Panelists offer practical advice on opportunities for financiers to become investors in film
DFI Head of Film Financing Paul Miller and media finance
advisor Hal Sadoff chaired a panel discussion on Investment Strategies in the Global Film
Industry Sunday (November 18), hosted by Miramax, to discuss how films are financed and
the changing nature of Studio verses Intendment film production.
The lunchtime industry session at the St. Regis Doha was held to engage Qatar’s most
prestigious business leaders, to inform and inspire them regarding new ways of becoming
involved in the growth of Qatar’s national film industry.
In opening remarks, H.E. Sheikh Hamad Bin Faisal Bin Thani Al-Thani, one of Qatar’s most
influential business figures and Chairman and Managing Director of al khaliji, said: “There is
a deep interest in cinema and the development of the film industry in Qatar. DFI is fulfilling
the vision of developing a local film culture,” he said.
Going on to discuss how Qatar is looking to diversify the economy in the region, Sheikh
Hamad Bin Faisal Bin Thani Al-Thani also stated that a unique opportunity for media
stakeholders exists in the region due to the acceleration in growth of the global film
market. “I’m positive the panel will inspire businesses to invest in local, regional and global
films but its not just about business. Film can also inspire and drive social change and
address important issues and subjects that can influence culture.”
DFI CEO Abdulaziz Al-Khater added: “DFI is focused on working with partners from across
the spectrum of creative industries to help build a sustainable film industry in Qatar. This is
about revitalising the cultural story of the Middle East and Arab world. Cinema is a powerful
platform for telling stories, and through our financing initiatives we are extending our
support to the regional talent.”
Paul Miller, head of film financing for DFI said: “This is about understanding and realising the
film industry as potentially lucrative and a business to invest in. DFI cannot fulfil its mission
alone without the support of financiers, banks and lawyers. Together we can help shape the
Doha film industry. “
Hal Sadoff gave an overview of the Hollywood studio sector and the independent film
sector and said it was a very exciting time for the independent film business. “Actors and
directors are not working as much as Hollywood is focussing on big tentpole movies with
fewer releases each year. So more actors and directors are available to the independent film
sector and want to work. This means we can make more commercial movies at a lower cost
with a higher value of talent.”
Key Findings from the Session Included:
• The global movies & entertainment market had total revenues of $90.1 billion in
2011
• Box office sales were the most lucrative for the global movies & entertainment
market in 2011, with total revenues of $33.6 billion, equivalent to 37.3% of the
market's overall value
• The performance of the market is forecast to accelerate, with an anticipated
compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.6% for the five-year period 2011 - 2016,
which is expected to drive the market to a value of $93 billion by the end of 2016.
•
There is an anticipated 5% growth rate in the Middle East region
• There is significant growth in the film sector in such emerging markets as China,
India, South America and the Middle East
• New technology is creating new forms of distribution for film outside of traditional
cinema exhibition
•
The development of cable and satellite services and the VOD market makes it easier
for consumers to access content in new and engaging ways
Panelists included:
Sam Kozhaya, Associate at Liner Grode Legal, USA
Specialises on equity and debt financing, mergers and acquisitions and bankruptcy matters
Oliver Simon, Founder and President of K5 Media Group UK
A sales agent and former producer who has made 11 feature films including Happy As One
and Get Low.
Judith Chan, Senior Business Development Manager at Coutts UK
Director in the Media Banking division of Coutts, responsible for originating new business
and developing new products for the bank specialising in film and TV transactions
Kurt Wollner, President of Film Finances Inc., USA
Woolner is co-chairman of Film Finances In, the world-leading company in completion
guarantees for film and TV production
Pierre du Plessis, Deputy Managing Director at Pathe, France
Manages all of Pathe’s business affairs and legal functions, from development through to
production financing
Robert Aarts, Chief Executive Officer at Fintage House, USA
Aarts is Co-Owner and Co-CEO Fintage House is a privately held global company that deals
with film, TV and music rights.
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