I'll be speaking at the International Institute for Film Financing San Francisco Chapter Meeting March 16, 2005 next week. Thanks to Carl Wescott for the introduction to Thomas and the IIFF. Here's the agenda:

1) Welcome from the Moderator

Patrick Reilly, President, Intellectual Property Society

2) Hollywood Profits: The Big Picture … and the Small.

Thomas Trenker, Chairman, Institute for International Film Financing, Inc.

Tom will argue that Hollywood’s continuing struggle with profitability is a systemic problem deeply rooted in the studios’ legacy business model. This presents independent filmmakers and financiers alike with new entrepreneurial opportunities.

3) New Models for Sustainable Cinema: Emerging Technology & Democratization.

Eli Chapman, Manager of New Market Development, Avid Technology Inc.

Eli will discuss how emerging technology helps filmmakers and financiers identify the good, the bad, and the blockbusters in a world where anyone can make a movie. This can be accomplished by including the audience early on in the filmmaking process...

4) Frontiers of Film Financing: New Tax Incentives and Creative Financing Strategies.

Glenn Borromeo, Senior Tax Counsel, Pillsbury Winthrop LLP

Glenn will explain new federal and state tax incentives and creative financing structures for independent filmmakers and their investors, as well as developing trends in film distribution.

5) The Filmmaker as Startup Entrepreneur: Key Lessons from Silicon Valley.

Raj Jaswa, President, TiE Silicon Valley

Raj will share insights from his distinguished career in Silicon Valley, and derive lessons for independent film. What can a filmmaker learn from a successful entrepreneur? What are the compelling qualities a venture investor looks for in an investment opportunity?