Have You Seen My Film? A Kinema Podcast

In this episode of the Kinema podcast, we chat with Ash Cook, founder and CEO of Video Storage, about his innovative approach to film distribution through physical media, community events, and flexible rights management. He shares insights on curating unique film collections, the security of encrypted drives, and the future of owning and sharing films in the digital age.

 What you'll hear about:
🎬 Unconventional film distribution model
🎬 Physical media and print rights focus
🎬 Community events and film curation
🎬 Security and encryption of digital films
🎬 Flexible rights management and partnerships

00:00 Introd...

Discover how Talia Light Rake transformed her filmmaking career by leveraging online communities and social media. Learn actionable strategies to build your network and fund projects without traditional gatekeepers.

🎬 Talia's journey from pandemic pivots to launching 'Too Romantic'
🎬 Using Instagram for casting, financing, and collaboration
🎬 Algorithms and social media for matching collaborators
🎬 Hosting in-person events to foster real relationships
🎬 Turning online interactions into face-to-face opportunities

More on Kinema for Filmmakers here: https://bit.ly/kinemayoutube

🎙️ Hosted and co-produced by Christie Marchese
🎬 Produced and edited by Ron Passaro
💻 https://kinema.com/

We chatted with Lisa Trifone, founder and CEO of Bright Iris Film Co., about the intricacies of film marketing and publicity for independent filmmakers. 

We discuss the importance of early engagement, budgeting for marketing, and the resources available for filmmakers. Lisa shares insights on the Unmissable Film Release Initiative, the significance of specificity in audience targeting, and common myths surrounding publicity. The conversation emphasizes the need for filmmakers to set clear goals and understand the essential assets required for effective promotion.

Takeaways:
🎬 Bright Iris Film Co. offers full-service publicity and strategy for independent films.
...

Wait - there's a new way to apply to film festivals?? I needed to know more! After hearing filmmakers talk about a new, smarter way to apply to film festivals via Hiike Independendt, I DMed the founders on instagram and they kindly agreed to tell us everything. 

Join us as I interview Brynne Norquist and Tyler Knohl, co-founders of Hiike Independent, a film festival research and submission platform. They discuss the platform's unique features, including a quiz that matches filmmakers with suitable festivals, the revenue structure, and the importance of data collection for festival matching. 

Th...

In this episode, host Christie Marchese, founder and CEO of Kinema, sits down with documentary filmmaker and founder of Doc Film School T.C. Johnstone for an inspiring and in-depth conversation about the power of purpose-driven storytelling.

T.C. shares insights from his filmmaking journey, including the creative and strategic decisions behind projects like Rising from Ashes. Together, they explore how filmmakers can build authentic impact campaigns, cultivate meaningful partnerships, and create work that resonates far beyond the screen.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into:
🎬 Building films around mission and measurable impact
🎬 Leveraging partne...

Host Christie Marchese, founder and CEO of Kinema, sits down with filmmaker and educator Keith Ochwat, founder of Show&Tell. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of independent filmmaking in 2026, discussing practical strategies for fundraising, marketing, and distribution.

Keith shares his wealth of experience, including case studies from his successful projects like 'Age of Champions,' which raised over $1.5 million through innovative partnerships. He also dives into the various programs offered by Show&Tell, including free resources, paid subscriptions, and hands-on coaching through The Circle.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into:
🎬 The importance of und...

Let's dive deep into the world of crowd investing with Marc Iserlis, the head of Republic Film. 

Hear how Republic.com enables film financing by allowing filmmakers to raise capital from everyday fans, transforming them into equity investors rather than donors.

In this episode, we explore:
🎬 The difference between crowd investing and crowdfunding
🎬 The impact of the Jobs Act on investment opportunities for unaccredited investors
🎬 Successful case studies, including Robert Rodriguez and Pressman Film
🎬 How filmmakers can effectively engage their audiences and tap into existing fan bases
🎬 The potential risks and rewards of c...

This episode of the Kinema podcast was recorded live at the Bridge Summit in Abu Dhabi! We were given a brief window to utilize their podcast studio, and nabbed three speakers close by to share the corner of the film and storytelling world. 

We chat attention economy with Joe Marchese, founder and chairman of Human Ventures, creators moving from short form to long form with Liv Stone, a content creator and disability advocate, and founder James Del, who introduces the Independent Media Collective, a new initiative aimed at supporting independent creators in navigating the challenges of the m...

We have a special treat for you! Kinema's Head of Marketing, Ami Vora, joins Christie in chatting with film legend and king of #Filmstack, Ted Hope!

Ted is a renowned filmmaker and the former co-head of Amazon Studios, and in this episode, he generously shares with us his journey in the film industry, what Filmstack is on Substack, and his vision for empowering independent filmmakers.

