NYCFF/IFF Film & Finance Forum

WHERE NYC's FILM & FINANCE PROFESSIONALS COME TO CONNECT...

New York City Film & Finance network is a member community of individuals in both the film and finance industries interested in working together to produce independent & feature films for theatrical distribution.

This annual event is to help Entrepreneurs, attorneys, bankers, investment managers, entertainment lawyers, venture capitalists and above the line film professionals (producers, directors, casting directors, etc.) educate themselves on the ever changing landscape of film finance and also to help them connect on film and television projects.

Join us from 11am-5pm for an day of dynamic speakers, curated content, film conversation and business card exchange.

PANEL ONE: A Filmmakers Point of View of Crowdfunding
FILM TRAILER SHOWCASE: (A showcase of several film trailers)
PANEL TWO: Crowdfunding & Social Distribution for the Independent Film

WHEN: Sat., March 31st from 11am-5pm
WHERE: Showbiz Store & Cafe, 19 West 21st Street, New York, NY
Cost: $25 Early Member | $35 Early Non-Member

Every attendee will receive one (1) raffle ticket. We'll be raffling off:

* A featured profile on ProductionHub.com ($495 value)
* Ten (10) Copies of 2012 NY411 Production Guide ($59 value)
Two (2) A Triple Fat Goose T-Shirt ($30 value)

===============
THE PANELS

Panel One: Birdseye: A Filmmakers Point of View of Crowdfunding (Q&A included)
Time: 11a-12:30pm
This panel consisting of filmmakers who have successfully (and recently) raised at least $10k of funding through crowdfunding come to discuss their success and failures of funding online; the challenges and obstacles and developing a best practices for success.

****

The Trailer Showcase
Time: 1:00pm-1:30p
We will show 4 featured Film Trailers.

FILMS TO BE ANNOUNCED

****

Panel Two: Crowdfunding & Social Distribution for the Independent Film
Time: 1:45pm-3:15pm

No doubt, a the collective mindset has penetrated society immensely from group buying sites like Groupon & Living Social and that mindset has rapidly become the way to for filmmakers to go from a short film funded mostly by people they know to a short film being funded by thousands of people they'll probably never meet. Such is the way of Crowdfunding. Crowdfunding has radically changed the way filmmakers approach the filmmaking process, turning their works from digital/celluloid productions to digital products & investments. The velvet ropes that once kept filmmakers out of hollywood are being taken down and replaced by beaded curtains. How long before the last barrier (distribution) finally succumbs to the digital age? Experts from traditional & crowdfunding platforms weigh in on the influences & effects of Crowdfunding on funding & distributing of films both now & the future.

Brief Mixing/Business Card Exchanging to follow

===================

THE PANELISTS**

Jayce Bartok
Writer - Director - Producer

After appearing in films and television shows as an actor, most notably Richard Linklater's Suburbia, John Frankenheimer's Andersonville , Sam Raimi's Spiderman, Tom McCarthy's The Station Agent and Georgia Lee's Red Doors; Jayce Bartok was inspired to write and direct, Stricken, a short film starring Hayley Mills. Eager to embark on a larger project, he produced and directed with his wife Tiffany, Altered By Elvis, an award-winning documentary about lives changed by the King of Rock 'n Roll.

The Cake Eaters, Jayce's critically-acclaimed feature screenplay debut, was directed by Mary Stuart Masterson and premiered at the 2007 Tribeca Film Festival. The film stars Bruce Dern, Kristen Stewart, and Aaron Stanford, and was released in March 2009 to positive reviews. He has four more screenplays currently in development, including Tiny Dancer, Livingston Avenue, Dream Country (adapted from the acclaimed novel by Luanne Rice) and Red River, a dark thriller about mysterious drownings in Wisconsin.

Jayce currently resides in Brooklyn, New York with his wife Tiffany, and is repped by Stewart Talent and Jackie Eckhouse at Sloss Law. He is a proud member of the WGA, a jury member at the Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival, a selected committee member of SAGIndie and a contributor to NOW WRITE! Screenwriting published by Tarcher/Penguin. He can be seen in Kevin Smith's comedy, Cop Out, and the upcoming films Coming Up Roses, Price Check and Predisposed. In addition, he directed the music videos Wage Slavery for the band Eva, and the experimental video Dogs Are Loyal for the OZET.

Website: www.theindependentcollective.com
The Independent Collective on Twitter: @TICNYC
Jayce of Twitter: @jaycebartok
Facebook: www.facebook.com/theindependentcollective

***************

Steven C. Beer
Shareholder at Greenberg Traurig

Steven C. Beer has served as counsel to numerous award-winning writers, directors and producers. He also represents industry leading film production, film finance and film distribution companies. Steven has served as counsel to numerous multi-platinum musical artists and has worked with high-profile production companies and record labels. Steven is the founder of R&B FM, LLC, a film production company focusing on producing music-oriented films. Before joining Greenberg Traurig, he established the entertainment and media law firm of Rudolph & Beer, LLP with Laurence H. Rudolph in 1993.

