The Marketing & Distribution Podcast

Where film and entertainment marketing, audiences and innovation intersect, you’ll discover the Marketing & Distribution podcast. Join usheru Head of Film, Alex Stolz, as he meets executives and experts from across the global film and entertainment industries to explore the latest trends, tools and strategies that are connecting audiences with the entertainment they love. Discover how studios, cinemas, festivals, distribution companies, agencies and more are changing - and get insights into the latest industry trends, audience behaviours and marketing techniques straight from leaders working at the cutting edge.

Distributors on the Move: Insights from Europa Distribution's Groundbreaking Programme featuring Elin Boijens and Giulia Amadio 07/10/2025

Distributors on the Move: Insights from Europa Distribution's Groundbreaking Programme featuring Elin Boijens and Giulia Amadio 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 behavior, cinema-going habits, and marketing approaches to infrastructure realities, dubbing vs. subtitling preferences, and the role of distributor-owned cinemas. They discuss the challenge of attracting younger audiences in Italy, the power of subscription models in the Netherlands, and how local market conditions influence everything from trailer design to influencer collaborations. The episode also explores how each company tackled recent releases like The Apprentice and I'm Still Here, highlighting the nuances of political positioning, poster artwork choices, and physical event strategies. Listeners will get a behind-the-scenes look at what it means to build campaigns for niche vs. broad audiences, the growing importance of creator partnerships, and the limitations of using digital campaign data in territories without direct ticketing insight. Offering a compelling case for greater cross-border learning and cooperation, Elin and Giulia speak to the intangible but powerful benefits of the exchange—how simply being in another distributor’s office and absorbing their team dynamics, workflows, and problem-solving approaches can inspire new thinking and lasting relationships. Through this process they suggest how shared challenges—and creative responses—can enrich the entire European film industry. About Elin Boijens Elin Boijens is the marketing coordinator of independent Benelux distributor Searchers. Her passion for promoting cinema started at various film theaters as well as children's film festivals and -education. Her background in exhibition provides her with valuable insights into the desires, needs, and obstacles for the moviegoing audience. As a young film marketing professional, Elin is thrilled to currently operate on the crossroads between arthouse and commercial films, challenged to reach an audience for the wide variety of films Searchers releases. About Giulia Amadio Giulia Amadio is a marketing officer at BIM Distribuzione, an independent film distributor based in Rome, Italy. With an academic background in cinema and filmmaking, she has cultivated her passion for film promotion through a variety of professional experiences at film festivals and creative agencies. These roles have provided her with a well-rounded perspective on the film industry, blending strategic communication with a strong visual sensibility. Giulia is passionate about working at the intersection of creativity and strategy, helping to bring distinctive and diverse films to an ever-growing, engaged audience. About Europa Distribution and Distributors on the Move Europa Distribution is the international association of independent film publishers and distributors, created in 2006. With around 130 leading independent distributors representing 32 countries in Europe and beyond, it acts as a network, a think tank and serves as the voice of the sector. Distributors on the Move is designed to offer marketing professionals who work in film distribution an immersive experience in a company abroad. The aim is to help creating personal and professional connections between distribution companies and their employees and to enhance international collaborations based on specific necessities. /episode/index/show/moviemarketing/id/37235485

