Distribution

The last 5 years have been about as wavy and uneven as possible, with so many changes - social, technological, global - not only in the film industry but in the world at large following the pandemic. It's definitely crazy out there for writers, and hard to find clean footing to move forward. Things are very cyclical though and as long as you keep walking, the path will open up soon once again

Thanks for sharing, Debbie Elicksen. Things are really tough for a lot of writers, and having a side job is smart. I think things will eventually turn around in the TV industry. I mean, streamers, networks, etc. need scripts. They're gonna have to start buying more.

Maurice Vaughan I think having a side job is basically every writer not on a payroll full time, regardless of industry. (Ditto in sports reporting, news, etc.)

You're right, Debbie Elicksen. I make pitch decks as a side job.

Maurice Vaughan Good to know ;).

"It's like a cartel" HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA! bY definition, the Motion Picture Association rules the industry as a cartel. In fact, the 6 members have only 3 actual controllingn owners among them...

Wow! Very interesting, thanks for sharing Debbie Elicksen! I've definitely seen behind the scenes fights (or different movies being blocked from getting the attention/marketing they're 'supposed to' - but moreso with docs) like Shadow mentions, but not to this degree

Yeah, you're right, Nick Phillips. I think "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" is gonna easily be number one and "Monkey Man" number two. I also think if "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" wasn't out, "Monkey Man" would be number one. I saw the "Monkey Man" trailer, and it looks incredible! I don't know a lot about the movie (I don't wanna know a lot about it), but from the trailer, it looks like a hyperfast version of "John Wick."

If you want to write a story about Indians in India, you may find local production companies wanting to work with you. Let me know if you want to chat more.

I grew up in India. As a filmmaker based in L.A now I am trying to bring India content projects to India for international audience but so far my experience is that Indian studios and production houses are only focused on their type of content and local audience. If you watch their popular shows and cinema you will understand. What you see on Netflix or Prime are exceptions. I don't see Jio doing anything different. Their bottom line is not great or good shows for worldwide audiences, it is typical shows at budget. So the creative aspect remains status quo.

Pema Dhondup There is one Cineplex theater in Calgary that mostly shows Indian films. Today, 6 of the 11 theaters are Indian studio films. That theater has opted to cater to its neighborhood demographic, which is cool.

Very interesting, imagine a lot more co-productions are to come a la RRR or Monkey Man

Pat Alexander I haven't seen Monkey Man but I think RRR was longer than Oppenheimer.

The deck looks terrific, Angelo Padin. And sports docs are so hot. If you have the seasons already shot are you currently editing episodes? Perhaps self-distribution is an option (a la The Chosen) and if it captures an audience it'll pop even bigger. Or start posting teasers online and try to build interest on social which could lead to pitches or maybe in-coming calls. Here's a link to a Stage 32 class on the art of distribution in today's landscape that starts on Monday that I recommend checking out: https://www.stage32.com/education?p=8973510377779

Hi Sam Sokolow thanks for your feedback!

originally we made season into 2 part film, and later breaking it down into episodes. part one is 3 episodes long, and I can edit part 2 into 3-5 episodes depending how deep we want to go with the backstory. season 2 just wrapped up and I would like to wait to edit it when I have a clear plan of distribution.

personally I’ve always seen it as a docu-series, with 30-40 min episodes. but I’ve also enjoyed making the films.

I’m going to look into the self distribution platform you mentioned as well the masterclass. thank you!

here’s episode one just in case you want a sneak peak: "We The North" Ep.1: Privilege

https://youtu.be/tIc57-ieHUU

Sound like a really cool concept! I’d also recommend having an exec take a look at it so you can get some market feedback. Given your genre I’d recommend Tim Ogletree, he’d be perfect! https://www.stage32.com/scriptservices/coverage/buy?id=60

Welcome to Stage 32, Angelo Padin. "We the North" deals with crucial topics. Overall, fantastic pitch deck! I really like that you added the pictures and the news article. I think they’re gonna really help with attracting distributors.

Here are some notes/suggestions:

1) On the cover page, I suggest putting some space between the tagline and “CREATED BY…”

2) I think your logline needs some work. It’s vague.

