Free newsletter: Stay on top of the ever-changing world of film finance. Sign up now!
IIFF New York City Film Financing Townhall in Manhattan...

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

Tuesday, June 14, 2011 from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM (ET)

New York, NY


This event has ended!
View current events hosted by IIFF New York Metro Area


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
*** Special: Full Membership (1 year) + FREE Townhall ticket ***   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

Eight Insightful Talks by Leading Experts & More

AddThis button (small)

^top | abstract | attendees | program | moderator | schedule | venue | register | help | bios | buzz | about | links

 
 
 

*** Don't miss other events in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver, Toronto, New York and London ***

 
 
 

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 eight 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.

^top | abstract | attendees | program | moderator | schedule | venue | register | help | bios | buzz | about | links

 
 
 

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.

^top | abstract | attendees | program | moderator | schedule | venue | register | help | bios | buzz | about | links

 
 
 

Program Details

  1. Co-Financing & Co-Producing Independent Films Across Continents

    Rene Bastian (bio), President at production & distribution company Belladonna Productions, which develops, finances, produces & distributes quality independent films & int'l co-productions; Producer of many award-winning features ("Funny Games," "Transamerica," "Guide to Recognizing Your Saints," "L.I.E."), that won at Sundance, Berlin, Venice, Deauville & Toronto; also garnered Golden Globe, Grammy & 2 Oscar nominations; among Variety's 10 Producers to Watch … (more) »

  2. What Film Buyers Seek: A Look at Modern Distribution

    Dori Begley (bio), VP of Acquisitions at Magnolia Pictures; recent films include "Man on Wire," "Food Inc.," "I Am Love," "Page One: A Year Inside the New York Times" & Lars von Trier's "Melancholia"; fmr. Assoc. Programmer at 2007 Tribeca Film Fest; fmr. Manager of Acquisitions at Sony Pictures Classics, worked on titles from directors Pedro Almodovar, David Gordon Green, Spike Lee, Terry Zwigoff, Stacy Peralta, Larry Charles, Robert Altman … (more) »

  3. Raising Equity: How to Get Your Movie Funded

    Isen Robbins (bio), prolific indie film producer; Founder at Intrinsic Value Films & Red Giant Media; produced 25+ feature films that received 4 Independent Spirit Award nominations & Special Grand Jury Prize at Sundance; premiered 6 films at Sundance incl. "The Skeptic" (Zoe Saldana, Tim Daly), "The Hebrew Hammer" (Judy Greer, Adam Goldberg), "The Alphabet Killer" (Eliza Dushku, Cary Elwes) & "XX/XY" (Mark Ruffalo); worked in foreign & domestic sales, knows marketplace & players … (more) »

  4. Transmedia & Your Project's Potential

    Brian Newman (bio), Founder of Sub-Genre Consulting, helps filmmakers distribute content, connect with audiences & use new technology effectively; Partner in int'l consulting firm The Futures Agency; fmr. CEO of Tribeca Film Institute, created ground-breaking partnership with Amazon to digitize & disseminate 1000+ hard-to-find films/videos; fmr. Exec. Director of Image Film & Video Center (Atlanta Film Festival); fmr. Board Officer at Grantmakers in Film & Electronic Media for 5 years … (more) »

  5. Talent & Finance: The POV of Casting

    Eve Pomerance (bio), who has 15+ years of in-depth entertainment industry experience; Producer, Casting Director, Production Manager & Writer on such films as "As Good as Dead" (Cary Elwes, Brian Cox, Andie MacDowell), "Festival of Lights" (Aidan Quinn, Jimi Mistry), "The Hottest Day of the Year" (1991), "I Is a Long Memoried Woman" (1990), "Shop the World" (2004) … (more) »

  6. The DVD Market: Is There Still Demand for Your Movie?

    Allen Chou (bio), President of NJ-based distributor Passion River Films, specializing in documentaries, art house & special interest titles to theaters, VOD, libraries, colleges & home video; started with just 4 films, now full-service distributor with 300+ titles; released 200+ films through partnership with Netflix; placed DVDs into such retailers as Blockbuster, Walmart, Best Buy, Barnes & Noble, Borders, Hastings … (more) »

  7. Directorial Organization: Locating & Managing an Entire Film Crew

    Mike Sergio (bio), Emmy winning director, screenwriter, producer & distributor; started as actor, musician & singer in Manhattan clubs (Bitter End, Folk City, Comic Strip & Original Improvisation), on Broadway ("I Love My Wife"), TV & films; actor on Sidney Lumet's "Prince of the City", Mark Rosman's "House on Sorority Row," Bill Reilly's "Men of Respect" (John Turturro, Rod Steiger); TV roles on "The Equalizer," "Loving," "Ryan's Hope," "The Street," "Law & Order," "Kojak" … (more) »