Building a New Theatrical Marketplace featuring Jackie Brenneman 06/10/2025

Building a New Theatrical Marketplace featuring Jackie Brenneman 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 of Theatre Owners (NATO), she played a pivotal role during the pandemic, securing over $16 billion in relief for entertainment venues through the “Save Our Stages” program. Jackie also founded the Cinema Foundation, launched National Cinema Day in the U.S., and spearheaded the first-ever State of the Cinema Industry Report. Jackie and Alex dive deep into the structural challenges of theatrical distribution, the opportunity for growth through data and partnership, and why the cinema remains a powerful — and deeply human — space for storytelling. A must-listen for anyone passionate about the future of film, audience connection, and rewriting the rules of theatrical success. In the episode you’ll discover: Why ATTEND is reimagining theatrical distribution with a “matchmaking” platform for filmmakers and exhibitors How data transparency and flexible deal terms can drive higher occupancy and lower distribution costs The role exhibitors can play in supporting mid-range films and rebuilding moviegoing habits What the creator economy means for the future of film marketing and distribution Lessons from launching National Cinema Day and securing historic government funding for theaters Why pricing, programming, and audience identity all matter more than ever in driving cinema attendance About Jackie Brenneman Jackie Brenneman is a founding partner of The Fithian Group, a global cinema industry consultancy that partners with the creative community, movie theater owners, leading research firms and innovators to bring custom, market-ready solutions to the marketplace. Jackie is also the President and CEO of the Attend Theatrical Marketplace, Inc., a revolutionary new theatrical marketplace developed by The Fithian Group that aims to grow the theatrical marketplace by increasing both the number and range of movies exhibitors can offer and helping them program and market the titles. Prior to forming The Fithian Group, Jackie was Executive Vice President and General Counsel to the National Association of Theatre Owners. In those roles, Jackie was a frequent speaker and panelist at global exhibition events on the importance of data and optimism in shaping the narrative and future of the industry. During the pandemic she achieved $16.1 billion for venue-specific “Save Our Stages” COVID relief grants, with specific grants targeted for movie theater owners. She also formed the Cinema Foundation and acted as its founding President. In that role, she implemented first-ever National Cinema Day in the United States and oversaw the release of the inaugural State of the Cinema Industry Report. Jackie has been awarded the Top Woman in Global Exhibition (2023), Industry Figure of the Year (2022) and Ken Mason Award for achievement in cinema (2022). /episode/index/show/moviemarketing/id/36934660

Decentralising Distribution and Building the 'Shopify for Film' featuring Ana Maria Jipa and Malcolm Wood 04/29/2025

Decentralising Distribution and Building the 'Shopify for Film' featuring Ana Maria Jipa and Malcolm Wood 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, geo-blocking, revenue splits, and scarcity-based release strategies. The episode also explores broader shifts in the film industry: the growing demand for alternative distribution models, the role of audience data in decision-making, and how creators are beginning to apply startup thinking to their release strategies. Ana and Malcolm share examples of early user behavior, evolving filmmaker mindsets, and the rationale behind their business model. This conversation provides a detailed look at the evolving digital infrastructure for independent film — and how tools like Olyn could help bridge the gap between creation, monetization, and long-term audience engagement. About Ana Maria Jipa and Malcolm Wood Ana Maria Jipa is co-founder of Olyn, a media-fintech company transforming how digital content is monetized and distributed. An entrepreneur since the age of 19, Ana built her career across investment funds, public institutions, and global tech platforms—spanning San Francisco to Europe. Renowned for her expertise in product development, fintech infrastructure, and API systems, she has consistently championed equitable value exchange models that allow consumers to earn through participation. Olyn has raised Silicon Valley capital and secured strategic partnerships with global studios, positioning the company at the forefront of creator-led media distribution. Malcolm Wood is the co-founder of Olyn, a successful entrepreneur, award-winning film producer, and environmental advocate with a strong track record in market expansion and global media ventures. Recognized as one of Asia’s most influential figures by Tatler, Malcolm has led multimillion-dollar projects across Media, Technology, Hospitality, and Sustainability. His film credits include A Plastic Ocean, described by Sir David Attenborough as “the most important film of our time”, The Last Glaciers, an IMAX documentary spotlighting the global climate crisis and his most recent environmental documentary with Oscar winner James Reed from my Octopus Teacher, The White Mountain. Malcolm blends business with a commitment to making a positive impact. At Olyn, Malcolm brings deep industry insight and a relentless focus on impact for global growth—reimagining film distribution to empower filmmakers with ownership, direct monetization, and freedom from gatekeepers. Find out more about Olyn at www.Olyn.com /episode/index/show/moviemarketing/id/36358780

Community is the Audience: A New Approach to Independent Film Success featuring Shawn Dawes 04/03/2025

