The Movie Marketing & Distribution Podcast
The Movie Marketing & Distribution Podcast features Alex Stolz, usheru's Head of Film, in conversation with leaders in movie marketing and distribution. Each episode explores the trends, tools and strategies shaping the entertainment ecosystem. The show reflects usheru's focus on data, innovation and film marketing. It also looks at how digital solutions are transforming traditional film marketing.
Episodes
Self-Releasing a Micro-Budget Feature on 1,000 Screens featuring Markian Tarasiuk
"Know how you're going to market your film from day one." Markian Tarasiuk, Director, Hunting Matthew Nichols How do you take a $275,000 independent film from a 12-day shoot to more than 1,000 cinema screens across North America? In this episode, Alex Stolz speaks with Markian Tarasiuk about the release strategy behind Hunting Matthew Nichols — a genre-bending true-crime-style horror film that byp
Relevance, Authenticity and Boldness in Film Marketing featuring Linda Fiolka
What does it take to market films at scale in a fragmented, fast-moving landscape? In this episode of the Marketing & Distribution Podcast, Alex Stolz speaks with Linda Fiolka, Head of Marketing at Constantin Film, one of Germany's leading production and distribution companies operating across the full value chain, from development and production through to theatrical, streaming and world sales. L
Data-Led Insights into the Oscar Bounce Featuring Stephen Follows
What actually happens to cinema screenings when a film receives an Oscar nomination or wins Best Picture? In this episode of the Marketing and Distribution Podcast, Alex Stolz welcomes back leading film industry analyst Stephen Follows to unpack usheru-backed research into the real impact of awards on theatrical exhibition. Drawing on multiple years of Best Picture data, the conversation examines
How to Score in Hollywood: Audience Insight, Data and the Evolution of Movie Marketing featuring Kevin Goetz and Bob Levin
In this episode, Alex is joined by two industry leaders with unparalleled insight into how films truly reach and resonate with audiences. Kevin Goetz, founder and CEO of Screen Engine ASI, and legendary studio marketer Bob Levin share the thinking, decision processes and real-world experience behind their new book How to Score in Hollywood. Together, they discuss the realities of greenlighting, th
Building a Sustainable Ecosystem for World Cinema featuring Meret Ruggle
How can independent distributors build a sustainable future for world cinema in an era of content saturation and shrinking public support? In this episode, Alex Stolz speaks with Meret Ruggle, Co-head of Trigon Film, the Swiss foundation and distributor that has spent more than three decades championing outstanding films from Latin America, Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe. Meret shares how Trigon
How Independent Films Can Thrive in a Changing Market featuring Jonathan Sadler
Independent filmmakers face a fast-evolving landscape: rising costs, fragmented audiences, and tougher routes to market. Yet with more platforms and opportunities than ever before, smart strategies can still give films the best chance to succeed. In this episode, Alex Stolz speaks with Jonathan Sadler — veteran marketer and author of Film Marketing and Distribution: An Independent Filmmaker's Guid
From KNEECAP to FLOW: Inside Curzon's Marketing Playbook featuring Susie Bould
In this episode of the Marketing and Distribution Podcast, host Alex Stolz speaks with Susie Bould, Marketing Director at Curzon, the iconic UK exhibitor, distributor, and streaming platform. Susie shares how Curzon's unique ecosystem and real-time audience data shape its marketing strategy, enabling bold, authentic campaigns that connect deeply with film lovers. She reveals how Curzon successfull
Bringing International Actions Films to the US Market featuring Maxwell Riesberg
In this episode of the Marketing and Distribution Podcast, Alex Stolz is joined by Maxwell Riesberg, founder and CEO of Rascal (RSCL) Films – a bold new theatrical-first studio on a mission to bring international action films the big-screen releases they deserve. With a background that includes award-winning campaigns for A Quiet Place and Bumblebee, Maxwell shares how Rascal aims to become the 'A
Distributors on the Move: Insights from Europa Distribution's Groundbreaking Programme featuring Elin Boijens and Giulia Amadio
In this special episode, Alex Stolz is joined by Elin Boijens (Searchers, Netherlands) and Giulia Amadio (BIM Distribuzione, Italy), two participants in Distributors on the Move, Europa Distribution's pioneering professional exchange programme. Together, they reflect on the transformative impact of spending time embedded within each other's companies and exploring the day-to-day realities of fil
Building a New Theatrical Marketplace featuring Jackie Brenneman
In this episode of The Marketing and Distribution Podcast, host Alex Stolz welcomes Jackie Brenneman — a trailblazer in the cinema industry and President & CEO of Attend Theatrical Marketplace, Jackie shares the journey behind ATTEND, the groundbreaking platform she helped launch to empower filmmakers and exhibitors through smarter, more transparent theatrical distribution. A founding partner of T
Decentralising Distribution and Building the 'Shopify for Film' featuring Ana Maria Jipa and Malcolm Wood
