Abstract:

Over the past few years, the landscape of film financing has undergone considerable changes - and continues to be in flux. The ongoing democratization of the means of film production has triggered an avalanche of competition in independent film, making it more difficult for even the most talented filmmakers to stand out from the crowd. On the other hand, the business of film is attracting a wider and more diverse range of financing sources than ever...

In this environment, many of the old rules no longer apply. While content remains king, it is more critical than ever that filmmakers take a systematic and business savvy approach to getting their films made - be it narratives or documentaries, features or shorts, or experimental work. To thrive on the challenges ahead, filmmakers are well advised to transform themselves from creative masterminds and technical mavens into holistic film entrepreneurs who navigate business and financial waters as competently and confidently as creative and technical ones. After all, the complex and wonderful process of filmmaking starts and ends with the money, for better or worse.

Similarly, film investors and finance intermediaries (e.g.: bankers, VC's, attorneys, executive producers) are urged to take a close look not only at (notoriously hard to evaluate) screenplays, talent attachments, and production budgets but, in particular, also at business strategies designed to ensure financing, distribution, and marketing success.

For filmmakers and financiers alike, there is no better place to start than the film business plan - a film entrepreneur's systematic roadmap for success, and the single most important document any film investor needs to see, evaluate, and understand.

As filmmaker or financier, or if you are simply curious about film financing, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you know how to create a sound & solid investment case for any film project?
• Can you tell winning business strategies in film from those likely to fail?
• Do you know how to identify & describe target audiences & estimate market size?
• Are you familiar with the range of film buyers?
• Can you exhaustively list, evaluate & discuss relevant revenue sources?
• Have you ever walked through all of the income streams for a film?
• Are you clear on the tradeoffs between self-distribution and using a distributor?
• Have you comprehensively explored the marketing options for a film?
• Can you "run the numbers" on a film project from start to finish?

The Institute for International Film Financing (IIFF), our Founder & Chairman, Thomas Trenker, and our partners at San José State University (SJSU) cordially invite you to get answers to these and other critical questions at a hands-on seminar with distinguished film business advisor Jeffrey Hardy. Our seasoned instructor's insights are not simply based on anecdotal evidence or varying personal experience, but on the thorough and comprehensive analysis of an accomplished industry expert. What is more, the lessons conveyed are specifically relevant to the financing of films in the Bay Area and greater Northern California region, as opposed to the Hollywood ecosystem or the East Coast where distinctively different rules may apply. Those looking to raise funds from Silicon Valley-type investors are well advised to participate in this high-value yet low-cost, intensive seminar.

Instructor:

Jeffrey Hardy is President of San Francisco-based business planning firm, Big Horse, a leading authority on film business plans, and a respected author on film related topics. Big Horse has been providing consulting services to producers, distributors and financiers (including banks and film funds) for seventeen years. Clients have included 20th Century Fox, Walt Disney Studios, the BBC, International Creative Management, and other major players in motion pictures as well as hundreds of independent filmmakers.

Jeffrey brings his extensive, hands-on experience into the Workshop to help you see a film concept through the discerning eye of a financier and distributor.

Previously, Jeffrey served as the President of the Independent Feature Project (IFP) of Northern California, and led the organization through its most successful high-growth period. He also founded the Independent Filmmakers of Northern California, which he headed for three years before consolidating it into IFP under his tenure there.

Workshop Venue:

San José State University (SJSU)
One Washington Square
Washington Square Hall - Room 109
(at S. 4th Street, between E. San Fernando Street & E. San Carlos Street)
San José, CA 95112
408.924.1000
directions | map (coordinates: C-1)

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley's unofficial capital and California's third largest city, SJSU provides a comprehensive university education, granting bachelor's and master's degrees in 134 areas of study with 110 concentrations. Quality teaching and small classes are a priority at SJSU, where tenured professors teach introductory as well as advanced courses. One of the 200 top research universities in the nation, SJSU offers rigorous course work and research opportunities to more than 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students in eight colleges.

Established in 1857, SJSU is the oldest public institution of higher education on the West Coast. It is part of the California State University system which encompases 23 campuses, 408,000 students, and 44,000 faculty and staff. SJSU's metropolitan campus, midway between San Francisco and the Monterey/Carmel area, is easily accessible from area freeways.

Learn more about SJSU at their website.

Schedule:

Registration:

Online registration is available at http://iiff-seminar-sj.mollyguard.com (bottom of page)

Early bird registration NLT August 22nd:
IIFF Member ... $75 if pre-registered no later than August 22nd
Cinequest Member ... $85
Non-member ... $100

Regular registration:
IIFF Member ... $100 if registered after August 22nd
Cinequest Member ... $110
Non-member ... $125

On-site registration: at "regular" rate ($100/$110/$125) plus $25, as long as space is still available.

NOTE: Non-member portion of Workshop fee can be credited towards IIFF annual membership fee.

To inquire about membership with IIFF, email us at membership@filmfinancing.org, or approach an IIFF staffer during the event.

Questions?

Please direct your questions and inquiries regarding this seminar to IIFF's Academy team at academy@filmfinancing.org! We look forward to hearing from you.

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