Community is the Audience: A New Approach to Independent Film Success featuring Shawn Dawes "Community isn’t just the audience—it is the audience. And that shift in thinking is where real change begins." – Shawn Dawes In this episode of the Marketing and Distribution Podcast, Alex Stolz is joined by filmmaker, producer, and platform founder Shawn Dawes, the visionary behind IndieScene—a new SaaS-based platform aiming to transform the independent film ecosystem through transparency, data, and community collaboration. With over 20 years in the creative industries—ranging from directing and development to producing and distribution—Shawn has firsthand experience of the challenges independent filmmakers face. From promising projects that collapsed at the final hurdle, to festival runs that didn’t yield industry support, his journey is one many filmmakers will recognize. Now, through IndieScene, Shawn is channeling those experiences into building infrastructure that truly supports independent film. The platform provides global databases of distributors, film festivals, cinemas, and venues—alongside real-world analytics on box office performance. The goal? To give filmmakers and small distributors the insights and access they need to make informed decisions and build sustainable careers. In this episode, Alex and Shawn explore: Why most indie films fail to break through—and the structural barriers that keep it that way How gatekeeping, outdated distribution models, and a lack of localized data stifle great projects Why community-based engagement isn’t just a marketing strategy, but a survival strategy The economics of theatrical self-distribution, and how event-based screenings can benefit both cinemas and filmmakers How IndieScene is gathering and aggregating real-time data to build a more accurate picture of the indie landscape Why the future of distribution may lie beyond traditional cinemas—into venues, cafes, community halls, and immersive experiences How predictive AI and blockchain might reshape how we assess market value and report box office returns Shawn also discusses the role of film festivals—both their shortcomings and their potential to become more globally connected, collaborative, and financially sustainable year-round. "We have to move from a transactional industry to an interactual one." — As Shawn puts it, that means not just distributing films, but building relationships, activating communities, and redefining how success is measured. /episode/index/show/moviemarketing/id/35988140

Navigating the Future of Screen Entertainment featuring Guy Bisson 03/20/2025

Navigating the Future of Screen Entertainment featuring Guy Bisson In this episode, Alex Stolz is joined by Guy Bisson, Executive Director at Ampere Analysis, a leading firm in media and entertainment analytics. Guy brings over two decades of expertise in the global TV, film, and entertainment industries, offering unparalleled insights into the transformations reshaping content creation, distribution, and consumption. Together, they dive deep into the challenges and opportunities facing today’s entertainment landscape. Guy explores the ongoing impact of streaming, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic boom and the Hollywood strikes. Guy highlights how content investment has leveled off at 75% of its peak, marking a significant shift that Guy argues can be viewed as positive and sustainable. They discuss how traditional media groups are navigating the era of consolidation and what it means for the future of entertainment. Guy also sheds light on the emerging role of social media platforms in content distribution and advertising, noting how platforms like YouTube have become critical players in the global entertainment ecosystem. The conversation moves into the world of film, with Guy offering insights into how the movie business is adjusting to the challenges of streaming, changing audience behavior, and the pullback in content production. As the industry faces the convergence of media and tech, Guy explores the concept of "diagonal integration," an emerging form of collaboration and M&A strategy that breaks traditional geographic and platform-based boundaries. Finally, they discuss the future of AI in entertainment—its rapid development, transformative potential, and the re-skilling required to adapt to this new wave of technological change. About Guy Bisson, Executive Director co-founder, Ampere Analysis Guy Bisson has been a leading entertainment market analyst with a specialisation in the global television business for the past 30 years. He is a regular speaker and moderator at many of the world’s leading entertainment business conferences, a frequent media commentator in print and broadcast and author of numerous reports and research articles on the business and strategy of the global television industry. Guy is co-founder of Ampere Analysis, a London-based analyst house focused on the entertainment and content business, which draws on title-level movie and TV analysis, consumer research and market forecasting to create a holistic outlook for the future of the industry. Guy previously led the television research practice at both Screen Digest and IHS. /episode/index/show/moviemarketing/id/35788265

Creating Big Screen Experiences for Passionate Fanbases featuring Shannah Miller and Lynne Schmidt 03/11/2025

