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IIFF Toronto Film Financing Townhall (May 2011): Networking...

IIFF Toronto Film Financing Townhall (May 2011): Networking & Education for Financiers & Filmmakers - Toronto Chapter Première

Tuesday, May 24, 2011 from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM (ET)

Toronto, Ontario


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Ticket Information

Ticket Type Sales End Price Fee Quantity
IIFF Member   more info Ended CA$25.00 CA$1.61
Non-member   more info Ended CA$40.00 CA$1.99
IIFF Member: Last minute   more info Ended CA$35.00 CA$1.86
Non-member: Last minute   more info Ended CA$50.00 CA$2.24
IIFF Member: On-site   more info Ended CA$45.00 CA$2.12
Non-member: On-site   more info Ended CA$60.00 CA$2.49
Add: Bring a friend (limited availability)   more info Ended CA$40.00 CA$1.99
*** Special: Associate Membership (1 year) at intro rate ***   more info Ended CA$75.00 CA$2.87
*** Special: Full Membership (1 year) at intro rate + FREE Townhall ticket ***   more info Ended CA$150.00 CA$4.74
Add: Attendee bio book for Members   more info Ended CA$10.00 CA$1.24
Add: Attendee bio book for Non-members   more info Ended CA$20.00 CA$1.49

Event Details

 
 
Visit IIFF at http://filmfinancing.org

Toronto Film Financing Townhall at the National Film Board

Film Meets Finance:
Networking & Education for
Filmmakers & Financiers

Seven Insightful Talks by Leading Experts & More

AddThis button (small)

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*** Don't miss other events in Vancouver, San Francisco, Los Angeles 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 Toronto chapter of the Institute for International Film Financing (IIFF) launches its monthly gatherings at the junction of film & finance with a special inaugural Film Financing Townhall at the renowned National Film Board. Their state-of-the-art facilities are conveniently located in the heart of Toronto's Entertainment District.

This grassroots community get-together is designed to foster & inform productive relationships between attendees. It provides unbiased insight & education about the business of film and film financing in particular. The event features a powerful roster of highly topical speakers from the filmmaking and financial industries. We are delighted to welcome real-world financiers among our guests!

The evening's five seven presentations plus panel discussion address key issues relevant to filmmakers, financiers and anyone interested in the economics, business mechanics, and financial dynamics of motion pictures. They are followed by Q&A time. Attendees also have ample opportunity to interact & network with our featured experts and amongst themselves.

An informal après-meeting celebration will take place at a nearby restaurant.

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Attendees

Who should attend?

Entrepreneurs, consultants, attorneys, bankers, investment managers, venture capitalists, angel investors and other professionals with an interest in the movie business will find this event worthwhile. Everyone who cares about independent film is cordially invited to join us.

Are you considering taking an active role in film, or would you like to expand your current involvement? Don't miss this high-value yet low-cost learning experience and the opportunity to connect with like-minded peers.

Established & aspiring filmmakers looking to raise capital for their projects, production companies, movie slates, film funds or other ventures are, naturally, more than welcome as well.

Why attend?

New to film finance? Need to brush up your topical knowledge? Want to deepen your understanding? Care to participate in an ongoing conversation & community dedicated to the subject? This uniquely valuable gathering is right for you!

Gain crucial insights from leading experts in their field. Network with fellow film & finance professionals. Meet potential collaborators and future business partners. All this at a price that is hard to beat.

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Program Details

  1. Film Finance: The Big Picture

    Jack Steckel (bio), Partner at investment bank Capital Canada, serving predominantly mid-market clients; provides financial advisory services to public & private companies, including Ed Mirvish Enterprises, CBC & Sirius; currently involved in financing of film company; arranges equity, mezzanine & debt financing; developed concept for Golf Town, now world's 2nd largest golf product retailer … (more) »

  2. Emerging Trends in Film & TV Financing

    David Zitzerman (bio), Partner in Entertainment Group at leading law firm Goodmans LLP; practice focuses on film, TV & multimedia industries in Canada & US; clients include independent producers, Hollywood studios, broadcasters, distributors, cable & game companies, talent guilds & agencies as well as writers & performers; co-hosts biannual Film Financing Summit in LA & NY … (more) »

  3. Financial Structures for the Creative Industries

    David Plant (bio), VP of Media & Entertainment at preeminent business development specialists Cameron Thompson Group; considered one of foremost authorities on media convergent strategies & their business role; prior to joining Cameron Thompson, served as Toronto Film Commissioner & later as National Marketing Development Manager at Silicon Graphics (SGI) … (more) »

  4. Finance & Insurance Issues Everyone in Film Needs to Know About

    Claude Forest (bio), Founder, President & Sr. Broker at entertainment insurance brokerage Multimedia Risk Consultants & Insurance Brokers with offices across Canada & US; former camera operator & documentary producer; started 40+ years ago in family insurance company, transformed it into international media insurance boutique; served as Director of Canadian Film Producers Association (now CMPA) & founding Chair of Manitoba Picture Association (now On Screen Manitoba) … (more) »

  5. Successfully Pitch Your Project to Broadcasters & Distributors

    David Goorevitch (bio), President of production & consulting company Javelin Pictures, specializing in scripted TV, film & transmedia entertainment; has worked in film & TV since '82; developed & produced 100s hours of award-winning primetime TV; integrated new & old media into crossovers since '95; experienced trainer/mentor & creator of survival guide from seasoned network programmer's perspective; alumnus of CFC Media Lab, CBC Drama Department & Ryerson's film program … (more) »

