​919 Media, in collaboration with Planet X Creative Studios, proudly announces NYC Film & Finance

​Entrepreneurs, attorneys, bankers, investment managers, entertainment lawyers, venture capitalists, and other non-film professionals who would like to attend can request a complimentary invitation code to any of the NYCFF Film Industry Mixer events. Visit https://cre8torslounge.com/#contactus

​Above the line Film Industry professionals (producers, directors, casting directors, etc.) who wish to attend should visit https://cre8torslounge.com/#events

​Agencies or Film Productions who would like a customized, in-house presentation as part of this event should contact the NYCFF directly at https://cre8torslounge.com/#contactus

​About the New York City Film & Finance NYCFF is part of Creators Lounge - a member community of above-the-line storytellers interested in working together to produce independent & feature films for theatrical distribution. Anyone interested in forging creative, personal, and business relationships is welcome to join. Visit Us on LinkedIn. NYCFF is a 919 Media property.

​The event takes place on Wednesday, August 27th, from 6–9 PM EST at the cutting-edge Planet X Creative Studio, located at 180 Masbeth Ave, Brooklyn (L Train to Graham Ave).

What to Expect:
This isn't your typical industry mixer. NYC Film & Finance blends curated content and high-level networking inside a fully outfitted production studio. Designed for creators at the intersection of media, tech, and storytelling, this event delivers vital insights across film finance, marketing, social media strategy, legal, and brand building—plus opportunities to meet decision-makers behind the scenes.

The format: A live expert panel + audience Q&A + post-event networking session. Past guests have included top execs, brand strategists, casting directors, and production professionals. This year's special guests (TBA) will speak candidly on navigating today's evolving entertainment landscape.

​Why You Should Attend

​Financing a film can feel like the wild west—but it doesn’t have to. This event brings together industry veterans and innovators who’ve helped indie filmmakers raise money, unlock tax credits, manage production payroll, and win over investors. Whether you’re a first-time filmmaker or building your next slate, you’ll walk away with real strategies, insider tools, and a clear roadmap to make your project not just creatively brilliant—but financially unstoppable.

​NO TICKET SALES AT THE DOOR. NO EXCEPTIONS. Sales end 8/27 at Noon.

​Topics we’ll cover include:

• ​How to make your film investor-ready

• ​Tax credits and incentives that can supercharge your budget

• ​Tools and software to simplify production finance

• ​Raising money from values-driven investors and family offices

• ​AI’s role in the future of film financing

• ​The biggest mistakes indie filmmakers make with money (and how to avoid them)
  
  Whether you're sourcing talent, looking for collaborators, building your brand, or aligning with investors, this is the room you want to be in.
  
  "We're not just hosting another film event—we're curating a launchpad for collaboration, capital, and creative momentum," says Daron Jenkins, founder of Creators Lounge and 919 Media. "This is about putting indie voices in powerful rooms and making real moves together."

​CONFIRMED SPEAKERS include:

​Steve Bizenov
Vice-President-Sales, Media Services, a Cast & Crew Company

​Steve Bizenov has more than 25 years of experience in the entertainment production industry with a strong background in software, payroll, accounting, and operations management. He is vice president of sales and software development at Media Services, a leading production accounting, payroll, and software provider.

He worked for EUE Screen Gems in production and operations management, and has served in executive positions at various entertainment accounting, payroll and software companies including FilmPro and Bon Bon Entertainment.

​Ian Q. Grant
Co-Founder and CEO - Greenlit

​Ian is the co-founder and CEO of Greenlit, an AI co-producer for entertainment professionals. He is also a film producer, actor, and stuntman. Prior to co-founding Greenlit, Ian was the first hire at Squire, a YC-backed company valued at $750M a fintech platform for barber shops. He previously co-founded Minorities in Film, a community-driven, creative platform that empowers underrepresented voices in the film industry

​Gregory Q. Jenkins
Founder and CEO - Quentasia Studios, Inc.

​Storyteller, strategist, and founder of Quentasia Studios — an independent media company that creates narrative-driven content centering underrepresented communities, especially those impacted by mental health, racial injustice, and disability stigma.

Building more than content but an ecosystem for impact — connecting with donor-advised fund holders, family offices, and aligned investors who want their capital to shape culture, not just chase returns.