Creating Big Screen Experiences for Passionate Fanbases featuring Shannah Miller and Lynne Schmidt "Our goal is to make every theatrical release feel like an event." Lynne Schmidt, SVP Operations and Strategic Partnerships Fathom Entertainment In this episode of the Marketing and Distribution Podcast, host Alex Stolz sits down with Shannah Miller, Vice President of Marketing, and Lynne Schmidt, Senior Vice President of Operations and Strategic Partnerships at Fathom Entertainment. Fathom has long been known as a leader in event cinema, bringing live performances, special screenings, and classic films to theaters worldwide. But as the theatrical landscape evolves, so has Fathom. In this conversation, Shannah and Lynne share how the company has expanded beyond event cinema into specialty distribution, creating custom theatrical release strategies tailored to different types of content and audience demand. They discuss the company’s rebranding from Fathom Events to Fathom Entertainment and how this shift reflects their broader vision of theatrical engagement. With a diverse slate that includes The Chosen, classic film re-releases, anime, live concerts, and even influencer-driven horror films, Fathom has carved out a unique niche in the industry. Key topics covered in this episode include: Why Fathom transitioned from an event-based distribution model to a more flexible, entertainment-focused strategy The remarkable success of The Chosen in theaters and what it means for the future of serialized content on the big screen How classic re-releases, such as Coraline and The Lord of the Rings, continue to draw audiences and drive strong box office results The growing role of faith-based and inspirational content in theatrical distribution How partnerships with major studios, filmmakers, and exhibitors allow Fathom to bring a wide range of content to theaters The importance of community-driven marketing, influencer partnerships, and data-driven audience engagement The evolving role of theatrical distribution in a crowded entertainment landscape, and how Fathom is positioning itself for the future Shannah and Lynne also share insights into how audience behaviors are shifting, why theatrical experiences remain vital despite the rise of streaming, and how exhibitors can benefit from diversifying their programming. They highlight the importance of offering audiences something they can’t get at home, from exclusive content to immersive experiences like large-format screenings and collectible merchandise. With a packed slate of upcoming releases and new strategies to engage audiences, Fathom Entertainment is proving that theatrical distribution is not only viable but thriving. Whether you are a filmmaker, distributor, or industry professional, this episode provides valuable insights into the future of theatrical marketing and the power of fan-driven content. Listen now to discover how Fathom Entertainment is shaping the future of cinema and redefining what it means to bring content to the big screen. Lynne Schmidt, SVP, Operations & Strategic Partnerships Fathom Entertainment Lynne has 18 years of experience in the event cinema industry holding various roles within Fathom Entertainment since 2006. As Senior Vice President of Operations & Strategic Partnerships she is responsible for the management of Fathom’s proprietary satellite network which is installed in over 1,100 theatres in the U.S. and heads distribution efforts with all Fathom’s theatre partners both domestically and internationally. Lynne also leads programming efforts with Fathom’s premiere content partner, The Metropolitan Opera. Shannah Miller, VP of Marketing Fathom Entertainment Shannah is a marketing leader with 15+ years of experience in the entertainment industry. Before joining Fathom Entertainment, she held various positions at Atom Tickets, including Head of Partnerships and Business Development and Head of Marketing and Communications. She began her career in the music business and served as a senior executive at various labels within Sony Music, including RCA, Jive, Arista, and Columbia Records. As the VP of Marketing at Fathom Entertainment, she oversees all marketing and communication efforts with its customers, studios, content partners, exhibitors, and press. /episode/index/show/moviemarketing/id/35631525

The Future of VOD for Independents featuring Pierre-Alexandre Labelle 02/18/2025

The Future of VOD for Independents featuring Pierre-Alexandre Labelle In this episode Alex Stolz sits down with Pierre-Alexandre (Alex) Labelle, co-founder of Under the Milky Way, the global digital distribution company helping studios, filmmakers and rights holders bring their films to VOD platforms worldwide. Alex shares his journey in the film industry, from the early days of digital distribution to working with major platforms like Apple, Google, and Amazon. He dives into the industry's evolving landscape, discussing the rise of SVOD, the ongoing relevance of transactional VOD, and the growing impact of AVOD and FAST channels (although cautioning that this may be less than has been claimed!). The conversation also explores Claudia, Under the Milky Way’s latest initiative, designed to streamline the distribution process for independent filmmakers through automation and strategic insights. Alex emphasizes the importance of data in shaping film distribution strategies and how AI could revolutionize industry decision-making. Closing with a fascinating analogy comparing the predicting the future to a game of Tetris, Alex leaves listeners with thought-provoking insights on how filmmakers and distributors can adapt to a constantly shifting digital environment. 🎬 Key Takeaways: The transition to digital distribution was inevitable, but industry shifts—like the dominance of SVOD—came as a surprise. Transactional VOD remains relevant, particularly for back-catalog titles and films not available on major streaming services. FAST channels and AVOD present opportunities but are not the game-changers many expected. Claudia is Under the Milky Way’s answer to empowering independent filmmakers, automating where it helps while keeping human insight where it matters. AI and data-driven insights will shape the next wave of film distribution innovation. About Pierre-Alexandre Labelle Pierre-Alexandre Labelle graduated from McGill University in 2000 and moved to France to work as a derivatives trader for Cargill (2001-2004). He then became an entrepreneur in the film industry through the creation and development of UniversCiné (2005-2008). In parallel, in 2007, he launched the Glitner Project (collaborative platform for European VoD rights-holders). After a tenure as Deputy Manager of the European Producers Club in 2009, he co-founded Under The Milky Way in 2010. About Under the Milk Way Under The Milky Way is an international digital film distributor. The company distributes feature films on VoD Platforms on behalf of studios such as StudioCanal, Mattel, Pathé and Gaumont as well as many independent distributors across the world. Under The Milky Way works with many VoD Platforms such as Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Rakuten, Netflix, Tubi, Pluto TV and was also awarded the global Apple “preferred aggregator” status in 2011. The company is fully operational on more than 100 territories out of 13 regional offices in Europe, Asia, North and Latin America. Since 2011, Under The Milky Way develops and operates software solutions known as “The Library Intelligence”. It includes a complete suite of applications customised to its activities. In 2024, Under The Milky Way launched Claudia; a solution for independent producers to distribute their films on major VoD platforms around the world. . /episode/index/show/moviemarketing/id/35326195

