Beyond the Budget: Your Guide to Indie Film Financing

Panelists will include President/Founder of Siné Institute Michaelangelo Masangkay, internationally-recognized Producer Emilija Davidovic, and Corporate Tax Lawyer-turned Producer/Screenwriter Bruno Lyra.

Topics being covered:

• Intro to Production Financing 101: Understanding the basics of film financing and how to secure initial funds.
• Financial Literacy for Filmmakers: Essential financial skills, including budgeting, cash flow management, and financial planning.
• Scaling Your Budget Effectively: Strategies to optimize your budget without compromising your creative vision.
• Pitching to Investors: Crafting compelling pitches that attract investors and secure funding.
• Exploring Alternative Funding Sources: Grants, crowdfunding, and other non-traditional funding avenues.
• Legal Considerations in Film Financing: Key legal aspects, including contracts, intellectual property, and investor agreements.
• Building Financial Partnerships: Collaborating with producers, financiers, and other key players in the industry.
• Case Studies from Industry Experts: Real-life examples of successful financing strategies for indie films.

This topics build from foundational knowledge through practical strategies, legal considerations, and collaborative efforts, culminating in real-world examples to illustrate successful approaches.

See below for more information on the seminar's panelists!

If you are a high school student, please email [email protected] for a 50% off discount code upon proof of enrollment.

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Michaelangelo is currently the Director of Production at Toronto Film School, General Manager of Raven Banner Entertainment, and President/Founder of Siné Institute. He began his career in 2006, navigating the economic crisis and digital distribution revolution, eventually becoming VP of Sales and Marketing at Cinemavault. In 2011, he co-founded Toronto Men’s Fashion Week, producing large-scale fashion events with significant media impact. Since 2013, as General Manager at Raven Banner, he has repped over 200 films and produced several, including collaborating with Slash from Guns N' Roses. He has also provided production services to AMC, TUBI, and others. He has worked with the Film Development Council of the Philippines since 2016, empowering Filipino filmmakers. His first produced film, TOPAKK, has premiered globally and has been selected for numerous prestigious festivals.

Emilija Davidovic is an internationally acclaimed producer, line producer, and production supervisor. She began her career by learning about international co-productions, film funds, budgeting, tax credits, and delivery processes from top Canadian industry professionals and companies, which enhanced her global film production perspective. Emilija has produced a variety of short and long-format projects across commercial and arthouse genres. At the Canadian Film Centre (CFC), she served as Supervising Producer, helping to nurture emerging talent and oversee critically acclaimed projects. In 2023, she received the Career Colleges of Ontario Award for Excellence in Teaching, recognizing her impact as an educator. Recently, Emilija led the production of a narrative feature film and supervised a feature-length docudrama. She continues to educate aspiring filmmakers while advancing the Canadian film industry through her own projects.

Until mid-2016, Bruno S. Lyra was a corporate tax lawyer, becoming the youngest partner in his 70-year-old firm. He gained extensive experience in media-heavy international events, including the FIFA World Cup and Olympic Games, and worked with major broadcasters, streamers, and content providers. In 2017, Lyra left his legal career to pursue his passion for film. He now focuses on three main activities: teaching film courses at Toronto Film School, Yorkville University, and other institutions, including panelist roles for Mensa Canada; producing, with credits like the award-winning feature The Sounding, which sold to HBO in 17 territories; and screenwriting, with notable achievements including a deal with Blue Ant Media for a drama, a feature film script selected for Telefilm development financing, and a bilingual drama, The International School.

Take a look at VFF's previous industry workshops, seminars & webinars.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Studios at Assembly Park, 80 Interchange Way, Vaughan, Canada