Atlanta Film Festival 2025 (Day 7) Creative Conference - Case Study: The Hidden Costs of Independent Filmmaking for Producers, LPs and UPMs

From the venue:

Case Study: The Hidden Costs of Independent Filmmaking for Producers, LPs and UPMs

As film finance professionals, we decided to approach producing from a different angle. After fifteen years of watching independent producers struggle to hold on to their hard-earned investments, constantly losing money to the off-budget costs that can erode even the most well-funded projects, we are here to share our unique angle and behind the curtain view of what very often goes overlooked by the most seasoned producers. We share our assessment of what could have been better and less costly to the project and ultimately the investors, to make sure all your hard work makes it on the screen! Join us as we walk through an in-depth case study in maximizing value from development through delivery using a recent feature film that producers got RIGHT.

Moderator:

Writer and Producer Dan Kelly

Panelists: Element

Founding Partner Kristy Clabaugh

Kristy Clabaugh is Georgia-based producer, and produced the feature film Signing Tony Raymond which is coming to screens this year. Kristy is also owner of Story Board Financial and Element CPA PC, both production focused firms based in Atlanta. Her background is as a Certified Public Accountant and she has 15+ years’ experience in providing accounting, tax and advisory services and is a member of the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. She was formerly on the boards of GPP and WIFTA.

Founding Partner John Thomas

John Thomas is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a Master of Accountancy as well as a Master of Businesses administration, both earned at Mercer University. John has long served closely held corporations and high net worth individuals by providing accounting, tax, advisory and consulting services. John is driven by helping his clients implement strategies that cultivate growth in their businesses as well as building value by opening doors for their further development. John is a member of the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

UPM Cameron Boling