IIFF Lower Midwest Film Financing Townhall in Kansas City (October 2010): Networking & Education for Filmmakers & Financiers

Wednesday, October 27, 2010 from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM (CT)

Kansas City, MO

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Ticket Information

Ticket Type	Sales End	Price	Fee	Quantity
IIFF Member more info Buy your ticket now to reserve a seat at the best available price! If your plans change and you can't make it, send a friend instead or come to a similar IIFF event in the future. All tickets are transferable but nonrefundable.	Ended	$25.00	$2.37
Non-member more info Buy your ticket now to reserve a seat at the best available price! If your plans change and you can't make it, send a friend instead or come to a similar IIFF event in the future. All tickets are transferable but nonrefundable.	Ended	$35.00	$2.92
IIFF Member: Last minute more info Buy your ticket now to reserve a seat at the best available price! If your plans change and you can't make it, send a friend instead or come to a similar IIFF event in the future. All tickets are transferable but nonrefundable.	Ended	$35.00	$2.92
Non-member: Last minute more info Buy your ticket now to reserve a seat at the best available price! If your plans change and you can't make it, send a friend instead or come to a similar IIFF event in the future. All tickets are transferable but nonrefundable.	Ended	$45.00	$3.46
IIFF Member: On-site more info Buy your ticket now to reserve a seat at the best available price! If your plans change and you can't make it, send a friend instead or come to a similar IIFF event in the future. All tickets are transferable but nonrefundable.	Ended	$45.00	$3.46
Non-member: On-site more info Buy your ticket now to reserve a seat at the best available price! If your plans change and you can't make it, send a friend instead or come to a similar IIFF event in the future. All tickets are transferable but nonrefundable.	Ended	$55.00	$4.02
* Special: Associate Membership (1 yr) at intro rate * more info Regular rate: $99. Associate Members of IIFF benefit from special discounts on events, seminars and other services or offers available through IIFF and its partners. Membership does not include free admission to IIFF events. Contact IIFF for additional details about membership benefits and privileges.	Ended	$75.00	$5.12
* Special: Full Membership (1 yr) at intro rate + 1 FREE Townhall ticket * more info Regular rate: $199. Full Members of IIFF gain all the benefits of Associate Membership (i.e., discounts) plus privileged access to members-only services and events. Membership does not include free admission to IIFF events. Contact IIFF for additional details about membership benefits and privileges.	Ended	$150.00	$9.24
Add: Attendee bio book for Members more info Designed to facilitate effective networking, the bio book contains professional biographies submitted by registered attendees for sharing with their peers. A copy of the bio book will be handed to you upon check-in. Not everyone may choose to make their details available; we publish attendee information only with express permission.	Ended	$10.00	$1.54
Add: Attendee bio book for Non-members more info Designed to facilitate effective networking, the bio book contains professional biographies submitted by registered attendees for sharing with their peers. A copy of the bio book will be handed to you upon check-in. Not everyone may choose to make their details available; we publish attendee information only with express permission.	Ended	$20.00	$2.09

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Event Details

KC Film Financing Townhall at Axis Capital

Film Meets Finance:
Networking & Education for
Filmmakers & Financiers

Seven Insightful Talks by Leading Experts & More

*** Don't miss other events in Kansas City, Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver 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 Kansas City chapter of the Institute for International Film Financing (IIFF) continues its popular monthly gatherings at the junction of film & finance with a special Film Financing Townhall at Axis Capital. Their facilities are conveniently located just north of Crown Center in the heart of downtown Kansas City.

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.

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.

Program Details

How to Raise Money in Kansas City

Jene Popper Hong, CPA (bio), seasoned deal maker who helps entrepreneurs & businesses raise capital, including work with angel investors, venture capital firms & investment banks; Principal & Practice Lead of CFO Services at advisory firm Business Transition Specialists; 20+ years of M&A, business strategy & problem solving experience, overcoming multitude of financial & operational challenges; was CFO at LaGarde, ThyssenKrupp Access, Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management, Xceligent & Conseva; Series 6 & 63 securities license; 14-time Ironman triathlete … »
Treating Your Funders & Underwriters So They'll Do It Again

Clay Myers-Bowman (bio), accomplished fundraising & film financing consultant; award-winning leader & entrepreneur, who spearheaded dozens of for-profit & non-profit projects (from Indiana to California, Minnesota to Kansas & Colorado) over past 22 years; Executive Producer on JT O'Neal's next movie "My Father's Hero," to be filmed in Manhattan, KS; Associate Producer on documentary "Sandzen: Ecstasy of Color," set to premiere this fall; his documentary "Over 50 in Kansas" was 1st runner-up in NYC's Lean Forward Media Project … »
Managing Risk in Film Projects: What Producers & Investors Need to Know

