Winston Baker will host the 5th Annual Film Finance Forum West in association with Variety on March 5-7, 2013 at the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood, CA. This particular forum will be a comprehensive three day program with optional workshops for new entrants to film investing and the film business followed by two days of keynote presentations, panel discussion, case studies, and various networking opportunities throughout each day.
AGENDA
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OPTIONAL EVENT – TUESDAY – MARCH 5, 2013
OPTIONAL WORKSHOPS
TWO TRACKS ARE OFFERED SIMULTANEOUSLY FOR THE OPTIONAL PREPARATORY WORKSHOPS(There is an additional cost of $75 for each workshop. You will be able to make this selection upon registering)
12:30 – 1:00pm Workshop Registration1:00 – 4:00pm Track A: Financier Workshop
The Business of Film
- Life cycle of a film from acquiring property to the last broadcast
- Budgeting from line items to sales projections
- Identifying partners with aligned interests
- Avenues for revenue generation
Workshop Leaders:
Doug Mankoff, President, Echo Lake Entertainment
Aaron Ryder, President of Production, FilmNation Entertainment
Harris Tulchin, President, Entertainment Media Consulting1:00 – 4:00pm Track B: Filmmaker Workshop
Fundraising and Sales Strategies
- Understanding capital structure from private lending to equity vs. debt and bridge financing
- Preparing pre-packages and business plans
- Utilizing online tools such as crowd-funding
- Approaching and pitching to lenders and investors
- Closing the deal
Workshop Leaders:
Robert Beaumont, President, Lightning Entertainment
Michael Roban, Executive Vice President, Motion Picture Finance & Operations, IM Global
Mimi Steinbauer, President and Chief Executive Officer, Radiant Films InternationalDAY ONE – WEDNESDAY – MARCH 6, 2013
7:30 – 8:30am Registration & Networking Breakfast8:30 – 8:45am Opening Remarks8:45 – 9:45am Opening Keynote Discussion: State of the Industry Roundtable
This panel of executives will address where film finance is heading from single-projects to slate deals; explore what key factors are driving this sector; share views on distribution trends; and present new drivers of revenue.
Finance Executive Panel to be Joined by:
Doug Hansen, President, Endgame Entertainment and Chief Executive Officer, Endgame Releasing
Scott Parish, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, Alcon Enterainment
Larry Wasserman, Chief Financial Officer, DreamWorks Studios9:45 – 10:45am Alternate Investor views: Finding Real Returns in the Film Business
In a once again buoyant equity market, are there new pro-investor models for high net worth individuals, private family offices, private equity, and hedge funds evolving in the industry? If so, what deal structures have emerged in recent months? In what ways are alternative investors making real money in this sector? And where are the new investment opportunities?
Moderated by:
Larry Ulman, Manager, Coyote Media Advisors
Confirmed Panelists:
Stephen Kovach, Co-Founder and Chief Financial Officer, Vine Alternative Investments
Eli Baker, Partner, Hemisphere Media Capital
Bobby Rice, Sandton Capital Partners
Victoria Rossellini, EVP, Production Finance and Business Affairs, 20th Century Fox10:45 – 11:15am Refreshments and Ice Breaker Session11:15 – 12:00pm Debt Resurgence: Emerging Bankers in a Recovering Market
The debt market has loosened up, former institutions are coming back to this sector, and new bankers are entering the space setting up dedicated entertainment lending facilities. Additionally, new film funds are providing innovative ways for filmmakers to raise capital at all levels of the deal structure including senior debt, gap, P&A, and mezzanine. This group of financiers will address the latest debt opportunities and updates on requirements to get the deal done.
Moderated by:
Peter Graham, Managing Member, 120 dBFilms
Confirmed Panelists:
Myles Nestel, Co-Founder and Partner, The Solution Entertainment Group
Andrew Robinson, Chief Operating Officer, Solar Media Capital
Christa Thomas, Managing Director, Sports and Entertainment Group, Sun Trust Bank12:00 – 1:00pm BRIC Exposed: Navigating the World of Co-Financing and Co-Productions
Partnering with other producers and financiers has always been a crucial strategy used for financing films, minimizing cost, and attaining worldwide distribution; however, it is increasingly playing a bigger role in the development of new projects and becoming a more complicated process with the globalization of the film market. This international panel will discuss ways to identify the right partners when considering international co-production projects; structures for profit participation; strategies for monetizing subsidies across borders; and present examples of recent international co-productions.
