Their Companies Have Worked With
4 Hours. 6 Industry Experts.Â
1 Foundation Every Filmmaker Needs.
The business side of filmmaking isn't always the most exciting—but it may be the most important.
Every year, filmmakers lose valuable time, funding, rights, and opportunities because they didn't understand the business decisions happening behind the scenes. The reality is that one overlooked contract, one accounting mistake, one insurance gap, or one poorly structured financing deal can cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars—or even derail your entire production.
The most successful filmmakers don't just master the creative process. They understand how the business works.
That's why Sara Elizabeth created the Business of Film Forum—an intensive event designed to give filmmakers the base knowledge they need to protect their projects and position themselves for success.
You'll gain practical insight into:
- Film Legal & Protecting Your Rights
- Insurance & Risk Management
- Union & Guild Requirements
- Film Accounting
- Collection Account Management (CAM) Accounts
- Film Finance Structures & Funding
Whether you're raising financing, assembling your team, preparing for production, or planning your distribution strategy, these topics impact nearly every decision you'll make.
You don't need to become an expert in every discipline—but you do need to understand enough to ask the right questions, make informed decisions, and avoid costly mistakes that could impact your film, your finances, or your future career.
Can't make it? No worries! Replays are available for all who RSVP.
What to Expect
Our Business Forum will be held over two days on August 25th and September 1st from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM ET (2:30 PM to 4:30 PM PT). Each of our distinguished speakers will sit down for a conversation with producer Sara Elizabeth Timmins, who will guide each discussion topic with questions that matter most to independent filmmakers.
Can't make it? No worries! Replays are available for all who RSVP.
Our full schedule is below!
August 25th
- 5:30pm ET/2:30pm PT - Working with Unions, Presented by Producer René Besson
- 6:15pm ET/3:15pm PT - Film Legal & Protecting Your Rights, Presented by Entertainment Attorney Paige Williams
- 7:00pm ET/4:00pm PT - Production Insurance- What It Covers & Why You Need It, Presented by Daniel R’Bibo
September 1st
- 5:30pm ET/2:30pm PT - What is CAM and why do I need it?, Presented by FINTAGE
- 6:15pm ET/3:15pm PT - Understanding Accounting for Film, Presented by GREENSLATE
- 7:00pm ET/4:00pm PT - Film Finance, Presented by Executive Vice President Viviana Zarragoitia
Join Our Virtual Filmmaker Business Forum
Over four power-packed hours, you'll learn directly from six accomplished industry professionals, each bringing expertise in one of the critical business pillars every filmmaker should understand before making a film.
$117Â $87 EARLY BIRD PRICE $77*
*Early Bird Pricing Ends August 6th at Midnight!
Reel Circle members save even more!
Members can find their additional discount in the membership portal.
Meet Our Speakers
Professionals from across the film business—ready to share their expertise, lessons, and practical guidance to help you make informed decisions and build a stronger foundation for your film.
René Besson
Executive Producer
Topic: Working with Unions
René Besson is a producer whose credits include The Mechanic with Jason Statham, Stone with Robert De Niro and Edward Norton, The Taking of Deborah Logan, and The Tale starring Laura Dern. He has also overseen production on major films including The Expendables, Righteous Kill, and The Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans. Known for maintaining studio-quality production value within independent budgets, René is a member of both the Producers Guild of America and the Directors Guild of America.
Viviana Zarragoitia
Executive VP at TPC
Topic: Film Finance
Viviana Zarragoitia is Executive Vice President at TPC, a boutique film and television lending firm. After beginning her career in production accounting and spending five years at Lionsgate, she joined TPC in 2013 and has since helped finance more than 200 independent films, earning over 80 executive producer credits. She specializes in sourcing, structuring, and negotiating film financing and is also an active industry mentor and panelist.
Paige Williams
Entertainment Attorney
Topic: Film Legal & Protecting Your Rights
Paige is an entertainment attorney and business-affairs executive specializing in film sales, distribution, and financing. She currently oversees business affairs and production legal for various sales agents, producers, and other industry clients, and has held senior roles at Voltage Pictures and The Exchange, bringing deep expertise in deal structuring and negotiations with studios and streamers.
