The HopeForFilm Non-Dependent Distribution Masterclass, 2024 edition
14 deep dives on 2024's most critical subject for the FKATFB
Well, I think these are all the articles I’ve written on an alternative approach to distribution so far. I have more to write though. And hopefully others too will write more on this subject...
I am bringing you this post partially because later today at 4P ET I will be having an online discussion on what to do when you’ve shot a film or are preparing to shoot one and you know the traditional mainstream industry is not going to rescue and escort you into the land of success and wealth. That should be many of you. And hopefully that false dream of an unlikely and unfulfilling success doesn’t tempt you.
You can have a career doing what you love and not conforming to make the same lameness that currently floods the zone and rots too many minds and hearts. A non-dependent cinema ecosystem prioritizing the artist is what we all need now — and we can build it better together. This is what we all need to prepare ourselves for. I hope you can join me to discuss it further later today. You can sign up here:
And in preparation of that glorious world to come, whether you join the virtual meet up or not, I want to encourage to dive deep into this alternative way of working, of preparing, and ultimately releasing your work:
What all non-dependent filmmakers need to know now:
I also have some simple Observations I recommend to hold before you start:
But it is a process.
Step One — get the mindset you need:
Step Two — slow down
Step Three — Ask the right questions before you begin
Steps Four & Five — own your own audience
Steps 5 & 6 —- Change your tactics:
I have found a few other tidbits along the way, and whereas they are not full posts, they are useful to keep in mind.
Others have been at work in this space too. You should be sure to check out the work 8Above, Dear Producer, and Distribution Advocates has been doing:
And don’t forget to check out the Distribution Handbook that Seed & Spark and Kinema put together this year. It was one of the more notable accomplishments in the Indie film space.
And if you want to remind yourself of the potential for success as indicated by the huge untapped audience in American alone, give Keri Putnam’s “US Independent Film Audience and Landscape Study” a read while you wait at the airport or bus station this holiday season.
Karin Chien has also done a don’t miss deep dive study of many of the obstructions and opportunities in the field. It is filled with very important takeaways. Change has to come. If you care about sustainability — your career — you need to open your eyes to the challenges Karin defines so well.
There’s a lot of good work being done in the field this year — and I am quite thankful for that — but you have to recognize that most of this work and community building is being done by women, who as a class have had to face diminished opportunities in the field forever, not to mention not even being guaranteed equal rights in America.
Thanks for the shout out and recommendation Ted!!
This round up is coming at just the right time for our team as we shift from production company to full on marketing machine as we sprint towards our theatrical release of our latest feature film You, Me & Her on Valentines Day!!!!