Conic: the story of a new distribution company featuring Jen Davies and Graham Fulton 02/11/2025

Conic: the story of a new distribution company featuring Jen Davies and Graham Fulton "We want to be a positive force in the ecosystem." Jen Davies In this episode, Alex Stolz speaks with Jen Davies and Graham Fulton, co-founders of Conic, the Glasgow-based film distribution company formed in 2022. They discuss the origins of Conic, their mission to support independent cinema, and the evolving landscape of film distribution. The conversation covers their values, team dynamics, acquisition processes, and the challenges of theatrical releases, all while emphasizing the importance of community and collaboration in the film industry. Jen and Graham discuss the journey of a young film distribution company, highlighting their bidding process for films, the importance of community engagement, and the surprising success of securing broadcast deals. They delve into effective marketing strategies to cut through the noise in the industry, share lessons learned from their experiences, and express excitement for their upcoming slate of films, emphasizing the positive outlook for the cinema industry recovery. About Conic Conic is a UK / Ireland distributor releasing bold and ambitious films. Since launching in October 2022, Conic has released several award-winning and BAFTA nominated films, including Smoke Sauna Sisterhood, In Camera, Disco Boy, That They May Face the Rising Sun and many more. In the first half of 2025 Conic will release Palestinian thriller, To a Land Unknown; San Sebastian Best Director-winning On Falling; Cannes Youth Award winner Holy Cow and American indie Good One. Find out more at / @conicfilm About Jen Davies Jen is co-founder of Conic, and heads up creative and marketing. Prior to starting Conic with business partner Graham Fulton, Jen spent a decade as Creative Director at Park Circus, which represents most of the Hollywood studios and British film libraries, overseeing marketing and international campaigns for many reissues of classic titles and new releases. Before that Jen worked for Glasgow Film as Head of Communications and Marketing and was also part of the team which set up SQIFF, the Scottish Queer International Film Festival. About Graham Fulton Graham is co-founder of Conic, and heads up distribution, sales, and acquisition. Before starting Conic with business partner Jen Davies, Graham was Director of International Sales and Distribution at Park Circus, distributing and selling films directly to cinemas, film festivals and distributors around the world. Representing most of the Hollywood studios, some of the films he helped release internationally include Free Solo, Three Identical Strangers, A Certain Woman, Mandy and American Utopia. /episode/index/show/moviemarketing/id/35236230

The Data Behind Horror featuring Stephen Follows 01/30/2025

Harnessing AI in Hollywood with Tobias Queisser 01/14/2025

Film Festivals, Community and Developing Younger Audiences with Leslie Vuchot 12/12/2024

Kubrick, Castle Rock and the Art of the Trailer Featuring Jim Fredrick 11/21/2024

Unlocking Cinema's Data Advantage featuring Ben Johnson 11/14/2024

The Changing Landscape in the Nordics featuring Merete Christensen and Thor Sigurjónsson 10/24/2024