We covered: 

Subscribe to our c...

In this episode of Have You Seen My Film, host Christie sits down with Ray Kuglar, a Houston-based unit stills photographer with over a decade of experience on set. Ray shares his insights on the vital role of a unit stills photographer in film production, explaining how high-quality stills are essential for marketing, advertising, and selling films.

Join us as we discuss:

I love when a guest gets spicy with their hot takes! We spoke with the legendary Jeffrey Winter, co-executive director of The Film Collaborative, to get the hard truths on getting into film festivals. 

More on Kinema for Filmmakers here: https://bit.ly/kinemayoutube

🎙️ Hosted and co-produced by Christie Marchese
🎬 Produced and edited by Ron Passaro
💻 https://kinema.com/

I sat down with Gen Z filmmaker and office intern Emma Buzgo as she explained social media to this old Millennial. Emma shared insights into how Gen Z engages with film communities online, particularly on platforms like TikTok.

More on Kinema for Filmmakers here: https://bit.ly/kinemayoutube

🎙️ Hosted and co-produced by Christie Marchese
🎬 Produced and edited by Ron Passaro
💻 https://kinema.com/

In episode 2 of this season we sat down with THE Richard Rushfield! Richard is the Editorial Director and a Columnist for The Ankler, and a leading voice in the entertainment industry. We explored the evolving landscape of independent film. From the vibrant scenes at the Toronto Film Festival to the challenges and opportunities facing filmmakers today, Richard shares his insights on marketing, audience engagement, and the future of cinema.

Discover how human connection remains vital in a digital age and why independent filmmakers must swing for the fences to capture audiences' hearts. Tune in for a thought-provoking...

Welcome back to the Kinema podcast! 

We're kicking off season 3 with what filmmakers wanted to know most! We asked Kinema filmmakers what they wanted us to cover on the podcast. And we ended up getting loads of questions about how to best take advantage of the Kinema platform. So we brought in Kayla Kaipolani Carroll, Kinema's Head of Community. She is the first point of contact for screenings hosts and audiences, and sometimes filmmakers. 

Tune in to learn the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions, from 'Can I put my film online if...

Sonya Childress and Sahar Driver are the co-founders and co-directors of the nonprofit organization Color Congress. In this episode, they share with us a sneak peek at Elevate Docs, their recently launched series of marketing experiments aimed at strengthening film distribution infrastructures for diverse audiences.

In this episode, we discuss:
🎬  The mission and vision of Color Congress as an ecosystem builder for documentary organizations led by and serving people of color.
🎬  The biennial national convening and the collaborative decision-making process that drives their initiatives.
🎬  The importance of their recent reports on impact and the evolution of...

Sonya Childress and Sahar Driver are the co-founders and co-directors of the nonprofit organization Color Congress. In this episode, they share with us a sneak peek at Elevate Docs, their recently launched series of marketing experiments aimed at strengthening film distribution infrastructures for diverse audiences.

In this episode, we discuss:
🎬  The mission and vision of Color Congress as an ecosystem builder for documentary organizations led by and serving people of color.
🎬  The biennial national convening and the collaborative decision-making process that drives their initiatives.
🎬  The importance of their recent reports on impact and the evolution of...

Do you need a theatrical release for your film? Why is it important? Can you do it on my own or should you hire someone?

Annalisa Shoemaker, the founder of Suncatcher Productions, answers these questions for us. With over a decade of experience leading theatrical distribution campaigns at Amazon Studios and Focus Features, Annalisa shares her expertise on how filmmakers can successfully navigate the complexities of getting their films into theaters.

In this episode, we discuss:
🎬 The different models of film distribution, including traditional and independent approaches.
🎬  The critical importance of theatrical releases for a f...

How do you build your email list to over 160,000 people - before your film is even available?

We talked to first time filmmakers Brandon and Whitney Cawood about the release of their incredibly impactful documentary 'To Dye For,' which explores the risks associated with synthetic food dyes and the personal stories of families affected by them.

Brandon and Whitney share their unique approach to filmmaking, emphasizing the importance of education and storytelling in making a real impact. They discuss their distribution strategy, audience engagement, and the incredible response they've received since the film's release. <...

Alece Oxendine is a multitalented film industry expert and distribution strategist.  She's worked in streaming tech at Fandor and GoDigtial,  was director of Industry and Festival Outreach at Columbia University and is now serving as the Executive Director of Film Durham. Alece shares her expertise on breaking into the entertainment industry, maximizing the benefits of film school, and the importance of film festivals for emerging filmmakers.

In this episode:
🎬 The role of audience understanding in filmmaking and distribution
🎬 Practical advice for filmmakers at various stages of their careers
🎬 The significance of community and regional filmmaking<...

