) »
Federal & State Securities Law Compliance
- Public, Private or Hybrid Offerings
- Notice Filing Requirements
Private Offering Marketing Strategies: Expanding Your Pool of Prospective Investors
- Offering Costs
- Internet Film Offerings
- Feature Film Financial Projections
- Keys to Finding Investors (Start With Their Motivation)
Wrap & Q&A
^top | abstract | instructor | venue | schedule | program | bios | registration | help
– John W. Cones, Esq. (instructor): John is a leading securities and entertainment attorney who has practiced in Los Angeles and area for almost 20 years, advising independent feature film producers and others on matters relating to investor financing of feature films and other entertainment projects. He has prepared or participated in the preparation of business plans and/or the required securities disclosure documents, along with Blue Sky compliance, for more than 250 such offerings during his 18-year securities law career, including public and private production-money offerings for feature films, television pilots, documentaries, infomercials, live stage plays and Internet companies. John's clients have produced or distributed some 50 feature and documentary films with funds raised through such offerings. Other such offerings have been conducted for development, packaging and completion funding. In a broader sense, John also works with entrepreneurs on the investor financing of business startups. He has lectured more than 350 times to an aggregate audience of approximately 5,400 on topics relating to film finance and distribution for the American Film Institute (AFI), the UCLA graduate-level Independent Producers Program, UCLA Extension, the USC Cinema/TV School, the USC Cinema/TV Alumni Association, IFP/West, American University (Washington, DC), the Nashville Bar Association, Cal Western School of Law, the University of Texas Entertainment Law Institute, North Carolina School of the Arts, California Lawyers for the Arts, Columbia College Hollywood and other film industry organizations. In addition to numerous articles, John has authored several books on those same topics including "Introduction to the Film Industry: A Guide for Students, Filmmakers and Scholars", "Dictionary of Film Finance and Distribution: A Guide for Independent Filmmakers", "Film Industry Contracts", "43 Ways to Finance Your Film", "The Feature Film Distribution Deal" and "Hollywood Wars". He also hosts an online discussion forum about investor financing of entertainment projects and maintains a website for his law practice. John is a member of the California and Texas Bar Associations. He resides in Westlake Village, CA. »
– Thomas Trenker: A 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 | instructor | venue | schedule | program | bios | registration | help
Online registration is available at http://gla.filmfinancing.org/091209 (top of this page)
| Ticket type | IIFF Member | Non-member | Registration deadline |
| Early bird | $150 | $195 | July 21 |
| Regular | $170 | $215 | September 4 |
| Last minute | $190 | $235 | September 11 |
| On-site (at the door) | $220 | $265 | September 12 |
To learn more about membership with IIFF, email our Membership Bureau, or approach an IIFF team member at or after the event.
^top | abstract | instructor | venue | schedule | program | bios | registration | help
Please direct all your questions and inquiries regarding this event to IIFF's online forum at http://forum.filmfinancing.org.
Having trouble with Eventbrite (this site), 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 | instructor | venue | schedule | program | bios | registration | help
|
The Buzz: The following quotes are samples of what others say 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, 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! […] 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 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 [Thomas Trenker's] presentation especially useful. As a former quant at Putnam Investments, I tend to dig into the numbers and [Thomas 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 "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 Would you like to speak out? We want to hear from you! Send us your comments by email. |
^top | abstract | instructor | venue | schedule | program | bios | registration | help
Link to us:
Please support IIFF's nonprofit mission by spreading the word!
- IIFF/LA Workshop on 9/12 ... http://gla.filmfinancing.org/091209
- Latest IIFF Workshop in LA ... http://gla.filmfinancing.org/latest-ws
- Latest IIFF Townhall in LA ... http://gla.filmfinancing.org/latest-thm
- Latest IIFF event in Los Angeles ... http://gla.filmfinancing.org/latest
- Latest IIFF event in the Bay Area ... http://sfb.filmfinancing.org/latest
- Latest IIFF event in Vancouver ... http://pnw.filmfinancing.org/latest
- Latest IIFF event in New York ... http://nym.filmfinancing.org/latest
- Latest IIFF event in New England ... http://ne6.filmfinancing.org/latest
- Latest IIFF event in Washington, DC ... http://bdc.filmfinancing.org/latest
- Latest IIFF event in Florida ... http://fla.filmfinancing.org/latest
- Latest IIFF event in London, UK ... http://lon.filmfinancing.org/latest
- Latest IIFF event anywhere ... http://all.filmfinancing.org/latest
- IIFF homepage: "Connecting Film & Finance" ... http://www.filmfinancing.org
Bookmark this event:
Keep in touch:
Join IIFF's online forum & discussion mailing list at http://forum.filmfinancing.org
^top | abstract | instructor | venue | schedule | program | bios | registration | help
Workshop contents & title are Copyright © 2009 John Cones & Thomas Trenker. All other content is Copyright © 2009 Institute for Int'l Film Financing (IIFF). All rights reserved.
When & Where
L.A. Film Studies Center
5455 Wilshire Boulevard
Suite 1615
Los Angeles,
CA 90036
Saturday, September 12, 2009 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (PT)
Add to my calendar
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.