Relevance, Authenticity and Boldness in Film Marketing featuring Linda Fiolka
The Marketing & Distribution Podcast
Release Date: 03/05/2026
The Marketing & Distribution Podcast
What does it take to market films at scale in a fragmented, fast-moving landscape? In this episode of the Marketing & Distribution Podcast, Alex Stolz speaks with Linda Fiolka, Head of Marketing at Constantin Film, one of Germany’s leading production and distribution companies operating across the full value chain, from development and production through to theatrical, streaming and world sales. Linda shares how Constantin approaches audience strategy, from early-stage script involvement to campaign execution across theatrical and digital. The conversation explores practical as well as...
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What actually happens to cinema screenings when a film receives an Oscar nomination or wins Best Picture? In this episode of the Marketing and Distribution Podcast, Alex Stolz welcomes back leading film industry analyst Stephen Follows to unpack usheru-backed research into the real impact of awards on theatrical exhibition. Drawing on multiple years of Best Picture data, the conversation examines how cinema screenings shift around Oscar nominations and the awards ceremony itself. Stephen explains why nominations tend to spread benefit across multiple films, while winning concentrates attention...
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In this episode, Alex is joined by two industry leaders with unparalleled insight into how films truly reach and resonate with audiences. Kevin Goetz, founder and CEO of Screen Engine ASI, and legendary studio marketer Bob Levin share the thinking, decision processes and real-world experience behind their new book How to Score in Hollywood. Together, they discuss the realities of greenlighting, the role of audience understanding in shaping creative and commercial choices, and how the relationship between marketing, research and storytelling has evolved. From capability testing and concept...
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How can independent distributors build a sustainable future for world cinema in an era of content saturation and shrinking public support? In this episode, Alex Stolz speaks with Meret Ruggle, Co-head of Trigon Film, the Swiss foundation and distributor that has spent more than three decades championing outstanding films from Latin America, Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe. Meret shares how Trigon has developed a holistic and community-driven model for distribution, combining theatrical releases, educational outreach and its own VoD platform Filmingo to extend the life of its films and...
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Independent filmmakers face a fast-evolving landscape: rising costs, fragmented audiences, and tougher routes to market. Yet with more platforms and opportunities than ever before, smart strategies can still give films the best chance to succeed. In this episode, Alex Stolz speaks with Jonathan Sadler — veteran marketer and author of Film Marketing and Distribution: An Independent Filmmaker’s Guide. With over two decades of experience at companies including Universal Pictures, Momentum, Revolver, Warner Music and Arrow Films, Jonathan has worked on everything from Amélie and Lost in...
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In this episode of the Marketing and Distribution Podcast, host Alex Stolz speaks with Susie Bould, Marketing Director at Curzon, the iconic UK exhibitor, distributor, and streaming platform. Susie shares how Curzon’s unique ecosystem and real-time audience data shape its marketing strategy, enabling bold, authentic campaigns that connect deeply with film lovers. She reveals how Curzon successfully shifted its demographic toward a younger audience, the creative tactics behind indie breakouts like Kneecap and Flow, and how agility and authenticity are driving modern film marketing. Susie also...
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In this episode of the Marketing and Distribution Podcast, Alex Stolz is joined by Maxwell Riesberg, founder and CEO of Rascal (RSCL) Films – a bold new theatrical-first studio on a mission to bring international action films the big-screen releases they deserve. With a background that includes award-winning campaigns for A Quiet Place and Bumblebee, Maxwell shares how Rascal aims to become the 'A24 of action cinema' by combining cutting-edge AI dubbing technology, premium marketing, and a community-first approach to distribution. He explains how Rascal is building an identity-driven brand...
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In this special episode, Alex Stolz is joined by Elin Boijens (Searchers, Netherlands) and Giulia Amadio (BIM Distribuzione, Italy), two participants in Distributors on the Move, Europa Distribution’s pioneering professional exchange programme. Together, they reflect on the transformative impact of spending time embedded within each other’s companies and exploring the day-to-day realities of film distribution in a different market. Giulia and Elin dive deep into the structural and strategic contrasts between the Italian and Benelux cinema landscapes—from differences in audience...
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In this episode of The Marketing and Distribution Podcast, host Alex Stolz welcomes Jackie Brenneman — a trailblazer in the cinema industry and President & CEO of Attend Theatrical Marketplace, Jackie shares the journey behind ATTEND, the groundbreaking platform she helped launch to empower filmmakers and exhibitors through smarter, more transparent theatrical distribution. A founding partner of The Fithian Group, Jackie brings years of leadership in policy, legal advocacy, and industry innovation. Previously Executive Vice President and General Counsel at the National Association...
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In this episode of the Marketing and Distribution Podcast, host Alex Stolz is joined by Ana Maria Jipa and Malcolm Wood, co-founders of Olyn, a new digital platform aiming to redefine how independent films are released and monetized. Drawing on their backgrounds in technology, entrepreneurship, and film production, Ana and Malcolm discuss how Olyn seeks to provide filmmakers with direct-to-consumer tools — enabling them to maintain ownership, access audience data, and control the viewing experience. The conversation covers core platform functionalities, including custom landing pages,...
info_outlineWhat does it take to market films at scale in a fragmented, fast-moving landscape?
In this episode of the Marketing & Distribution Podcast, Alex Stolz speaks with Linda Fiolka, Head of Marketing at Constantin Film, one of Germany’s leading production and distribution companies operating across the full value chain, from development and production through to theatrical, streaming and world sales.
Linda shares how Constantin approaches audience strategy, from early-stage script involvement to campaign execution across theatrical and digital. The conversation explores practical as well as big picture insights including:
• Why trailers and posters still matter
• How TikTok Spotlight is shaping fandom and discovery
• The challenge of platform fragmentation
• Community-building before and after release
• The balance between data insight and gut instinct
• Why being relevant, authentic and bold is the key to marketing success in 2026
Linda also reflects on marketing franchises and IP, working with Gen Z audiences, and the realities of driving awareness and conversion in today’s attention economy.
A practical and optimistic look at how a European independent, creative studio is navigating the evolving world of film marketing.
About Linda Fiolka
Linda Fiolka is Head of Marketing at Constantin Film, one of Germany’s leading production and distribution companies. She joined the company in 2010 and completed a dual study programme in Business Administration with a focus on Marketing while building her career within the organisation. After several years working as a Product Manager, she was appointed Head of Marketing in 2022.
Over the course of her career at Constantin Film, Linda has played a key role in the marketing campaigns for some of Germany’s most successful and widely recognised titles, including the Fack Ju Göhte films, the Eberhofer series, and Das Kanu des Manitu, as well as the streaming and television productions Wir Kinder vom Bahnhof Zoo and Die Wannseekonferenz.