Distribution

The deal was sent to Netflix to help the cinema all around, they are helping each other... Mainly Netflix saving our pastime because like Kpop people would love to watch Stranger Things end in theaters.

Sandra Isabel Correia For a brief analysis see the Independent Producers Guild article here: https://independentproducersguild.org/article-netflix-strategy-threatens...

This is an interesting move by Netflix. Key is that viewers MUST buy their concession in advance of viewing. This guarantees theatres a profit. Theatrical releasing agents cannot afford to guarantee profits, so should this strategy become widespread, it is death to indie film which already faces near impossible challenges to get into theaters.

I agree, Maurice Vaughan.This feels like a smart move that benefits both Netflix and audiences. I see it as an innovative step that could revitalize theaters while opening doors for hybrid release strategies. If Netflix is willing to experiment here, it might signal broader opportunities for producers and distributors to think beyond the traditional streaming model.

Exactly, Vincent Turner. Netflix and theaters supporting each other is powerful. It really feels like they’re helping revitalize cinema while giving fans that big‑screen cultural moment.

Thanks for sharing that perspective and the link, Shadow Dragu-Mihai, Esq., Ipg. You raise an important point; the guaranteed concession model does secure profit for theaters, but it also risks creating barriers for indie films that can’t offer the same guarantees. While Netflix’s move is innovative and exciting for audiences, I agree it’s crucial to consider how this strategy might impact independent producers and distributors who already face steep challenges breaking into theatrical spaces. It’s a reminder that as the industry experiments with hybrid models, we need to keep equity and access in mind so indie cinema isn’t left behind.

Thanks for sharing this guide, Debbie Elicksen! There's things in it that I've never heard of. I bookmarked it.

Hi, Leah McBean-Willis. I think you meant to post that here: www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting/Your-projects

You're welcome, Leah McBean-Willis. Okay. Just click "delete" underneath your name to remove your comment.

It sounds fun, Ville Hilden. I like the idea! It's a unique way of making and distributing a musical!

Ville Hilden YouTube is a fantastic distribution channel. So many creators choose it as their main site. As with anything else, no idea is crazy. Social/digital channels are perfect for experimenting.

I think Hollywood can regain momentum in China, Ashley Renee Smith. One factor is making films that people in China want to see.

This is such a interesting topic and asks the huge question. Three recipients of the 2025 Noble Economics Sciences received thier awards for better explaining the process {progress of replacing old technologies with new and better technologies, created by the Industrial Revolution } rather than "Stagnation" which is has occurred through out most of human history. ?As wealth opens up new markets will it collapse the resistant, the hesitant, or absorb the old establishments and thier scared technologies? As a creative doing a one man show with my own IP; I am in the bleachers eating popcorn searching for new technologies that will help me reach a new niche of content. What new genre interest you?

China is a huge market Ashley Renee Smith . HUGE.

Creator-focused features and interactive options, Ashley Renee Smith.

Weird. But I've become so skilled at fast-forwarding and rewinding... lol. Innovations: I'd like Peacock to finally get their act together and allow you to remove things from Continue Watching, and I'd like all streamers to add more new things to watch each month like they used to... You can literally see them trade the same films to one another, or themselves, over and over now. Does anyone else remember how awesome HBO MAX was when it first started? They had a lot going on in there. Besides that, I think they work fine as is.

James Lagrimas This is really good information!

James Lagrimas are these classes available as replays?

This wouldn't have ever been something I'd think to even research. Thanks for highlighting these. Will these stay in my library after viewing?

Hi, James Lagrimas. How about Education for someone who wants to become a distributor?

I like creative marketing strategies that don't give too much away, Stephen Folker, like the marketing strategy for Weapons. It's something indie filmmakers can do without a big marketing budget.