Mary Schust (bio), Senior Vice President & Director of Underwriting at Axis Pro, part of leading specialty insurance & reinsurance company Axis Capital, based in Bermuda & operating worldwide; 27-year career at Axis Pro & predecessors; currently lead Product Manager for Media & Technology products, heading team of 5 underwriters handling Film & Entertainment transactions; previously worked as broadcast journalist for radio stations in Kansas & Missouri; graduate of Kansas State University … »
What Social Media Can Do for You & How to Make the Most of It

David Shultz (bio), seasoned IT professional & project manager with roughly 15 years experience; expert in use of social media & viral marketing to accomplish business goals; close ties to film industry & understanding of filmmakers' needs via Emmy-winning documentarian brother; involved in strategic planning, project management, web & database development & multimedia marketing across many industries; helps companies build brands & market share by leveraging social media & viral marketing in addition to other strategies … »
Financing & Producing Films in the Midwest: Status Quo & New Opportunities

Richard Welnowski (bio), award-winning filmmaker/cinematographer & widely acclaimed "one-man film studio" with 20+ years experience; won Emmy for Special Visual Effects for "The Orchestra"; best known for his work on BAFTA Award winner "LazyTown" & "Kafka"; recently completed "Pennhurst" starring Haylie Duff, produced by longtime Clint Eastwood collaborator Tom Rooker ("Space Cowboys"); worked extensively with Oscar winner Zbig Rybczynski & for National Geographic … »
New Directions for Film & Digital Media in Kansas City

Dr. Mark Salmon (bio), VP at Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI), developing new Digital Media program; fmr. VP at Otis College of Art & Design in Los Angeles; fmr. Academic Dean at Atlanta College of Art; fmr. Chair of Humanities & Sciences at School of Visual Arts in New York; PhD from New York University; completed studies at Harvard's Institute for Educational Management … »

Featured Moderator

Moderator headshot The event will be moderated by Clay Myers-Bowman (bio), an award-winning fundraising and film financing consultant, entrepreneur and leader. Clay has spearheaded dozens of projects in both the business and non-profit sectors over the past 22 years. A key participant in major fundraising campaigns, he helped secure single contributions as large as $450,000 and totals well over $1 million. »

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

Questions? Get answers in IIFF's Film Financing Forum!

Townhall Venue

Axis Capital

2300 Main St
Suite 800
Kansas City, MO 64108
(816) 471-6118

Map: Get a map of 2300 Main St at Ask, Bing, Google, MapQuest or Yahoo.

Our Host

This month's Film Financing Townhall in Kansas City is hosted by Axis Capital, a substantial player in the global insurance and reinsurance marketplaces with meaningful presences in Bermuda, Europe and the United States. The publicly traded company (NYSE: AXS) provides specialty insurance and treaty reinsurance on a worldwide basis through its operating subsidiaries and branch networks in multiple countries.

Axis Pro, a business unit of the Professional Lines Division of Axis Insurance, is the worldwide leader in media, entertainment, technology, professional firms and miscellaneous liability coverage. It prides itself on offering innovative solutions, exceptional service and responsive claims handling for all sizes and classes of risk with media content, Internet-related exposures and a wide range of service-oriented businesses.

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	$25	3 weeks before event
Regular	$25	$35	1 week before event
Last minute	$35	$45	1 day before event
On-site (at the door)	$45	$55	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.

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.

Speaker Bios

Clay Myers-Bowman

Moderator

Speaker headshot 10 Over the past 22 years, Clay Myers-Bowman has worked with a multitude of businesses and nonprofits, from arts organizations and educational institutions to disaster relief organizations and human service agencies. Clay has participated in a number of major fundraising efforts, helping secure single contributions as large as $450,000 and combined totals well above $1 million. His specialty is taking an idea and turning it into a successful series of action steps and positive outcomes. Whether it is a film, documentary, capital campaign, event, membership drive or major gift request, Clay has the skills and experience to make it happen. He helps organizations and projects assess their current situation (usually a feasibility study and/or fundraising audit), build strategic fundraising and communication plans, train staff and board members, cultivate key stakeholders and assist with implementation. Clay pursues his passion for the arts by working both as a fundraiser and as a volunteer. He currently works on a national capital campaign for the Birger Sandzen Memorial Gallery, a documentary for Colorado Public Television and a feature film project by award-winning writer/producer/director JT O'Neal. Moreover, he serves as an officer on the boards of both the Manhattan Arts Center and the K-State Theatre Guild. His substantial experience, coupled with strong philanthropic values and professional ethics, has enabled Clay time and again to plan and execute successfully. »

Thomas Trenker

Founder

Speaker headshot 11 A 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. »

*** To be finalized shortly ***

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.

About IIFF

IIFF logo 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 & 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

Wednesday, October 27, 2010 from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM (CT)

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Where

Axis Capital
2300 Main Street
Suite 800
Kansas City, MO 64108

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