The Evolution of Content Financing

A Discussion with Industry Experts

Nye Ballard
FilmHedge
4 min readOct 15, 2023

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Pictured left to right: Amanda Groom | New Programming Funding and Commercial Production Models Moderator and CEO & Founder, The Bridge; Wayne Borg | Managing Director — Media Industries, Entertainment & Culture, NEOM; Jon Gosier | CEO, FilmHedge

Cannes, France — In the ever-evolving landscape of content creation, the way productions are funded and the role of technology in shaping these funding models have become increasingly vital topics of discussion. MIPCOM Cannes is scheduled to host a panel that delves into these intriguing dynamics at the Seaview Producers’ Hub. The panel will feature notable contributors from various sectors of the entertainment and finance industries, who will explore the shifting paradigms in content financing and production. The New Programming Funding and Commercial Production Models panel will take place on Wednesday, 18th October, from 10:30 to 11:00 CEST (Central European Summer Time).

Moderated by Amanda Groom, CEO, and Founder of The Bridge, the panel will comprise of esteemed individuals who have played significant roles in shaping the content financing landscape. Jon Gosier, Founder and CEO of FilmHedge, Judith Chan, Executive Director of Media Banking at Coutts Bank, and Wayne Borg, Managing Director of Media Industries, Entertainment, and Culture at NEOM, will share their insights and experiences.

Meet the Panelists:

Jon Gosier

A Visionary Entrepreneur and Investor Jon Gosier, the founder of the investment firm Southbox Capital, is no stranger to the world of finance and technology. With a diverse portfolio spanning various sectors, including tech, media, real estate, financial services, and venture capital, Southbox Capital’s assets total more than $300 million. Jon is also the visionary Founder and CEO of FilmHedge, a private credit company that provides financing for film and TV productions, offering up to $20 million per production. With a background of over a decade in venture capital and technology, Jon’s insights are invaluable in understanding the integration of AI and tech-driven content financing algorithms in the entertainment industry.

Jon’s impressive career also includes a 2014 TEDTalk on ethical innovation, which has garnered millions of views. His unique perspective and expertise make him a perfect addition to this panel, as he discusses the evolving landscape of content financing.

Wayne Borg

A Global Leader in the Creative and Media Industries Wayne Borg brings over two decades of experience in leadership roles within the media and creative industries. As the Managing Director of Media Industries, Entertainment, and Culture at NEOM, he is at the forefront of developing these critical industry sectors. Having worked across the globe, from Australia to Europe, Asia, the United States, and the Middle East, Wayne has played pivotal roles in major international media and entertainment businesses. He has led key divisions, driven strategic initiatives, and contributed to policy-making for governments in the media, cultural, and creative industries.

Wayne’s extensive international experience and strategic insights are a significant asset to the panel. He will undoubtedly provide a global perspective on the evolving content financing landscape.

Judith Chan

A Pioneer in Media Financing Judith Chan, an Executive Director at Coutts & Co, a prominent private bank with a specialized media division, is a true pioneer in the field of media financing. Her involvement extends across the entire media and creative spectrum, including film, television, music, theater, arts, advertising, marketing services, interactive entertainment, tech, and fashion. Judith leads the business development efforts for her team and specializes in structuring film and television debt transactions.

With more than two decades of experience in media financing, Judith’s journey began at an investment bank in Los Angeles, where she initiated the bank’s involvement in independent film and television sectors. She has managed equity funds dedicated to film and television content and spent over 15 years with the Media team at Coutts. Judith’s wealth of knowledge in media financing makes her an invaluable addition to the panel, offering deep insights into the ever-changing financing models in the entertainment industry.

The Discussion

The New Programming Funding and Commercial Production Models panel will explore the current global financing trends in content creation and the role of AI, technology, and private credit in shaping these trends. The primary question at the heart of this discussion is whether AI and tech-driven algorithms are becoming dominant forces in the production funding market or whether human decision-making still holds a significant role.

This thought-provoking panel is set to shed light on the evolution of content financing and its potential impact on the creative landscape. As the entertainment industry continues to adapt to the digital age, understanding the dynamics between technology, finance, and creativity is crucial for industry professionals, aspiring creators, and avid content consumers alike.

MIPCOM provides the perfect platform for these industry leaders to share their insights, experiences, and visions for the future of content financing. The panel promises to be a compelling and informative discussion that you won’t want to miss.

In a rapidly changing world, these experts are at the forefront of shaping the future of content financing and production. Their collective wisdom will undoubtedly provide valuable insights for all those navigating the ever-evolving landscape of content creation and funding. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to learn from the best in the business at the Seaview Producers’ Hub on October 18th.

Learn more about MIPCOM Cannes Co-Production and Content Market on-site screenings, here. For details about this particular panel, visit: https://www.mipcom.com/en-gb/conferences-events/sessions/session-details.3330.206705.new-programming-funding-and-commercial-production-models.html

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