A New Blueprint for Filmmaker-First Distribution with the Founders of Blue Harbor Entertainment

"The current distribution model is broken, and Blue Harbor is here to offer a different approach that benefits both filmmakers and audiences." Mike Messina, co-founder Blue Harbor Entertainment

 

This episode is an insight into the obstacles and opportunities in the current releasing environment in a conversation with the founders of Blue Harbor Entertainment, the new service distribution company. Amanda Sherwin, Mike Messina and Seth Needle are industry veterans with decades of experience between them at the cutting edge of sales, acquisitions and distribution having previously come together as part of the senior leadership of Screen Media. Earlier this year they established Blue Harbor to offer filmmakers an alternative in today’s challenging distribution environment, providing a comprehensive distribution and marketing solution covering theatrical, home entertainment, digital streaming platforms, and television – all under a service fee structure geared around filmmakers.

 

In this conversation we explore the signficant changes in the US market in recent years, particularly in the video on demand space. Amanda, Mike and Seth explain how audience habits and release practices have rapidly shifted post-covid - and shifted again more recently - and reveal the signficant knock on effect this is having on acquisitions, distribution and filmmaking. The Founders explain how these witnessing these changes prompted them to design a different type of service distribution company, one that places the filmmaker at the heart of the process. They also explain why it is now essential for filmmakers to include distirbution thinking and budgeting as part of their production process, as in the words of Amanda, "In the evolving landscape of film marketing, understanding your audience and budgeting for distribution early is crucial. It's not just about making a film; it's about making sure it reaches the right eyes."

 

Amanda Sherwin

Amanda has more than two decades of experience working in independent film. She most recently served as SVP of Marketing at Screen Media running the campaigns for 20+ releases annually, including the high-profile hits Willy’s Wonderland, Poker Face, and Maggie Moore(s). Prior to Screen Media, Sherwin consulted for PBS Distribution and managed theatrical service provider Paladin, overseeing the releases on an array of films from the comedic hit What We Do in the Shadows to the Oscar® nominated documentary For Sama. Sherwin began her career at CFP, a precursor to Lionsgate, where she later assumed the role of VP of Marketing. She then went on to help start THINKFilm, where she served as SVP of Marketing and Distribution and orchestrated the campaigns on more than 80 films, resulting in eight Academy Award® nominations and two wins. Sherwin is a member of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

 

Mike Messina

Mike has worked in independent film for more than 25 years. In his recent role as EVP of Distribution at Screen Media, he oversaw the distribution, marketing, and sales of 100+ movies, including the blockbuster hits The Outpost, Till Death, and The Ritual Killer, and was an Executive Producer on the Emmy® award-winning documentary Street Gang: How We Got To Sesame Street. Previously, Messina spearheaded independent film distribution and acquisitions at Starz and managed global streaming sales of Starz Original Series, including Spartacus and Power. He was also a senior executive at New Amsterdam Entertainment, where his producing credits included Dawn of the Dead which opened #1 at the US box office and was a Cannes Film Festival selection. Messina holds an MBA from Columbia Business School and is a Dartmouth College graduate.

 

Seth Needle

Seth Needle is a leading content acquisition and creative executive, having previously served as EVP of Global Acquisitions and Co-Productions at Screen Media for the past 12 years. During his tenure, he was responsible for high-profile acquisitions The Outpost, Terry Gilliam's The Man Who Killed Don Quixote, Emmy® award-winning Street Gang: How We Got To Sesame Street, The Lifeguard starring Kristen Bell, and Stephen King's A Good Marriage, which King penned himself. He also established strategic business relationships with Focus Features, Starz, Roadside Attractions, and more. In addition, Needle oversaw all content licensing for the company’s streaming platforms that included Crackle, Popcornflix, and Redbox. Needle also served as an executive producer on Willy's Wonderland, Maggie Moore(s), Fast Charlie, Girl, and several others. Prior to Screen Media, Needle worked in the acquisitions department at Lionsgate and in the research department at Marketcast.