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IIFF's Film Financing Workshop (July 2009):
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Event Details
IIFF/LA Film Financing Workshop With Private Film Financier –
Investor Relations for Film Entrepreneurs: How to Find & Keep Investors, Close the Deal & Get Movies Funded
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*** Don't miss our upcoming Film Financing Townhall in Los Angeles with Academy Award winner Ron Bass, Fox Searchlight CFO Jill Gwen, and other leading experts on July 29 ***
"You will leave with a clear perspective on what you need to start doing immediately. You will have action items that you can implement and that will help you move forward getting your film projects funded." — Wayne Repich
The Los Angeles chapter of the Institute for International Film Financing (IIFF) continues its successful education & networking events with a one-of-a-kind Film Financing Workshop for Southern California's filmmaking and financial communities.
This intensive, hands-on learning experience features seasoned financier and investor relations expert Wayne Repich (bio) for the first time in a full-day format! It forms an integral part of IIFF's unrivaled series of in-depth seminars with such iconic instructors 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). Wayne Repich's "Investor Relations for Film Entrepreneurs" 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 features a highly topical program taught by an in-the-trenches expert with a 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 financed – 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.) There is no better place to start than the film business plan, the film entrepreneur's systematic roadmap for success.
However, a compelling business plan —even combined with a strong command of the creative, technical, business and financial aspects of filmmaking— is no guarantee of success. Increasingly sophisticated investors demand not just demonstrable expertise but dependable execution. To get a film funded, filmmakers must convince prospective investors that they are savvy, competent entrepreneurs who can be trusted to use the funds sought wisely in steering their film venture from funding to completion and, ultimately, to profitability.
One of the most vital skills any film entrepreneur can develop and cultivate is the ability to raise money from investors. The best film business plan and entrepreneurial training go only so far if the filmmaker doesn't connect the right investors (e.g., with the help of FilmAngels) or fails to convince them to fund the movie in question.
Our in-depth, daylong Workshop addresses the subject of investor relations as it applies to filmmakers seeking private equity financing from high net-worth individuals (HNWIs). What takes place is a candid discussion and presentation of the tasks and processes you need to implement during preparation, team building, pitching, closing and follow-up to successfully gain an investor's confidence. Questions are encouraged throughout the day.
Geared specifically towards independent producers, this seminar is for you if you:
- Have trouble finding investors or cultivating and maintaining those relationships;
- Are not sure how to go about prospecting and researching investors;
- Don't know what "red flags" to look for in an investor's background;
- Question or don't understand the value of "fiduciary behavior";
- Think you can get by without proper legal and financial representation;
- Don't spend enough time qualifying your investors;
- Would like to improve your weaknesses when it comes to investor relations;
- Are always searching for funds for your next project;
- Think a "No" from an investor is a "No";
- Believe that self-financing your film is a good thing;
- Have trouble gaining credibility during your pitch;
- Encounter call reluctance (i.e., doubt or hesitation when making prospecting calls);
- Think a longer business plan is a better one;
- Need tips on negotiating with private investors and closing the deal;
- Can't get a handle on the perspective of investors and their "hot button" issues;
- Have problems following up and coming to a point of resolution with your investors;
- Are lacking a long-term focus or strategy with regards to your investor relations.
It takes a special kind of highly skilled entrepreneurial leader to tackle all these tasks and, in the process, create a success story for everyone involved. This Film Financing Workshop has been designed from the ground up to teach you how to master these and related challenges. It offers hands-on advice and practical tools for lead prospecting, investor relations and closing deals that any serious film entrepreneur can put to use effectively and immediately. Our ultimate goal is to empower you to obtain financing and meet or exceed investor expectations. We can achieve this goal despite a highly condensed time frame by focusing on the most essential lessons distilled from a topical knowledge base that blends our instructor's expertise as a finance & investor relations expert with IIFF's tried-and-true formula for film financing success.
We cordially invite you to learn uniquely valuable lessons about succeeding as a film entrepreneur and improving your investor relations from Wayne Repich (bio) at an intensive, all-day seminar that is the first of its kind. Our seasoned instructor's deep insights are not simply based on anecdotal evidence or varying personal experience, but on the thoughtful analysis of a highly accomplished expert. 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 rules apply.
Who should attend? Established and aspiring filmmakers looking to raise venture 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 worthwhile. Are you considering taking an active role in film or would you like to expand your current involvement? Don't miss this rare opportunity to gain highly relevant insights from an expert financier and connect with like-minded peers!