The Changing Landscape in the Nordics featuring Merete Christensen and Thor Sigurjónsson "It's a changing landscape, but people still want to see movies." Thor Sigurjónsson, Scanbox In this episode we meet the leading - and legendary - Nordic distributor, Scanbox Entertainment with their top executives Merete Christensen (COO and Head of Theatrical) and CEO Thor Sigurjónsson. In the conversation we discuss how the Nordic markets are transforming through shifting audience behaviour and technology - and how Scanbox is adroitly adjusting to this landscape. Topics include changing acquisition and releasing models, what is working well in cinemas right now and the company's move into production. In a wide ranging conversation that covers Thor's journey from Icelandic producer to running a pan-nordic distributor, we also hear about why Scanbox recently joined the Vuelta Group and more about the group's vision for a pan-European distribution network. More about Merete and Thor Merete Christensen is COO and Head of Theatrical Distribution at Scanbox, where she has been overseeing the theatrical distribution of approximately 25 films annually since 2011. Amongst these, acclaimed films like Past Lives, the French hit The Intouchables (De urørlige), the Taken franchise, and lately Alex Garland’s Civil War and Danish box office hit Rome by Niclas Bendixen. In addition to her work at Scanbox, Merete serves on the board of The Danish Cinema Club and is a member of the Danish Media Council. Thor Sigurjonsson is the CEO of Scanbox Entertainment, a prominent Nordic film distribution company. With a background deeply rooted in both film production and distribution, Sigurjonsson has been involved with Scanbox for over 15 years, having served on its board before leading a management buyout (MBO) in 2020. His leadership has guided Scanbox into new ventures, including expanding into content creation, with a focus on both international and Nordic film and TV projects. Sigurjonsson also co-founded Zik Zak Filmworks, an Icelandic production company. /episode/index/show/moviemarketing/id/33277892

Reinventing Recommendation featuring Luis Perez Endara 10/02/2024

A New Blueprint for Filmmaker-First Distribution with the Founders of Blue Harbor Entertainment 09/05/2024

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. /episode/index/show/moviemarketing/id/32907657

Marina Kosten: Building a Future for Theatrical through Data 07/30/2024

Urszula Piasecka: the Evolving Role of Distribution 07/16/2024

Letterboxd: Building a Global Community of Film Lovers w David Larkin 06/27/2024

Serge Zabbal on Innovating Distribution in the MENA Market 05/09/2024

Reimagining Distribution with Avril Speaks and Brandon Purdie 05/09/2024

Reimagining Distribution with Avril Speaks and Brandon Purdie In this special episode of the Market and Distirbution Pdcast, we tap into our Reimagine the Ecosystem series, the series of discussions with leaders on the future of the industry. In this particular session, we addressed the fast evolving field of distribution itself, with Avril Speaks (Distribution Advocates) and Angel Studios' Brandon Purdie. With the distribution landscape having changed so much in recent years, how are studios, creators and labels approaching the market differently? What kind of new mechanisms and strategies are working particularly well and what is now less effective. But beyond tactics and techniques, is there a completely different way to approach distribution now? How can we begin the distribution process earlier, make it less risky and more data-driven? Is it possible to change the way distribution decisions are made – can we reimagine this vital part of the ecosystem? Our panelists; innovators and pioneers from different territories and perspectives, will be sharing their ideas, experiences and perspectives in how they are are approaching distribution in transformative new ways. Avril Speaks Avril Speaks is an award-winning Producer, Director and Showrunner based in Los Angeles. She has produced several award-winning films including Jinn, Dotty & Soul, and the South African film African America, which was nominated for an NAACP Image Award, four African Movie Academy Awards and streamed on Netflix. Most recently, Avril was the Showrunner for the docu-series Uprooted: The Untold Keith Warren Story, which is available on Discovery+ and was an Executive Producer for Files of the Unexplained, coming soon to Netflix. Currently, Avril is a Creative and Production Executive at Vox Media Studios. Avril was a 2020 Sundance Momentum Fellow, and a 2022 recipient of the Dear Producer Award. She is also a co-founding member of Distribution Advocates and is part of the Executive Committee for the newly formed Producer’s Union. Brandon Purdie Since childhood, Brandon Purdie has been obsessed with bringing inspiring films to captive audiences. After moving up from tearing tickets and sweeping floors at his local theater to managing a regional theater chain, Purdie immersed himself in box office numbers, concession margins, team management, and the cinematic experience. This blossomed into a career at the indie distributor Excel Entertainment, moving from Marketing Director to overseeing the marketing and release of dozens of projects a year in theaters and on DVD. Shortly after, he founded Purdie Distribution, advising filmmakers on how to make and sell their films. In 2023, Angel Studios enlisted Purdie to launch their theatrical division, and out of the gate Purdie and his team beat the odds. The first theatrical release, HIS ONLY SON, a film that was made for only $250,000 grossed over $12M in domestic box office. This was followed by the global blockbuster SOUND OF FREEDOM (Jim Caviezel, Mira Sorvino) that grossed over $183M domestically since its July 4 release, and continues to launch in new markets internationally and boasts a worldwide gross of over $230M. Upcoming Angel theatrical titles include AFTER DEATH (Oct 27, 2023), THE SHIFT (Dec 1, 2023), and CABRINI (March 8, 2024). Purdie is also a proud member of the Executive Board of Directors for the Zions Indie Film Festival. /episode/index/show/moviemarketing/id/30268603