Moderated by:
Tim O’Hair, Head of Production, Parallel Media
Confirmed Panelists:
Daniel Dreifuss, Producer, Filmed Imagination
Ashok Amritraj, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Hyde Park Entertainment Group
Aaron Kaufman, Producer, Quick Draw Productions
David Lee, Producer, Leeding Media1:00 – 2:00pm Networking Luncheon2:00 – 2:45pm The Realities of State Tax Credits: What They Mean to You
You’ve seen all the updates and information about state tax incentives online. You’ve gone to numerous seminars and panels, yet you find yourself still confused about where to go and what to do to get the most benefits for your particular project. Our experts will boil it down and provide an overview of the latest production incentive programs for you, whether you’re a producing a studio or independent project, or whether you’re producing a feature film or a television series or movie for television. And, more importantly, attendees can submit the details of their own films at the conference so our experts can give you personalized advice. By the end, you’ll know where to shoot your film and how to get the most money.
Presentation by:
Will French, President, Film Production Capital, L.L.C.
Joe Chianese, Executive Vice President, EP Financial Solutions, Entertainment Partners2:45 – 3:15pm Networking Break3:15 – 4:15pm Sales Strategy: The Art and Science of Selling a Film
- Sizing up and defining the project
- Building a presentable package and gaining credibility
- Identifying and securing the elements
- Attracting financiers and sales agents
- Shopping movies around at markets and festivals – pros and cons
- The importance of research and marketing analysis
Moderated by:
Kevin Iwashina, Managing Partner, Preferred Content
Confirmed Speakers:
Micah Green, Co-Lead, Film Finance and Sales, CAA
Kevin Goetz, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Screen Engine4:15 – 5:30pm The Money Pit: LIVE Project Evaluations
During this session, four pre-selected filmmakers will have a chance to present their projects in front of expert judges. After each presentation, each of the judges will formulate opinions on why they would or would not invest in this project and provide strategic feedback on how to make the project work. To be considered as a presenter, please contact moneypit@winstonbaker.com.
Confirmed Judges:
Tobin Armbrust, Head of Production and Acquisitions, Exclusive Media
Michael Benaroya, Chief Executive Officer, Benaroya Pictures
Nicolas Chartier, President, Voltage Pictures
Cassian Elwes, Producer/Elevated Film Sales, Evolution Independent
Jessica Lacy, Head of International and Independent Film, ICM5:30 – 7:30pm Networking ReceptionDAY TWO – THURSDAY – MARCH 7, 2013
8:00 – 8:30amNetworking Breakfast8:30 – 8:45am Recap of Day One and Introduction to Day Two8:45 – 10:00am Digital Finance: Strategises to Fundraising Online
From crowd-funding to public and private online communities, online fundraising is increasingly becoming a popular way to get some or all of a movie project financed for the independent market. Which websites are most effective and what types of projects gain the most benefits from these new and innovative avenues? Which websites offer ways for film financiers to generate viable returns on their investments? And how can you make one or more of these platforms work to your advantage?
Moderated by:
Rachael McLean, Vice President, Digital, JuntoBox Films
Confirmed Speakers:Jennifer Anderson, Chief Operating Officer, Slated
Hannah Hart, Producer, Harto and Co.
Brad Wyman, Head of Film, TV and Video, IndieGogo10:0 – 10:30amNetworking Break10:30 – 11:30amDigital Distribution: Monetizing on Electronic Delivery
- Where are the highest rates of electronic sell-through?
- Which avenues of distribution provide the best margins?
- What improvements can be made to digital distribution in order to increase sales?
Moderated by:
Josh Dickey, Film Editor, Variety
Confirmed Panelists:
Ron Bloom, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, BiteSize Entertainment & MEVIO
Nolan Gallagher, Chief Executive Officer, Gravitas Ventures
Logan Mulvey, Chief Executive Officer, GoDigital11:30 – 12:30pm Digital Marketing: Amplifying Impact
The final key to a movie’s success is its promotional reach. This session swilla ddress digital marketing strategies, including how to work with digital media to reduce P&A cost; ways to amplify social media outreach; and brand partnerships opportunities past post-production
Moderated by:
Kevin Winston, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Digital LA
Confirmed Speakers:
Sara Bordo, Chief Operating Officer, Jetset Studios
Natalie Cupps, Vice President Digital Marketing & Sales, LACED Agency
Marissa Garcia, Agent, Digital Marketing, Creative Artists Agency
Don McNeil, President and Co-Founder, Digital Kitchen
Keith Richman, Chief Executive Officer, Break Media
Bettina Sherick, Senior Vice President, Digital Strategic Marketing, 20th Century Fox International12:30pm Forum Concludes