Candice S. Cook Simmons is a multi-talented entrepreneur, lawyer, and business strategist. In this episode, we dive deep into her fascinating career journey, from trademarking the iconic cronut pastry to her current role as president of Color Farm Impact.

Candice shares her thoughts on the evolving landscape of film financing and distribution, highlighting the importance of understanding audience dynamics and the power of community in the entertainment industry. We discuss the shift towards data-driven decision-making, the impact of global trends on local storytelling, and the necessity of maintaining creative integrity in the face of market pressures.
<...

Let's talk legal with Steven Beer, a partner at Lewis Brisbois and the national chair of the firm's entertainment, media, and sports practice. With extensive experience in film, television, and music, Steven shares invaluable insights into the world of independent filmmaking and distribution.

In this episode:
🎬 When independent filmmakers should engage a lawyer 
🎬  Why early legal advice is crucial.
🎬 The importance of understanding distribution models and how they impact your film's development.
🎬 Key considerations for negotiating contracts, including performance benchmarks and rights reversion.
🎬 The evolving landscape of distribution, including hybrid models and the significance...

Jo Jensen is an accomplished entrepreneur and marketing strategist with over two decades of experience at the intersection of digital innovation, public affairs, and entertainment. Currently the SVP of Digital and Entertainment at Touchdown Strategies, Jo also founded MovieGoer, a film marketing and distribution company that bridges entertainment and advocacy.

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of digital campaigns, focusing on the importance of social listening. Jo shares her unique approach to building online communities, amplifying messages, and recognizing superfans. We discuss the various platforms she utilizes, the significance of engaging with audiences, and...

Matt Hoklotubbe is a film producer and head of entertainment partnerships at Influential, the largest influencer marketing company in the world. With a network of over 3.5 million creators, Influential collaborates with 300 brands globally, including major studios and streaming platforms.

In this insightful conversation, Matt breaks down the difference between influencers and creators, explaining how each plays a unique role in movie marketing. He shares his experiences working with brands like AMC and discusses innovative strategies for engaging audiences through influencer content.

Discover how to effectively analyze and reach your target audience, the importance of boosting...

Stephen Ross Meier is an accomplished screenplay writer, director, and producer known for his recent works, including the coming-of-age thriller ‘Woodbridge’ and the feature film ‘Lake George.’ Stephen is one of the most generous and prolific filmmakers on LinkedIn. He generously shares with us how and why he uses LinkedIn to share his indie filmmaking knowledge.

Stephen shares his journey as an indie lifer, his thoughts on the current state of the film industry, and the importance of merging the business side with the creative process. We explore the impact of social media influencers on film promotion, the real...

Join Dor Dotson and Matt Delman, social and digital media experts, as they dive into the world of digital film promotion. Together, they launched Genuine Impression, an agency dedicated to leading digital and social media campaigns for Oscar hopefuls and independent films.

In this episode, Dor and Matt share their expertise on social media strategy, ad buying, and the importance of building an audience for your film. They discuss the evolution of social media, the significance of platforms like Facebook and Instagram, and when to consider TikTok for your marketing efforts.

🔗 Links

Join us in this enlightening episode as we chat with Maurizio and Zaya Benazzo, the visionary founders of Science and Nonduality. With a lifelong passion for science and mysticism, they have created a global community that bridges timeless wisdom traditions with modern science, all grounded in direct experience.

In this episode, we dive deep into their journey as filmmakers and the impactful documentaries they've produced, including "The Wisdom of Trauma" and "Where Olive Trees Weep." Discover how their innovative digital marketing strategies led to millions of views and a thriving community around their films.

We'll...

What does it look like to develop a long term plan for your independent release? From fundraising to distribution Catherine Gray, the producer of the award-winning documentary film Show Her the Money and author of the book by the same name, tells us how!

Catherine is a venture capitalist, general partner of the Silicon Valley Women Founders Fund, founder of SheAngels Investors, and co-founder of the SheAngels Foundation. She is also a TEDx speaker and host of the popular podcast Invest in Her.

In this episode, we dive into Catherine's journey of independently distributing her...

Carla Santiago is the founder of Stori Digital, a point of connection agency that specializes in creating transformative partnerships between talent and brands. And whoa we learned a lot about what makes an incredible screening event!

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of strategic partnerships, intentional networking, and community engagement, drawing from Carla's extensive experience at Netflix and her current work at Stori Digital.

Carla shares her unique perspective on what makes a successful partnership, the importance of understanding your target audience, and how to create memorable events that foster genuine connections...

With over $70 million raised for creators, Emily Best, CEO of crowdfunding platform Seed&Spark, shares her insights on crowdfunding, audience engagement, and the importance of building relationships with your audience from the very beginning of your project.

