Mr. Shiffman brings with him over 15 years of investment, business finance, corporate development and operational experience focused in the media and entertainment industries (film, TV and digital media). He has held senior positions at leading entertainment and media investment, production and banking entities. He has an extensive knowledge of the finance and investment sector (international, media (TV, digital and video games) and independent film), as well as in-depth experience in the entertainment industry as a whole.
Shiffman comes to MPH from Global Media Finance (“GMF”). GMF was created by Shiffman to meet the demand of independent production and distribution companies needing financial, investment strategy, corporate development, legal and operational support.
Prior to GMF, Shiffman was with Media Rights Capital, now MRC Studios (“MRC”), and was immediately integrated into the fund’s structure as the MRC representative in Los Angeles. With Shiffman’s leadership, MRC evolved from a closed fund to a full operating entity, now rivaling Lionsgate with over $200 million of annual feature film and television production volume with such film titles as Bruno, The Box, Devil, The Adjustment Bureau, and The Invention of Lying; and TV titles such as The Ricky Gervais Show, The Life and Times of Tim, How to Be a Gentleman and House of Cards.
In December of 2006, MRC was successful in a substantial capital raise and the operating version of MRC was born. Shiffman was their first official employee and was named the Senior Vice President of the Feature Film and Television Finance and Operations Group. Founded in 2004, MRC is a diversified global media company with operations in filmed entertainment, television programming and original digital content. The company is the industry’s largest independent film, TV and digital studio. The company’s investors include some of the most recognized and respected media and investment firms in the world, including Goldman Sachs, WPP Group PLC and AT&T.
Prior to MRC, Shiffman was the COO/CFO of Myriad Pictures for five years beginning in March of 2001. At Myriad, he used his expertise in production finance (he has structured and financed over 60 feature films and television series) to make significant contributions to the company. Shiffman was responsible for all business and financial matters relating to such titles as; Van Wilder, Jeepers Creepers, and The Good Girl.
In May 1997, Shiffman joined Imperial Entertainment Group (“IEG”), Imperial Bank’s entertainment and media division. IEG was considered the leading independent film finance bank and was later acquired by Comerica Bank. During the five year period Jon was with IEG, Comerica (formerly IEG) financed over 250 independent feature films and episodic television series.
While at IEG, Shiffman was responsible for one of the group’s largest portfolios with assets under management of over $200 million and managed a five person support team. During his tenure at IEG, Shiffman structured and financed feature films and episodic television series and worked closely with such companies as: Paramount Pictures, Universal Pictures, Lions Gate Entertainment, Miramax, Nu Image, Activision, Electronic Arts, Capitol, Alliance Atlantis, Artisan Entertainment and Fireworks Pictures.