Thursday, Nov. 10, 5 PM (check-in 5-5:30 PM; happy hour from 6:30-7 PM), Capes Sokol (8182 Maryland Ave.), Free (but a ticket is required for this event)

Filmmaking is an art form, but it’s also a business. A somewhat elusive topic, come learn more about how investment in film projects work. Attorney Pete Salsich with Capes Sokol and Casey Sunderland in the Media Finance Department at Creative Artists Agency (CAA) will share insight on the process for those interested in investing and for creatives seeking to work with investors.

The class will be led by the following:

Pete Salsich III, known as The Screen Lawyer, is an experienced intellectual-property attorney whose practice is focused on advising large and small companies and entrepreneurs regarding the creation, protection, and use of intellectual property, in both litigation and transactional counseling, particularly in the media, technology, and entertainment industries. Pete has represented television production companies, independent film projects, and independent producers in connection with their business formation, deal structure, network contracts, publishing contracts, rights acquisition, IP licensing, and copyright and trademark protection.

Andrea Sporcic Klund is the film commissioner for Missouri and runs the Missouri Film Office, which is a part of the Missouri Division of Tourism. She has been in the film biz representing Missouri for more than 20 years. Since 2005, she has worked to market Missouri to the film and television industry nationwide. Andrea has helped coordinate production logistics for more than 30 feature films and hundreds of television segments and series filmed all over the state, including the feature films “Up in the Air,” “Winter’s Bone,” and “Gone Girl” and the TV series “Sharp Objects” and “Ozark.” Before joining the film office, she spent eight years with Cinema St. Louis as director of operations. She holds B.A. degrees in theater and corporate communications from Lindenwood University. She has also acted, written, directed, and produced for the stage and screen.

Casey Sunderland is an Agent in the Media Finance department at the leading entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA).  Based in Los Angeles, Sunderland specializes in packaging, sourcing financing for, and/or selling distribution rights to independently financed films. In addition, he builds client production companies and sources new business opportunities for the agency. Sunderland has also successfully built a global ecosystem of emerging and established film financiers, strategically building their respective film portfolios, while creating opportunities for established and first-time filmmakers, all with the collective goal of preserving the overall health of the independent film business. He also plays a key role in expanding CAA Media Finance’s work around the globe, leveraging the explosion in streamers’ demand for local-language content. Sunderland joined CAA in 2015. Sunderland graduated from Colgate University with a degree in Film & Media Studies, Economics, and Architecture.

Directions: There is paid parking in the building garage and metered parking on the street. To reach the Capes Sokol offices, enter the lobby, follow the sign pointing to the Regions Centre, and go up the stone steps or ramp; enter the building marked Regions Centre and go up the elevator to the 15th floor.