The Film Finance & Distribution Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

We’re honoured to have a truly remarkable guest with us today—Cindy Mich! Cindy is an award-winning journalist and media personality who has made waves as both a filmmaker and the founder of the NYC-based independent film festival, Art is Alive, now celebrating its seventh successful year. Beyond her festival work, Cindy is a prolific writer, contributing to three digital publications while also owning and operating her own magazine, Elegant Expressions. With a combined reach of 300,000 across print and radio, Cindy is a powerhouse in the media world. She's regularly called upon to cover major film premieres, festivals, events, and product launches, bringing her unique perspective to everything she does.

But that’s not all—Cindy’s made-for-TV series on medical misdiagnosis is set to premiere next month, and her public access TV talk show, Cin's Chat Corner, has just debuted, already reaching more than two million subscribers across seven states.

Today we delve into her journey, discussing the significance of film festivals, what she looks for when judging films, and her transition from film to television. 

Inst: https://www.instagram.com/officialcindymich/Cin

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindy-mich-6328552b/

Art is Alive Film Festival: https://artisaliveff.wixsite.com/artisaliveff

Welcome to today's episode! We have Derry Shillitto on the show, the writer and director behind the feature film "The Correction Unit." This psychologically thrilling and cinematic movie explores the question: What happens to the most vulnerable in society when the most powerful embrace AI? With intense and exciting characters, "The Correction Unit" promises to be both entertaining and thought-provoking. Stay tuned as Derry shares his journey through writing, funding, directing, and securing distribution for his new film.

Foyle River Films Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/866033460

The Correction Unit Homepage: https://thecorrectionunit.com/the-correction-unit

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foyle_river_films/

In this engaging episode, Clare Cahill dives into her latest research areas, exploring how to revolutionize virtual production to make it more affordable for indie filmmakers. She delves into film funding, examining the effectiveness of crowdfunding in building an audience base, and demystifies the true meaning of 'independent film,' while also differentiating between small and large film budgets.

Clare Cahill, the founder and director of Compos Mentis Productions, a company that lives by the ethos of "Cutting carbon, not creativity." Clare, an independent producer and educator, shares her journey from a Clerk of Courts, university tutor, and academic criminologist to entering the film industry.

At Compos Mentis Productions, Clare has been at the forefront of merging technology with creative expression, focusing on sustainable content production that doesn't compromise creative vision. The company stands as a beacon of innovation in film, immersive technology, and gaming, driven by the potential of creative computing.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable knowledge from a seasoned professional who is reshaping the industry. Tune in for an episode filled with inspiration, innovation, and impactful discussions.

Compos Mentis Productions: https://composmentis.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/composmentisproductions/

Emily Best is a notable producer in the film industry, and the dynamic and visionary CEO and Founder of Seed&Spark, a unique platform designed to foster diversity, inclusivity, and connectivity in the entertainment industry. Seed&Spark, empowers filmmakers with control over their creative work allowing truly independent cinema to be produced. This platform serves as both a crowdfunding and production support tool for independent filmmakers.

This interview gives insight into how to run a successful crowdfunding campaign, and what keeps Emily motivated through the tough times.

Seed&Spark: https://seedandspark.com/

Seed&Spark blog: https://seedandspark.com/blog/education-for-every-step-of-your-creative-journey

X: @emilybest

Geraldine is a seasoned industry professional with four decades of rich experience. From her public affairs role with the Motion Picture Association in Europe to her role as a Senior Advisor for the Film distributors’ Association. Geraldine has championed countless film publicity campaigns, collaborating with major US studios and numerous global independent distributors, and she's also armed with a Law degree. An incredible journey, and I’m excited for you to delve into the multifaceted world of film from behind the scenes with us!

This episode covers: Publicity and public affairs in film distribution. How intellectual property rights and copyright safeguard filmmakers. A step-by-step explanation of the distribution process. Geraldine's roles at the FDA. Key elements distributors typically look for in a film. Shifts may take place within film distribution. Common mistakes filmmakers make when trying to distribute their films.  What can be done to strengthen the UK independent film industry.  To what extent the cinemas are recovering after the Covid pandemic.   What Geraldine has done consistently throughout her career that has kept her on track and progressing. 

The episode starts with topics suitable for entry-level filmmakers and gradually delves deeper, offering insights that I believe will captivate filmmakers at all levels.

In our upcoming episode, we're thrilled to welcome BAFTA-nominated film & television producer, Farah Abushwesha. Dive deep as Farah unravels the complexities of navigating the independent film industry, shedding light on film funding strategies unique to the UK and imparting wisdom on managing stress in this demanding field. Plus, get an insider's glimpse into her collaboration with Netflix in New York City for the celebrated film, 'Irreplaceable You'. Don't miss this enriching conversation brimming with insights and tales from behind the scenes!

IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1562672/?ref_=nmbio_bio_nm

Rocliffe: https://www.rocliffe.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rocliffeproductions/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/farahabushwesha?lang=en

Books Rocliffe Notes : A Professional Approach to Being a Writer: A Professional Approach For Screenwriters and Writer-Directors, available at: https://shorturl.at/mnJU1

Rocliffe Notes: A Guide to Low Budget Filmmaking, available at: https://shorturl.at/bpIP8

Inspiring Filmmaker, and Founder of the streaming platform Newyonder, JON CLEAVE.

Jon shares knowledge and advice on pitching, carbon neutral productions and B-Corps as well as a wealth of information learnt throughout his fascinating career.

Newyonder: https://www.newyonder.earth/ https://linktr.ee/newyonder

Jon Cleave Twitter: https://twitter.com/joncleave?lang=en Jon Cleave Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joncleave/?hl=en

Elektra Yao is an experienced, and dedicated lawyer based in New York City whose mission is to serve artists and creative professionals by helping them secure artists visas, cement their brands, and monetize their artistry. 

In this episode Elektra shares valuable information on green cards and business visas for the US. 

Yao Law Group: https://www.yaolawgroup.com/#welcome 

Yao Law Group YouTube channel:   

https://www.youtube.com/@yaolawgroup

Best Questions to Ask Your Attorney:    

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/rjxaSoW_u4M

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yaolawgroup/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/elektraesq

This interview with the award-winning documentary filmmaker, Rich Felgate focuses on sourcing funding as a first-time filmmaker through private investment and the Patagonia grant, as well as navigating sales and distribution deals with Espresso Media. 

Finite: The Climate of Change: https://www.finite-film.com/ 

Rich Felgate Twitter: https://twitter.com/richfelgate?lang=en

Finite Editor Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/ariadnafvm 

Network for Social Change: https://www.thenetworkforsocialchange...

Just Stop Oil: https: //chuffed.org/project/j9ebdwmpy48m

This episode with the award-winning writer/director Marcus Markou focuses on navigating sales and self-distribution within the independent film industry.

Double M Films: https://www.doublemfilms.co.uk

Marcus Markou Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarcusMarkou

Cinema for a Pound YouTube video info: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SH8T90qwPYg

Forward to a friend: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNGtJlFZdf8

Launching Cinema for a Pound blog post: https://www.doublemfilms.co.uk/single-post/launching-cinema-for-a-pound 

Award Winning Short Film Office Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsDu2qLfAo0 

Gathr: https://gathr.com/

Box Office Mojo: https:///www.boxofficemojo.com/