Benny Haesebrouck on doing Distribution Differently with MOOOV 04/04/2024

Kymberli Frueh: Trafalgar Releasing and the Business and Art of Event Cinema 03/14/2024

Mathieu Robinet on Engaging Younger Audiences for Theatrical Releases 02/22/2024

Nikolaj Mathies: Effective Film Promotion on TikTok 02/15/2024

Elba McAllister on Distribution in LatAm, Exec Producing with the Streamers and the changing face of International Sales 02/01/2024

Brandon Purdie on the Pay it Forward Triumph of SOUND OF FREEDOM 12/21/2023

Brandon Purdie on the Pay it Forward Triumph of SOUND OF FREEDOM In 2023, outside of the phenomenon of 'Barbenheimer', one film and release stands out as truly remarkable: SOUND OF FREEDOM. The hard hitting thriller, starring Jim Caviezel and Mira Sorvino, currrently stands at a colossal box office of $184m in the US and Canada and over $220m globallly. In this episode, we meet one of the key architects of this success, Angel Studios' EVP Global Theatrical Distribution, Brandon Purdie. In this conversation, Brandon sheds light on Angel Studios' unique model for acquistions and approach to distirbution, including how the innovative 'Pay it Forward' model - so key to the film's success - actually works. In a wide renaging conversation, Brandon also shares his career journey from tearing tickets at his local theatre and his thoughts on the future of thetrical in 2024 and beyond. About Brandon Purdie Since childhood, Brandon Purdie has been obsessed with bringing inspiring films to captive audiences. After moving up from tearing tickets and sweeping floors at his local theater to managing a regional theater chain, Purdie immersed himself in box office numbers, concession margins, team management, and the cinematic experience. This blossomed into a career at the indie distributor Excel Entertainment, moving from Marketing Director to overseeing the marketing and release of dozens of projects a year in theaters and on DVD. Shortly after, he founded Purdie Distribution, advising filmmakers on how to make and sell their films. In 2023, Angel Studios enlisted Purdie to launch their theatrical division, and out of the gate Purdie and his team beat the odds. The first theatrical release, HIS ONLY SON, a film that was made for only $250,000 grossed over $12M in domestic box office. This was followed by the global blockbuster SOUND OF FREEDOM (Jim Caviezel, Mira Sorvino) that grossed over $183M domestically since its July 4 release, and continues to launch in new markets internationally and boasts a worldwide gross of over $230M. Upcoming Angel theatrical titles include AFTER DEATH (Oct 27, 2023), THE SHIFT (Dec 1, 2023), and CABRINI (March 8, 2024). Purdie is also a proud member of the Executive Board of Directors for the Zions Indie Film Festival. /episode/index/show/moviemarketing/id/29145388

