Challenges and Opportunities in the Independent Film Industry

Tara Shaghafi is a Media Finance Business Affairs Executive at leading entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA). Based in the Los Angeles office, Shaghafi specializes in structuring and negotiating deals that involve the packaging, financing, and distribution rights of independently financed films.

Shaghafi began her career at United Talent Agency before moving to the digital marketing agency Mutesix. She joined CAA in March 2022.

Shaghafi graduated from St. John’s University in New York with a Bachelor’s degree in Government and Politics, and from Pepperdine Caruso School of Law in Malibu with a J.D.

Richard Lewis is a seasoned finance and operations executive with extensive experience in building and managing independent entertainment companies. Currently, he serves as the Head of Finance & Operations for Closer Media, a company founded in 2022 that produces and finances both scripted and unscripted films and series for a global audience. Recent projects include the feature films “Ezra” starring Robert De Niro, “The History of Sound” starring Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor, “Last Days of John Allen Chau” directed by Justin Lin, and documentaries by award-winning directors Alex Gibney, Raoul Peck, and Jesse Moss & Amanda McBaine.

In his previous role as the founding Chief Financial Officer of Sidney Kimmel Entertainment and its successor, SK Global Entertainment, Mr. Lewis oversaw the production, financing or co-financing of over 50 motion picture and television productions including “Crazy Rich Asians”, “Palmer”, the International Emmy winning “Delhi Crime”, “Hell or High Water”, “Greta”, “The Place Beyond the Pines”, “The Lincoln Lawyer”, “The Age of Adaline”, “The Kite Runner”, “United 93” and “Lars and the Real Girl”.

Before joining Sidney Kimmel Entertainment, Mr. Lewis was the initial Chief Financial Officer at the Yari Film Group, where he managed the financing of multiple films including the Academy Award Best Picture winner “Crash,” “Hostage” with Bruce Willis, and “The Matador” with Pierce Brosnan.

Ilan Haimoff, CPA, CIA, CFE, CFF, is the Entertainment Practice Leader at GHJ. His specialty includes profit participation and forensic accounting on behalf of talent, investors and co-producers at both the major and mini studios. Ilan has over 30 years of accounting experience in public accounting and private industry serving clients primarily in the entertainment, financial services and distribution service industries.

Ilan has written various articles and other publications and regularly participates in speaking engagements focusing on entertainment, profit participation, royalty, internal controls and anti-fraud. He also hosts GHJ’s Media Clips Podcast, leading vital discussions about the state of the entertainment industry.

Ilan is a member of the CalCPA Entertainment Conference Planning Committee (and has served as Co-Chair at least four times). He is also a member of the California State University Chancellor’s Advisory Council on the Entertainment Industry, the Institute of Internal Auditors, the Beverly Hills Bar Association, the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and the AICPA.

Ilan is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF) by the AICPA. Ilan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from California State University, Northridge.

Ryan Friscia is a distinguished finance executive renowned for his strategic vision and innovative approach. Currently serving as a key player in the financial and operational strategy at NEON, Ryan is instrumental in guiding the company through its next phase of growth.

Before joining NEON, Ryan accumulated extensive experience at prestigious studios including Relativity Media, Bloom Media, Starz Entertainment, and Endeavor Content. At NEON, he has successfully secured substantial financing, supporting the company as it expands its film slate. 

Ryan continually seeks opportunities to elevate NEON’s profile in the industry. He holds a bachelor’s degree from UC Santa Cruz and an MBA from St. John’s University.

Bryan Bordon is Senior Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs at Film Finances, Inc. and has over 15 years of entertainment legal experience in the live action theatrical motion picture and television industry. His work requires a constant and direct communication with creative and production executives during all stages of production and has given him the ability to solve complex problems associated with the entertainment industry. Having completed over 250 projects, he has expertise in negotiating and drafting guaranty agreements related to development, production, distribution and finance of live action theatrical motion pictures and television.