  8. Distribution Deals: Convincing Ways to Sell Your Project

    Isil Bagdadi (bio), Co-Founder & President at CAVU Pictures, started in 2001 to finance, develop, produce, acquire & distribute independent films; Exec. Producer of Slamdance winner "The Holy Land" & multi-award winning indie "Take Out"; produced "Under Hellgate Bridge," which won numerous film festival awards & premiered on ABC; oversaw theatrical releases of award-winning doc "The Real Dirt on Farmer John," Ivan Reitman's hit comedy "Trailer Park Boys," Robert Davi's "The Dukes" (Chazz Palminteri, Peter Bogdanovich), "The Holy Land," "Take Out" & "Under Hellgate Bridge" … (more) »

^top | abstract | attendees | program | moderator | schedule | venue | register | help | bios | buzz | about | links

 
 
 

Featured Moderator

Moderator headshotThe event will be moderated by Stuart Ginsberg (bio), a marketing and communications consultant for over 20 years, whose extensive experience includes film festival strategies, branding, unit publicity and grassroots marketing. He has helped movies, production companies and entertainment professionals gain exposure and distribution deals through the development of innovative and creative campaigns. Stuart has developed low-budget "breakthrough" marketing strategies for feature film projects, TV pilots, games, comic books and short films, including projects that have appeared at the IFP, Comic-Con, Tribeca Film Festival, NY Television Festival and Fort Lauderdale Film Festival. (more) »

^top | abstract | attendees | program | moderator | schedule | venue | register | help | bios | buzz | about | links

 
 
 

Schedule

From To What
  7:00 PM Kick-Off & Welcome
  7:00 PM   8:00 PM Four Featured Presentations with Q&A (4x 15 mins)
  8:00 PM   8:15 PM Networking Break (15 mins)
  8:15 PM   9:15 PM Four Featured Presentations with Q&A (4x 15 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

^top | abstract | attendees | program | moderator | schedule | venue | register | help | bios | buzz | about | links

 
 
   
 
 

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.

^top | abstract | attendees | program | moderator | schedule | venue | register | help | bios | buzz | about | links

 
 
 

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.

^top | abstract | attendees | program | moderator | schedule | venue | register | help | bios | buzz | about | links

 
 
 

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.

^top | abstract | attendees | program | moderator | schedule | venue | register | help | bios | buzz | about | links

 
 
 

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.

^top | abstract | attendees | program | moderator | schedule | venue | register | help | bios | buzz | about | links

 
 
 

Speaker Bios

Stuart Ginsberg

Moderator

Speaker headshot 10A marketing and communications consultant for over 20 years, Stuart Ginsberg's extensive experience includes film festival strategies, branding, unit publicity and grassroots marketing. He has helped movies, production companies and entertainment professionals gain exposure and distribution deals through the development of innovative and creative campaigns. Mr. Ginsberg has developed low-budget "breakthrough" marketing strategies for feature film projects, TV pilots, games, comic books and short films, including projects that have appeared at the IFP, Comic-Con, Tribeca Film Festival, NY Television Festival and Fort Lauderdale Film Festival. Through his work, he has helped producers and directors achieve press coverage, raise money, achieve distribution and obtain representation for their projects. Mr. Ginsberg is also an active producer of independent films, currently working as a writer, director and producer on his independent documentary "Wednesdays at A's" about Lower East Side underground artist Arleen Schloss and the Sci-Fi feature "Shockwave, Darkside." His last producing project "Followers" garnered numerous film festival awards and received national distribution by Julian Schlossberg's Castle Hill Productions. For the film, he raised finishing funds and oversaw marketing and branding. Mr. Ginsberg was a founding member of the Back East Picture Show, a film festival in Hoboken, NJ, aimed at helping the independent filmmaker. He earned his BA from American University in Washington, DC and his MA from the New School University. (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 ***

^top | abstract | attendees | program | moderator | schedule | venue | register | help | bios | buzz | about | links

 
 
 

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.

^top | abstract | attendees | program | moderator | schedule | venue | register | help | bios | buzz | about | links

 
 
 

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.

^top | abstract | attendees | program | moderator | schedule | venue | register | help | bios | buzz | about | links

 
 
   
 
   
 

When

Tuesday, June 14, 2011 from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM (ET)

Add to my calendar Add to my calendar

Where

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




Other Maps:



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.

View Other Events
View other IIFF New York Metro Area events
Contact the Host
Contact the Host
RSS Feed


This event organizer is using Eventbrite to provide
event ticketing and online event registration.
© 2012 Eventbrite. All Rights Reserved. Terms of Service. Privacy Policy.
Contact IIFF New York Metro Area for event and ticket information.