In this episode, we discuss:
🎬 The evolution of Seed&Spark and its unique approach to crowdfunding and distribution.
🎬 Key principles every creator should know before launching a crowdfunding campaign.
🎬 Emily's recent documentary, "Ratified," which explores the 101-year struggle for the Equal Rights Amendment and how she successfully engaged audiences through her crowdfunding efforts.
🎬 The significance of community-dr...

How can you most effectively manage your revenue streams from distribution, including theatrical releases, digital platforms, and international sales? Irina Albita, co-founder and co-CEO of FilmChain, has the scoop!

Learn about the various revenue streams filmmakers might encounter, the potential pitfalls to avoid, and how to empower yourself with financial knowledge BEFORE entering negotiations.

In this episode we discuss:
🎬  What is a "waterfall" of revenues
🎬 The importance of a Collection Account Management Agreement (CAMA)
🎬 Complexities of revenue collection
🎬 The role of technology in automating payments
🎬 The significance of transparency in financial dealin...

In this episode, we sit down with Chana Ginelle Ewing, the founder of littlebigworld, a marketing and communications agency specializing in digital marketing for film and media. Chana shares her expertise in engaging marginalized communities, social groups, and cultural communities in a film release and discusses the importance of centering care in marketing strategies.

Join us as we explore:
🎬 Definitions of marginalized and underrepresented communities
🎬 The significance of audience targeting in film marketing
🎬 What digital marketing encompasses, including affiliate marketing
🎬 The impact of centering queer imagination and care-centered politics in campaigns
🎬 Practical advice for film...

We've got two impact experts in this episode! Hear from Asif Khan, Head of Impact Strategy at Picture Motion, and Eliza Licht, Founder of Red Owl. These two experts have worked on loads of films on a range of social issues, all with unique strategies.

In this episode, we explore:
🎬 What an impact producer does
🎬  The difference between outreach, engagement and impact
🎬  What makes up an impact campaign
🎬  When and how to start working with an impact producer

🔗 Links
Asif Khan
  / asifrskhan 
  / asifpicmo 
Picture Motion
https://picturemotion.com/

Another insightful conversation, this time with Sarah Mosses, the founder and CEO of Together Films, We dove deep into the world of film distribution and audience engagement! With over a decade of experience in film marketing and impact campaigns, Sarah shares her expertise on how to effectively target audiences for community screening tours and large-scale events.

🎬  The importance of data in understanding film audiences
🎬  Sarah's unique C-A-S-T approach to audience segmentation: Commercial, Affected, Supportive, and Tactical
🎬  Practical strategies for outreach and engagement to drive bookings for screenings
🎬  The significance of setting realistic goals and understanding yo...

In this video we chat with filmmaker and exhibition consultant Barbara Twist (Film Festival Alliance) and dive deep into the art and science of windowing in film distribution. With over a decade of experience in the independent exhibition sector, Barbara breaks down for us how and why all films should have a windowing strategy.

In this episode, we explore:
🎬 The evolution of film windowing from theatrical releases to streaming platforms.
🎬  The importance of strategic marketing and audience engagement in maximizing revenue.
🎬  Practical tips for independent filmmakers on how to navigate the distribution landscape.
🎬  The significanc...

In this episode, we sit down with acclaimed filmmaker, author, and media strategist Jon Reiss (8above) to dive deep into the world of film distribution. With over 15 years of experience helping filmmakers connect with audiences and profitably release their films, Jon shares invaluable insights on how to set effective distribution goals.

Join us as we explore:
🎬 The importance of having a singular distribution goal and how it can guide your decision-making process.
🎬  The four primary distribution goals: Money, Career, Change the World, and Audience.
🎬  Real-life examples of filmmakers who have successfully navigated their distribution strategies...

Join us for our very first episode of "Have You Seen My Film?" as we interview industry expert Peter Broderick, President of Paradigm Consulting, and filmmaker Pulkit Datta. We dive deep into the world of film distribution, focusing on the concepts of hybrid distribution and self-distribution.

In this episode:
🎬 The differences between hybrid distribution, direct distribution, and self-distribution.
🎬  The importance of maintaining control over your film's distribution strategy.
🎬  How to effectively partner with distributors and other organizations to maximize your film's reach and revenue.
🎬  Real-world examples from Peter's extensive experience advising over 1,900 films and Pulkit's su...

Hi there, and welcome to Have You Seen My Film?: A Kinema Podcast on Independent Distribution. I’m Christie Marchese, the founder and CEO of Kinema and your host for this series. In each episode, I interview an industry expert or filmmaker (or both), and we focus on one specific aspect of a good film distribution strategy. And with a good strategy, your film can find its audience.  If you’re a filmmaker or work with filmmakers, this is for you. 

More on Kinema for Filmmakers here: https://bit.ly/kinemayoutube

🎙️ Hosted and co-prod...