  6. How Our Fund Can Help Your Movie or TV Production

    Melanie Muncaster (bio), Film Program Manager at Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corp. (NOHFC), which has program that reimburses 50% of production funds spent in Northern Ontario; will discuss updated film program guidelines & fund's past experience financing film & TV projects; NOHFC builds strong, prosperous northern communities & offers 7 unique programs to foster opportunity across Northern Ontario … (more) »

  7. The Path to Box Office Success: Tips for Filmmakers & Financiers

    Adam Daniel Mezei (bio), seasoned movie promotion expert for independent feature films & documentaries; Producer of Marketing & Distribution (PMD) at PMD-For-Hire; Film Critic at Film Courage; PMD is new type of film production staff member who joins before pre-production to help craft marketing & distribution plans, grow dedicated audience & maximize revenue for filmmakers; treats film like business, not piece of art … (more) »

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Featured Moderator

Moderator headshotThe event will be moderated by Jean Desormeaux (bio), an accomplished veteran of the film and TV industry with over 25 years of experience. Formerly VP of Production at Alliance Communications, Jean has produced countless feature films and TV series, including "Johnny Mnemonic," "Due South," "E.N.G." and "North of 60." For the past 7 years, he has served as Program Coordinator of the Advanced TV and Film Studies program at Sheridan College. (more) »

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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   9:00 PM Three Featured Presentations with Q&A (3x 15 mins)
  9:00 PM   9:15 PM Networking Break (15 mins)
  9:15 PM 10:00 PM Moderated Panel Discussion with Q&A (45 mins)
10:00 PM+ Community Time at Area Restaurant

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Townhall Venue

National Film Board of Canada: Toronto Mediatheque

150 John St
(NW corner of John & Richmond St)
NFB Cinema - 2nd floor
Toronto, ON M5V 3C3
(416) 973-3012

Map: Get a map of 150 John St at Ask, Bing, Google, MapQuest or Yahoo.

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Our Host

Host logoThis month's Film Financing Townhall in Toronto takes place at the National Film Board, Canada's 12-time Academy Award-winning public film producer and distributor. An agency of the Government of Canada, NFB produces and distributes social-issue documentaries, auteur animation, alternative dramas and interactive works that provide the world with a unique Canadian perspective. Since its founding in 1939, NFB has created over 13,000 productions which have won over 5,000 awards, including 4 Webbys, 12 Oscars and more than 90 Genies. It has English language and French language production branches.

Very special thanks for making this event possible go to Sheridan College, a diploma and degree-granting polytechnic institute with approx. 15,000 full-time students and 35,000 continuing-education students. Sheridan delivers career-focused education and training across a wide range of disciplines. Its programs blend theoretical and hands-on learning, and most offer a co-op, field placement or internship opportunity. Founded in 1967, Sheridan has graduated over 100,000 alumni who have made an impact in the arts, business, technology and community service fields, both in Canada and internationally.

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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 $15 $30 3 weeks before event
Regular $25 $40 1 week before event
Last minute $35 $50 1 day before event
On-site (at the door) $45 $60 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

Jean Desormeaux

Moderator

Speaker headshot 10Jean Desormeaux has over 25 years of production and business experience in the film and TV industry. He is a Professor at Sheridan College and teaches producing as the Program Coordinator of the Advanced Television and Film postgraduate program, a position he has held for the past seven years. Formerly Vice President of Production at Alliance Communications, Jean has produced or co-produced product for most of the major American and Canadian TV broadcasters. Notable work includes feature films such as "Johnny Mnemonic" with Keanu Reeves and "Never Talk to Strangers" with Antonio Banderas, as well as episodic TV series such as "Due South," "E.N.G." and "North of 60". He is the recipient of both Gemini and Air Canada Awards. Jean holds a bachelor's degree in Film Communications from Concordia University and two law degrees (BCL, LLB) from McGill University in addition to a Master of Fine Arts from York University. (more) »

Bernard Bourret

Chapter Leader

Speaker headshot 9Film and television producer Bernard Bourret commands an extraordinary depth and breadth of knowledge in finance and production management, and brings that expertise to his projects at Intent Pictures, the Canadian production company he co-founded. In addition to his ongoing work as Adjunct Professor at Sheridan College, Bernard also recently founded the Toronto chapter of the Institute for International Film Financing (IIFF), demonstrating his commitment to creating and strengthening valuable synergies within the Canadian entertainment industry. Bernard has worked as a senior producer and industry executive, managing, line-producing and overseeing over 375 hours of broadcast TV series, MOWs and feature films shot across Canada, Europe and in Los Angeles. His extensive credits include work with TriStar-Alliance, Paramount, UPN, HBO, ABC, Lifetime, Discovery Kids USA, YTV, Nickelodeon Australia, Disney Europe, TVO, Radio-Quebec, M6 and ProSieben. He is a member of the DGC and the Academy. (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, May 24, 2011 from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM (ET)

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Where

National Film Board: Toronto Mediatheque
150 John Street
NFB Cinema - 2nd floor
Toronto, Ontario M5V 3C3
Canada




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Hosted By

IIFF Great Lakes Region

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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