Stephen Folker As you know, it's all about getting heard above the noise, and all about getting access to the audience. We just completed a deep analysis of marketing in the internet age, and will later today be releasing the first of two reports on it. The first details the current crisis in marketing, which is not film-industry specific, but more than disturbing especially when the impact of AI tools in the search engine have been accounted for (which has created ZCS or "zero click search"). The second is how to get around the controlled internet search algorithms and strategies to combat the anti-competitive effects of ZCS. We have answers for filmmakers.

Yes! Maurice Vaughan said exactly what I wanted to write.

If there’s no budget, then you have to rely on creativity. I think the advertising budget for Weapons was probably large (at least for me as an indie filmmaker), but that’s the right approach.

I’m planning to go through social media, possibly combining influencer ads and trying to create viral reels.

Great topic. The shift in mindset from "How do I get distribution?" to "How do I build an audience for my film?" is everything. Even a microbudget film can find its niche. I'm currently navigating this with a documentary short.

Sam Rivera The IPG's FilmPod and Digital Box Office structures have been developed to address this, specifically to help build an audience for your specific film or series. Check out independentproducersguild.org and attend one of our weekly virtual open houses at Diamond Shadow Productions to discuss the challenges and possible solutions to independent film marketing.

This looks interesting James Lagrimas. Docs are so important for filmmakers to consider.

Hey, Debbie! Hope we can have you attend :)

is there really going to be a session now?

the email says,

Virtual Class Details:

- Title: Stage 32 4-Part Class: Step by Step Distribution Guide for your Documentary, Doc-Series or Unscripted Projects

- Hosted by: Chris Hazenbush

- Date: 11/17/2025

- Time: 03:00PM PST

Hi all, Chris Hazenbush here, your instructor! Apologies that there was inaccurate information sent around, but I'm so excited for our first class tomorrow (Wed 11/19) at 3p PT! Thank you for filling out your Questionnaires, as it gives me a better idea of what you're looking to gain from the class. Please come prepared with questions so we can make this as fun and interactive as possible. Thanks and see you tomorrow!

Congratulations on finishing Expire, Muhammad Abed Baryal! Unique concept! I'm looking forward to watching your film!

Stage 32 has free in-person Meetups that are great for networking (www.stage32.com/meetups). You might meet international film media companies, journalists, publications, and others at a Meetup. If you don't see a Meetup in your area, keep an eye on that page for new Meetups. And you're welcome to start your own Meetup.

Thank you so much! Maurice Vaughan I really appreciate the suggestion about Meetups — I’ll definitely look into attending or even organizing one. Excited to connect with the community

You're welcome, Muhammad Abed Baryal. Hope it helps! And it's Stage 32's November Write Club. It can help you reach a goal(s), and it's a chance to connect with writers, directors, producers, etc. Write Club isn't just for writers. There's prizes too! Week 3's blog comes out Monday.

Let's set some expectations about short films. First off, I like your idea of the short film. Curious to know, watch it. Since there are hundreds of short films made, and posted online monthly, almost all of them are not covered by any media or press. There is a website, and it's on Facebook, called DUST (also on YouTube) that caters to Sci-Fi shorts. You can submit to festivals, and if your short wins you will have press exposure. If it goes viral, it will get attention. Keep going strong, break a leg!

Thank you, Lindbergh E Hollingsworth this was very helpful. I appreciate your suggestions and insights. Let’s stay in touch

It's funny to see not getting more money characterized as an actual loss. IMO this is not fragmentation, this is the drawing of lines between the studio cartel (legally so, now), and Google, who is a defacto (though still illegal) monopoly over internet search results wanting to extend its power over serious entertainment media. Google's influence on advertising over the decades has made it both accessible to everyone, and unprofitable for those of us in the independent space. Mainstream has maintained, for the most part, it's price level for advertising, because they don't sell ads through Google. Google wants to destroy that because it wants to control all revenues and all information. This isn't conspiracy, this is the real strategy they have followed over the last two decades and the reason the DOJ is investigating them . So this has less, indeed nothing, to do with distribution per se. Google, if it were to win this and future tug-of-wars, would ensure that no film makes money unless the majority of revenues land in Google's lap; That's the stakes.