At Sundance Film Festival in 2011, Steven sold Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest to Sony Pictures Classics, and it became one of the top-grossing documentaries at the box office last year. Earlier this month at South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Conference, Steven represented the Grand Jury Award-winning documentary film, Beware of Mr. Baker, and is currently in negotiations for its sale. Next month at Tribeca Film Festival, you won't want to miss the world premiere of Booker's Place: A Mississippi Story, for which Steven serves as Executive Producer and Distribution Counsel. Steven is also known for hosting periodic Stevestock events in New York City through which he promotes his film and music clients. Next month, Steven will host a Stevestock screening at Ogilvy of another film for which he served as Executive Producer and Production Counsel, Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life, starring Mira Sorvino, Joe Pantoliano and his son, Maxwell Beer.

Twitter: @StevenBeer
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thestevestockevents

***************

Danielle DiGiacomo
Manager of Video Distribution, The Orchard

Danielle DiGiacomo is the Manager of Video Distribution at The Orchard, a pioneering, 15-year old independent music and video distribution company operating in more than 20 global markets. She is also an independent film producer and consultant based in New York City. Previously, she worked as the Community Manager at IFP, the nation's oldest and largest membership organization for independent filmmakers and as Head of Documentary Acquisitions for IndiePix Films, building up the documentary feature catalogue and spearheading successful multi-platform releases.. She also developed and produced the first and second annual Cinema Eye Honors for Nonfiction Film, and Associate Produced two documentary features, Jennifer Venditti's BILLY THE KID (Best Documentary Feature, L.A. Film Festival 2007, South by Southwest 2007) and Samantha Buck's 21 BELOW. In 2010, she produced 3 short films, two of which premiered at Cannes’ Short Film Corner, and Associate Produced one feature, Andrew Seman’s NANCY PLEASE, which will premiere at Tribeca Film Festival in May 2012.

She is currently producing and consulting on several projects, including Chris Kelly's documentary CAUSE OF PROGRESS, Samantha Buck’s BEST KEPT SECRET, and Mark Elijah Rosenberg’s AD INEXPLORATA. She also consults as a panel programmer for several international film festivals and is advising on the distribution strategy of several feature documentaries. DiGiacomo was one of 6 producers selected to attend the 2011 Sundance Institute’s Creative Producing Lab, where she was the Mark Silverman Honoree.

***************

Michael Helman
Co-founder & Director
Williamsburg International Film Festival (WILLiFEST)

As a partner in Brooklyn Films, a 26 year old entertainment and technology company, Michael has been producer and/or director of several films, television series, dozens of music videos and muti-camera HD concerts. Include his work as an editor and he’s been responsible for thousands of hours of programming. A pioneer in the use of non-linear editing technology,Michael founded Post Digital, NY in 1989.

Currently, Michael is co-founder and director of the Williamsburg International Film Festival | WILLiFEST, now in its third year. Many submitted, selected and award winning films at WILLiFEST have been made possible by the advent of crowdfunding.

Company Website: www.brooklynfilms.com/
Festival Website: www.willifest.com/
Twitter: @willifest
Facebook: facebook.com/willifest

***************

Morgan Nichols
Director/Producer

Morgan Nichols is a filmmaker currently in post-production on his third microbudget feature. The first two, Jesus Freak (2003) and the little Death (2006) won a combined five film festival awards. He is co-creator of the lo-film method, a unique improvisational filmmaking process that has yielded 50+ short films by groups around the country. Morgan holds an MFA from USC Cinema.

Website: www.moviefarm.net
Twitter: @H2MakeMovAtHome


***************

Sara Nodjoumi
Producer

Nodjoumi co-produced and co-directed a series of documentaries about the Iranian community in America. I CALL MYSELF PERSIAN: IRANIANS IN AMERICA, the first of these films, aired on multiple PBS stations and premiered at the MoMA Documentary Fortnight in NY. In 2002 Nodjoumi joined award winning director Till Schauder as a producer on his feature films SANTA SMOKES and DUKE’S HOUSE. In 2006, she worked on the marketing and release of Charles Sturridge’s LASSIE. In addition to her producing work, Nodjoumi worked as Associate Programmer at the Tribeca Film Festival from 2004-2009. In 2009, Nodjoumi launched the first children’s film series at Tribeca Cinemas (Rated #1 movie series for kids in NYC). In January 2012, Nodjoumi and director Till Schauder completed one of the most successful Kickstarter campaigns off all time for their upcoming feature documentary, THE IRAN JOB, reaching 200% of the initial funding goal. THE IRAN JOB is currently being prepared for a 2012 release.

***************

Ranfi Rivera
Executive Director, Business Development & Distribution at WNET.ORG

Entertainment executive with an expertise in film and television programming developed through 10 years of hands on experience and which spans all facets of production including budgeting, finance, production, rights and clearances and marketing. Deep knowledge and understanding of both domestic and international distribution across traditional broadcast, cable, internet and emerging mobile and wireless technologies.

Website: www.thirteen.org
Twitter: @ranfirivera

***************

Ralph Scott
Independent Film Promoter, Director and Producer

After spending the better part of 18 years promoting independent films in various film festivals and a nationally broadcast short film showcase, Scott has recently made his maiden voyage into the world of film-making.