3) On page three, I suggest removing the black line that’s on the right side of the picture.

4) I suggest working on the spacing between the text on page seven.

5) I think it’ll sound better if you used the characters’ names on page eight instead of saying “this cast member.”

6) I suggest adding more space between the bios on page ten (“THE COACHES”).

7) Since you’re looking for distribution, you’re gonna need more information in your pitch deck. I suggest checking out this on-demand webinar (www.stage32.com/education?p=8944905650483). It’s taught by Michelle Alexandria. She REALLY knows her stuff about pitch decks, producing, financing, and distribution. I’ve learned a lot about pitch decks from her. This webinar is focused on building a pitch deck that lands financing and distribution at major markets though, but I think the information in the webinar could be applied to your pitch deck as well.

Michelle also has an on-demand class where you'll learn how to find distributors and sales companies, where to find them, who in the company to contact, what to say, and when offers do come in, what to look for in contracts, what to expect in cash flow and charges, and how to prepare yourself and your project for the big part of the filmmaking process, distribution: www.stage32.com/classes/Navigating-Distribution-Finding-the-Right-Team-a...

8) It’s kinda hard to read the contact information on the last page. I’m not sure what program you used to make your pitch deck, but if you used Canva, you could add Shadow to the text so it’s easier to read. The same thing for "THANK YOU!" on the last page, and the same thing for the title and "CREATED BY..." on the cover page.

Incredible list for filmmakers to use for networking, Amanda Toney!

I agree with my dear friend Rico McClinton - never quit!!!

Oh, hell yes. I want to see this. Lelde Kovalova what a great trailer.

Lelde Kovalova Lelde, that looks great. Well done. I hope we can all see it on Netflix!

Amazon, Hulu, other?

Hello:

Production - lovely.

Cinematography - delightful.

Congratulations! Fantastic!

Grateful within every road your path plants.

God Bless,

John German

I've been trying to get to more small, local film festivals. There are so many if you look for them. You may only get a catalogue of short films but usually made by emerging, talented filmmakers and often with state or industry grants and it's always inspiring to hear their stories of how they got their films made.

Hope someone buys the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Circuit like they've been doing with other theaters, Ashley Renee Smith.

Debbie Elicksen Hi Debbie, as well as scheduling problems, the article also mentions that the quality of films isn’t as good, but I suppose this could be put down to finance problems? have you noticed this too?

Maurice Vaughan yes, that is strange isn’t it? Why would distributors (or the studios) not want to maximise their profits during a time of maximum exposure and publicity for the film? Someone must know the answer to that. I wonder of Debbie knows? Debbie Elicksen

Geoff Hall You give me too much credit. lol. Perhaps the quality is not there because of the catchup still needed after the strike. But I do notice that the selection is not great at the theatres this time of year. It usually improves in the summer. Still, I have not been tempted to see any film since Eras. The ones that are showing, I feel like I can wait until I can rent them off Cineplex or wait until they appear on Netflix and Prime.

Debbie Elicksen so actually part of this could be put down to the usual seasonal fluctuations and that the early part of any year is thin on films. However, it would be interesting to find out what’s in the pipeline for production/post-prod/release. Thanks for your humble feedback, Debbie! Lol.

it sure would be great to find out what is coming up soon

Tatiana is brilliant and such a generous educator. This is a profound certification course. Thanks for the share, Maurice Vaughan!

If anyone wants to check out Tatiana's course in this Master Certification track,, here's a link: https://certification.stage32.com/#/online-courses/ae124c5e-3229-4f74-91...

You're welcome, Sam Sokolow.

Great insight, Fran Harris! Was there a film festival that stood out to you above the rest when you were entering them?

Great post! Networking 100%. I've had some great opportunities fall in my lap from participating in film festivals. Key is to avoid the monthly online ones and if you can, go to them in person! Otherwise, you lose out on the opportunity to meet people!

Great insights, Fran Harris! I also think that the motivational energy that you feel when attending festivals and events like this in person is particularly helpful. It can be inspiring to meet so many people that are on similar journeys and the energy is infectious.