WINSTON BAKER’S 5 UNDER 5
No matter the budget, your film matters.
Winston Baker’s “5 under 5” list features active film financiers with budgets 5 million dollars and below. These investors seek to enhance opportunities for independent filmmakers. Just because your film doesn’t require a big budget, doesn’t mean it won’t have a big effect on those who watch it. You’ll also get a chance to meet many of these folks at the upcoming Entertainment Finance Forum so make sure to register for our event!
1. Stephen Hays, Co-Founder, 120dB Films
As co-founder of 120dB films, Stephen Hays specializes in gap, pre-sales, tax credits, finishing and bridge loans. His company assists producers that have already raised a substantial portion of their required capital, to complete the necessary funding. Hays appreciates that each film is unique in terms of its financial structure and requirements, and is committed to working with open minded filmmakers.
2. Jeff Geoffrey, VX119
Jeff Geoffrey is a filmmaker, producer and executive. As the managing partner of VX119 Geoffrey collaborates with all stakeholders – and their legal and financing partners – to plug the holes that are preventing a permanent financing plan from closing. The company’s typical loan products include bridge loans, gap loans, mezzanine loans, and tax subsidy loans. Amongst Geoffrey’s recent projects include the Johnny Depp film Labyrinth as well as, Under the Silver Lake, starring Andrew Garfield.
3. Hardy Justice, Maven Pictures
Hardy Justice is the Senior Vice President of Maven Pictures. The company’s films include Golden Globe-winning The Kids Are All right. Prior to Maven, Justice headed up the development office at Scott Rudin Productions, where he worked on such films as Nora Ephron’s Julie and Julia, Wes Anderson’s Fantastic Mr. Fox, Nancy Meyer’s It’s Complicated, David Fincher’s The Social Network, and Noah Baumbach’s Greenberg.
4. Kristen Konvitz, Stay Gold Features
Kristen Konvitz is currently the Head of Production at Stay Gold Features. With nearly a decade of experience in entertainment, Konvitz is an expert in film finance and distribution. She has worked for a number of entertainment’s leading firms including The Weinstein Company, Wild Bunch, as well as global crowdfunding platform IndieGogo.
5. Nick Quested, GoldCrest
Nick Quested is Executive Director and owner of Goldcrest Films where he has built one of the premiere documentary brands in the world, winning two Emmys for his work. Nick has served as a producer on over 35 films. Prior to focusing his attention on producing, Nick was an award winning director with over 100 music videos and commercials to his credit, working with world renowned artists such as Common, Fat Joe, Three 6 Mafia, Lil’ Romeo, Dr. Dre, P. Diddy, T.I., Brandy, Ray J and Shaq, and with brands such as Sprite, Nike, Lexus and Land Rover