His company, Social Cinema is focused on exploiting films that speak to particular social issues. His current film Barbasol, is a father and son story that touches on Dementia. It will be used to open up discussions about mental health as well as the father and son dynamic. He deems it important to open up these issues to begin the dialog that is well needed in the Black community. For more information about his film and the Social Cinema movement.

Website: www.socialcinemaproject.com
Twitter: @ralphkscott
Facebook: www.facebook.com/biggdaadee

***************

Till Schauder
Writer-Director-Producer

Till worked at Roger Corman’s Concorde Pictures in Los Angeles before attending the University of Television and Film, Munich. In Germany he wrote and directed the award winning films STRONG SHIT (Max Ophüls Film Festival Reader’s Award), and CITY BOMBER. After earning a government grant for the arts he made his U.S. debut with the romantic comedy SANTA SMOKES which won several international awards, among them Best Director at the Tokyo International Film Festival and the Studio Hamburg Newcomer Award. DUKE’S HOUSE, about Duke Ellington’s Harlem home premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. In addition to his independently produced features, Schauder has been commissioned to direct and produce television shows such as Storyhouse Production’s GALILEO MYSTERY. His upcoming feature documentary, THE IRAN JOB, currently being completed for a 2012 release, has won multiple production grants and recently completed one of the most successful Kickstarter campaigns of all time in January 2012.

***************

**MORE PANELISTS TO BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY!

***************
THE HOSTS

ABOUT NEW YORK CITY FILM & FINANCE
NYCFF is a member community of individuals in both the film and finance industries interested in working together to produce independent & feature films for theatrical distribution. Film Directors, Producers, and those investigating opportunities for investment & other film related business deals are welcome to join.

Visit @ http://nyfilmfinance.com/ or Join our LINKED IN Group

ABOUT INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL FILM FINANCE
The 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 and appeal of film financing and do so for the benefit of the public at large. True to its proven motto of “democratizing film finance,” IIFF’s monthly 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 and 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 local chapters in many cites and is looking to expand further to better serve filmmakers and financiers everywhere.

Visit @ http://filmfinancing.org/

***************
THE PARTNERS

DO IT IN PERSON
Do It In Person, a project in stealth, will be a place where people can create, build and grow communities.

We are launching soon and aim to reshape the way people connect within their communities and with others.

Website: doitinperson.com


MEDIA SERVICES
Established in 1978 as a payroll service for crew and talent, Media Services has grown into a comprehensive production management resource for the film, TV, commercial, corporate media and live event industries. By combining our integrated services and tools under one roof – crew and talent payroll, residuals, production accounting, crew booking, and production software – we are able to deliver the most seamless, cost-effective production management services available anywhere.

Website: media-services.com

PRODUCTIONHUB
ProductionHUB.com is the global online resource and industry directory for film, television, video, live event and digital media production. Projected to exceed 3 million users this year, this vertical B2B and industry portal has grown to become the world’s largest and most active production community search site for production products, equipment, services and professionals.

Website: ProductionHUB.com

SCENEPR!
SCENEPR! is a collective of startups & entrepreneurs focused in and around art/photo, music, fashion, eco/green, social/digital media, finance, and film. Our primary purpose is to unite & educate, initiate professional dialogue, spark thought provoking conversations and create opportunities for professional growth.

Website: scenepr.com

SHOWBIZ STORE & CAFE
The Showbiz Store is the retail division of Media Services that caters to the specific technology needs of the media and entertainment industry, namely, motion picture and television studios, visual effects and post production houses, advertising agencies, corporate media departments, and commercial, music video, and independent production companies.

With two locations in New York and Los Angeles, the Showbiz Store is the destination for entertainment professionals for integrated workflow solutions with its on-site IT architecture, hardware, software, training and tech support.

Our stores carry our proprietary line of Showbiz Software production accounting, budgeting, scheduling and time management software, and a wide range of production tools including hard drives for storage intensive applications such as audio/video editing, digital photography and MP3 libraries. We also carry a full line of additional industry software, peripherals, training DVDs, books and supplies.

For the mobile entertainment professional, our two locations offer the convenience of a Wi-Fi hotspot cafe, computer workstations, state-of-the-art conference rooms and computer training and repair. With our extensive resources and production expertise, we also support local filmmakers and emerging talent through our industry-related events, workshops, special discounts and scholarship programs.

Website: www.showbizsoftware.com | Twitter: @showbizstore

WILLIAMSBURG INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
WILLiFEST was established to provide a platform for the creative visions of today’s emerging artists. The Williamsburg International Film Festival is the film component of WILLiFEST. The film and music festival is an opportunity for artists to enhance their career by exposing their art to an influential audience, gaining crucial media exposure and strengthening industry relationships.

Partnering with major universities, local non-profit organizations and industry leaders, our Educational Panels introduce the artist to new technologies that affect their craft as well as gaining perspective on how the business-side of their industry is changing and real world methods to assist in successfully generating a livelihood from their art.

Website: www.willifest.com | Twitter: @willifest