Reimagine the Greenlight with Ted Hope, irina Albita and Anjali Midha 12/07/2023

Reimagine the Greenlight with Ted Hope, irina Albita and Anjali Midha In an increasingly competitive and congested distribution marketplace, better and more informed decision making upstream is increasingly essential. However, formulaic and algorithmically influenced content continues to enter the system, often leaving audiences cold. Is there a better way? How can we support intuitive creativity with robust data analytics, audience insights and distribution intelligence? What are the tools, resources and information that can underpin more effective commissioning or investment decisions? Where are the information blindspots and how can filmmakers formulate a more robust investment opportunity? How can we create more inclusiveness in the greenlight process? These are some of the questions explored with 3 leaders in their field across film, data and technology featuring legendary producer Ted Hope, Co Founder and Co-CEO of Film Chain, Irina Albita and Anjali Midha, Founder and CEO of Diesel Labs. Ted Hope has been a producer on over 70 films, studio executive on over 60, CEO of a start-up streamer, co-head of 3 production companies, executive director of a film society & festival, a Professor Of Practice at 2 universities, and founder of a post-production facility, 2 websites, 2 think tanks, & an app. Ted launched Amazon’s foray into feature film production, leading them to 19 Oscar nominations and 5 wins. As a producer, his films have received 25 Oscar nominations, with 6 wins. Ted’s memoir and newsletter Hope For Film, are both must reads. Ted helped launch the feature film careers of Ang Lee, Nicole Holofcener, Hal Hartley, Michel Gondry and many others. His most recent films include the first narrative from Oscar-winning documentary director, Roger Ross Williams, Cassandro, as well as the documentary Invisible Nation on Taiwan, directed and produced by Vanessa Hope. Irina Albita is a technologist with over 12 years experience in the London/NYC tech scene, with a mathematics-economics background. Her passion is exploring how emerging tech radically transforms creative industries, and she is a prominent figure at film & tech events worldwide. She co-founded alongside Maria Tanjala. The platform is transforming how producers, financiers, and sales agents get paid. With a digital collection account management (CAM) for indie films and a royalties management solution for content distributors, FilmChain brings transparency to payments and modernises royalties. Former EFM Startups 2018, they have won awards such as ‘Startup of the Year’ London Business Awards 2020, Startup Challenge at San Sebastian Film Festival 2020, Makers and Shakers 2020, and Unchain Fintech Festival 2022, to name a few. Anjali Midha is an entrepreneur with a passion for driving innovation in media and marketing analytics. She is the co-founder & CEO of Diesel Labs, a content analytics company that addresses the toughest questions facing media companies today. Before starting Diesel Labs, she was the Global Director of Media Research at Twitter where she developed the ‘playbook’ for television - illuminating the synergies and opportunities across traditional and new media. She joined Twitter via their acquisition of Bluefin Labs (the pioneer of Social TV Analytics), prior to which she was the VP of Strategy & Analytics at Digitas. Anjali holds a BA in Economics from Tufts University and an MBA from MIT Sloan This session is part of the Reimagining the Ecosystem Series presented by usheru and Screenovators: a series of talks featuring industry pioneers, trailblazers and thought leaders exploring whether it is time to reimagine the film ecosystem? /episode/index/show/moviemarketing/id/28973068

Enrique Costa on Elastica, Unlocking New Audiences and the Importance of Building a Brand 11/30/2023

Reimagining Film Festivals 11/14/2023

Reimagining Film Festivals Where do film festivals stand in a transformed and often fragmented film landscape? What is the underlying value that they can provide and how can we measure and capture that value? In a film ecosystem that often feels siloed, how can festivals become more robust and connected to other parts of the value chain, particularly with distribution? Is there an argument for festivals to work across the year to deliver that value and are there innovative business models or funding venues that can help sustain this activity? These are some of the topics that our expert panel discussed in this discussion as part of the Screenovators Reimagining the Ecosystem series. Screenovators is the free online community dedicated to innovation in the screen industries. Discover more and sign up today here: Speakers: Marcin Pieńkowski Director New Horizons Film Festival. Festival director (since 2021) and former artistic director (2016-2021) of the New Horizons International Film Festival in Wroclaw, Poland. Head of distribution of New Horizons Association. Co-founder of New Horizons VOD platform devoted to arthouse cinema. He is a lecturer, film historian, editor and co-author of several books about films. Member of European Film Academy. Sarah Mosses Sarah is the Founder & CEO of Together Films, a marketing, distribution, and technology company serving the international film community from our offices in London & NYC. She has acted as the Head of Marketing for leading Film Festivals including Sheffield DocFest (Sheffield, UK), DOC NYC (NYC, US), Human Rights Watch Film Festival (London, UK & NYC, US), and the Athena Film Festival (NYC, US). She is passionate about serving filmmakers to increase their social impact, reach, and revenue for multi-award-winning titles like For Sama, Unrest, The Tale & Roll Red Roll. She also helps a variety of industry and brand clients to optimize their business performance through technology and operational support, such as Sony & Patagonia. Sarah recently graduated from the prestigious Inside Pictures film leadership course and was selected for the Mayor of London's International Growth Programme (including trade visits to NYC & LA). Together Films are expanding into international sales in Brian Newman Brian Newman, founder of Sub-Genre, consults on content strategy, distribution and marketing for some of the top brands in the world. Current and former clients include: The Climate Pledge (Amazon), GoDaddy John Deere, Oatly, Patagonia, Publicis Sapient, Purina, REI, Stripe, Sundance, Tazo, Unilever, and Yeti Coolers. Brian has served as CEO of the Tribeca Film Institute, produces independent films, and writes a popular weekly newsletter on film. /episode/index/show/moviemarketing/id/28632733

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