​Fred Siegel, CPA

​Fred Siegel is an indie film, tax, and business consultant and founder of Fred Siegel, CPA (1997, NYC), a premium, boutique consulting/CPA specializing in key tax and business issues for producers and film financiers, and dealing with the business of film, from development through distribution. Primary practice areas are Consulting, Financing, Deal Structures, Film Tax Credits, Taxation, and Accounting. Working almost entirely with indie filmmakers and their production and development companies, and with a focus on consulting, the firm provides a range of “niche” film tax, tax credit, accounting, and business services for indie filmmakers throughout the U.S.. Fred has worked with indie filmmakers for over 30 years, including highly acclaimed filmmakers such as Christine Vachon (“Past Lives;” “Still Alice;” “Boys Don’t Cry”); Chris Smith (“Branson;” “Sr.;” “Tiger King;” “100 Foot Wave;” “Fyre;” “American Movie”); Debra Granik (“Winters Bone,”) and many others, as well as filmmakers in the earlier stages of their careers.

Earlier in his professional life, Fred was a jazz musician and an entrepreneur; those experiences infuse his professional work today with an independent spirit, conceptual approach, artistic bent, and understanding of the life of an artist/producer and the world of business and the interplay between the two.

​MODERATOR

​Daron Jenkins
Founder, 919 Media
Host, "Conversations with Daron Jenkins" Podcast

​Daron Jenkins is a seasoned content and event producer, podcast host, and founder of 919 Media. With over 300 events produced and a passion for empowering creators, he builds spaces where innovation and storytelling collide. As host of Conversations with Daron Jenkins, he spotlights voices shaping the future of media. Daron brings insight, energy, and a deep love for the creative hustle to every conversation.

​AGENDA

​6 PM: Doors open; Pre-Networking
6:45 PM: Intros and Announcements
7 PM: Studio Tour
7:15 PM: Conversations with Speakers/ Q&A
8:15 PM: Networking
9:15 PM: Last Words

​Event Produced by Creators Lounge

​Creators Lounge is a member community of 10k+ individuals working to produce, write, direct, shoot, and edit content for the screen.

​Our community serves as a creative catalyst where filmmakers, podcasters, and storytellers connect, collaborate, and thrive through our dynamic programs, strategic partnerships, and exclusive content platform. Creators Lounge is invested in empowering the independent creative community through effective industry-focused programs that support creative leadership, innovation, career advancement, and representation of diverse voices in entertainment and media.

​Visit https://cre8torslounge.com/ for more info and to join us!

​EVENT CO-HOST

​Greenlit

​Greenlit is an AI co-pilot for technical and financial workflows of productions (back office workflows, waterfall/captable, budgets, etc). Visit Greenlit at https://getgreenlit.xyz/

​PARTNERS

​About Planet X Creative Studios

​Planet X Studios is a Creative Studio located in Downtown Brooklyn. State-of-the-art photography, videography, and VFX equipment is available for rent.

​At Planet X, we view the world in a different way, bringing fresh perspectives to established ideas and creating compelling concepts and market strategies that disrupt and evolve the status quo. Here at Planet X Studios, we have brought together our collective expertise and experience under one roof, offering professional film, photo, recording, and editing services all in one convenient Downtown Brooklyn location. Visit https://www.planetxstudios.life/ for more info.

​About 919 Media

​919 Media is a creative ecosystem that connects filmmakers, content creators, and brands through events, strategy, and storytelling. We build culture through connection.

​919 Media connects creators to community, strategy, and storytelling power. From IRL events to podcasts, our platforms help creative entrepreneurs grow visibility, make real connections, and access real opportunities. We’ve built communities of 60K+ and worked with names like Deloitte, Samsung, NYU, and Tribeca. Now we’re building the future — and you’re invited. Visit us at 919media.carrd.co

​Tickets are available in advance online only. NO TICKETS SOLD AT THE DOOR.

​REFUNDS & CREDITS: If you cannot make it to the event, you may reach out to us to use the ticket at an upcoming event or you may pass the ticket along to a friend or colleague because our tickets are TOTALLY TRANSFERRABLE but NOT REFUNDABLE. If we cancel the event or change the date/time, we are more than happy to provide refunds.

​FOOD & BEVERAGE: We always try to provide some light bites and snacks as well as beverages (both ALCOHOL/NON-ALCOHOL) for the event, however it is available on a first come, first served basis. We do recommend coming on time, if possible. And as always, PLEASE, NO DRINKING & DRIVING. If you are driving and planning to drink, order a UBER/LYFT, hand your keys to a friend, or take the SUBWAY (L Train to Graham Avenue is within walking distance (2 Blocks).

​CURRENT FILM SCHOOL STUDENT? UNEMPLOYED? If you are a CURRENT FILM SCHOOL STUDENT (Must have Valid School ID) or if you are RECENTLY UNEMPLOYED, you can request a Comp (1 p/person) Ticket to attend our event. Reach out via our contact form on https://cre8torslounge.com.