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This Workshop will be expertly taught by Wayne Repich (bio), a seasoned finance expert whose success during his career of 20+ years in real estate has allowed him access into the entertainment industry through his many clients in that field. Regularly a resource and advisor to them, he is now focusing is career on the financing of media and entertainment ventures, including motion pictures. Wayne is licensed in California as a Real Estate Broker and General Contractor, and in Nevada as a Real Estate Broker-Salesperson. For decades, he has utilized his professional skills in many areas of real estate, including sales, development and finance. Wayne has founded several mortgage banking companies, and was a Partner in Vanguard Financial Ltd. since its inception in 1995. He has arranged and/or brokered through his offices over 3,000 mortgage loans. Moreover, Wayne is a Past-President of the California Association of Mortgage Brokers (CAMB), has been honored as California's "Mortgage Broker of the Year", and is a CAMB Presidential Award recipient. In the earlier years of his real-estate career, he managed a full-scale marketing and sales firm for select California developers. In the "down market" of the early 1990's, he was frequently sought out for his consulting expertise, ability to provide workout solutions, and land brokerage services for major builders. Wayne is a coveted speaker, the author of many articles in trade publications, and has been interviewed and featured locally and nationally in a variety of media.
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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 for making this event possible go to Rebecca Ver Straten-McSparran, the Director of the L.A. Film Studies Center!
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 Wayne Repich (2 hrs) |
| 12:30 PM | 1:15 PM | Lunch & networking break (45 mins) |
| 1:15 PM | 3:15 PM | Workshop session II with Wayne Repich (2 hrs) |
| 3:15 PM | 3:30 PM | Networking break (15 mins) |
| 3:30 PM | 5:30 PM | Workshop session III with Wayne Repich (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 | |
abstract | instructor | venue | schedule | program | bios | registration | help
Session I (2 hours) with Wayne Repich (bio) »
- Preparation
- Prospecting & Research of Private Investors
- Fiduciary Behavior
- Deal-Breakers When Working With Investors
Session II (2 hours) with Wayne Repich (bio) »
- Creating Your Team – Who to Surround Yourself With
- Pro-Formas & Budgets – Dos & Don'ts
- Call Reluctance – Facing the Facts & Contrarian Discussion
- Pitching to Investors
Session III (2 hours) with Wayne Repich (bio) »
- Negotiating With Investors
- Closing the Deal & Follow-Up
- Importance of Branding, Social Media & Website Presence
- Recap & Conclusions With Q&A
abstract | instructor | venue | schedule | program | bios | registration | help
– Wayne Repich: Wayne is a seasoned expert in real estate and finance. His success during a career of twenty-plus years in real estate has allowed him access into the entertainment industry through his many clients in that field. Regularly a resource and advisor to them, Wayne is now focusing on this area for future professional endeavors. He is licensed in California as a Real Estate Broker and General Contractor, and in Nevada as a Real Estate Broker-Salesperson. For decades, Wayne has utilized his professional skills in many areas of real estate, including sales, development and finance. He has founded several mortgage banking companies, and was a Partner in Vanguard Financial Ltd. since its inception in 1995. Wayne was responsible for individual and subdivision loans, commercial purchase transactions, financing for selective builders and developers, and institutional and private money transactions. He has overseen staff selection, development and training. He has arranged and/or brokered through his offices over 3,000 mortgage loans. Moreover, Wayne is a Past-President of the California Association of Mortgage Brokers (CAMB), has been named California's "Mortgage Broker of the Year", and is a CAMB Presidential Award recipient. He has also received numerous other accolades. In the earlier years of Wayne's long real-estate career, he managed a full-scale marketing and sales firm for select California developers, which included providing comparative analysis, market research, formal critique of building plans and designs, promotional and advertising support, media selection and management, marketing professional sales staff selection, all sales training, and implementation of innovative marketing strategy and sales plans. In the "down market" of the early 1990's, he was frequently sought out for his consulting expertise, ability to provide workout solutions, and land brokerage services for major builders. Wayne is a coveted speaker, the author of many articles in trade publications, and has been interviewed and featured locally and nationally in a variety of media (e.g., newspapers, publications and radio).
– 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.
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Online registration is available at http://gla.filmfinancing.org/072509 (top of this page)
| Ticket type | IIFF Member | Non-member | Registration deadline |
| Early bird | $150 | $175 | July 3 |
| Regular | $170 | $195 | July 17 |
| Last minute | $195 | $220 | July 24 |
| On-site (at the door) | $225 | $250 | July 25 |
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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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.)
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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 [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 "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. |
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Workshop contents & title are Copyright © 2009 Wayne Repich & 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, July 25, 2009 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (PT)
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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.