In this episode of the Marketing and Distribution Podcast, host Alex Stolz is joined by Ana Maria Jipa and Malcolm Wood, co-founders of Olyn, a new digital platform aiming to redefine how independent films are released and monetized. Drawing on their backgrounds in technology, entrepreneurship, and film production, Ana and Malcolm discuss how Olyn seeks to provide filmmakers with direct-to-consume
Community is the Audience: A New Approach to Independent Film Success featuring Shawn Dawes
"Community isn't just the audience—it is the audience. And that shift in thinking is where real change begins." – Shawn Dawes In this episode of the Marketing and Distribution Podcast, Alex Stolz is joined by filmmaker, producer, and platform founder Shawn Dawes, the visionary behind IndieScene—a new SaaS-based platform aiming to transform the independent film ecosystem through transparency, dat
Navigating the Future of Screen Entertainment featuring Guy Bisson
In this episode, Alex Stolz is joined by Guy Bisson, Executive Director at Ampere Analysis, a leading firm in media and entertainment analytics. Guy brings over two decades of expertise in the global TV, film, and entertainment industries, offering unparalleled insights into the transformations reshaping content creation, distribution, and consumption. Together, they dive deep into the challenges
Creating Big Screen Experiences for Passionate Fanbases featuring Shannah Miller and Lynne Schmidt
"Our goal is to make every theatrical release feel like an event." Lynne Schmidt, SVP Operations and Strategic Partnerships Fathom Entertainment In this episode of the Marketing and Distribution Podcast, host Alex Stolz sits down with Shannah Miller, Vice President of Marketing, and Lynne Schmidt, Senior Vice President of Operations and Strategic Partnerships at Fathom Entertainment. Fathom has l
The Future of VOD for Independents featuring Pierre-Alexandre Labelle
In this episode Alex Stolz sits down with Pierre-Alexandre (Alex) Labelle, co-founder of Under the Milky Way, the global digital distribution company helping studios, filmmakers and rights holders bring their films to VOD platforms worldwide. Alex shares his journey in the film industry, from the early days of digital distribution to working with major platforms like Apple, Google, and Amazon. He
Conic: the story of a new distribution company featuring Jen Davies and Graham Fulton
"We want to be a positive force in the ecosystem." Jen Davies In this episode, Alex Stolz speaks with Jen Davies and Graham Fulton, co-founders of Conic, the Glasgow-based film distribution company formed in 2022. They discuss the origins of Conic, their mission to support independent cinema, and the evolving landscape of film distribution. The conversation covers their values, team dynamics, acqu
The Data Behind Horror featuring Stephen Follows
In this episode we welcome world leading film researcher Stephen Follows to the show for a deep dive into the data behind the horror genre. With insights fresh from Stephen's new exhaustive exploration of the space, The Horror Movie Report 2.0, we explore the significant increase in horror film production and the numbers behind its profitability. In a conversation that covers the importance of the
Harnessing AI in Hollywood with Tobias Queisser
"Data and AI can increase risk taking" Tobias Queisser In this episode we are joined by Tobias Queisser, co-founder and CEO of Cinelytic, the AI-powered platform designed to optimise decision-making across film production and distribution. As perhaps the most controversial - and misunderstood - topic in film and entertainment at this time, AI is often portrayed as a creative destructor but Tobia
Film Festivals, Community and Developing Younger Audiences with Leslie Vuchot
In this conversation, Leslie Vuchot, CEO and founder of the Festival Agency joins the show to discuss her journey in the film industry, the importance of film festivals, and the evolving landscape of film distribution. She shares insights on festival-driven success stories of independent films, the health of festivals, and the agency's new direction in building community around cinemas. Vuchot emp
Kubrick, Castle Rock and the Art of the Trailer Featuring Jim Fredrick
Jim Fredrick is a trailer editor, studio marketing executive and film professor - and author of the OPENING WEEKEND: AN INSIDER'S LOOK AT MARKETING HOLLYWOOD'S HITS AND FLOPS. In this conversation, we discuss Jim's career which began in editing trailers and spanned both the studio, independent and vendor sectors. We also hear about Jim's experience in helping launch some of the biggest and mos
Unlocking Cinema's Data Advantage featuring Ben Johnson
"The film value chain is very disconnected from today's online reality" Ben Johnson, Founder Gruvi In this episode we are joined by Ben Johson, Founder of the digital media agency, Gruvi. In a wide ranging conversation, Ben describes the lightbulb moment that led him to establish a film-specific model and why he believes the current value chain in the sector is out of sync with how audiences make
The Changing Landscape in the Nordics featuring Merete Christensen and Thor Sigurjónsson
"It's a changing landscape, but people still want to see movies." Thor Sigurjónsson, Scanbox In this episode we meet the leading - and legendary - Nordic distributor, Scanbox Entertainment with their top executives Merete Christensen (COO and Head of Theatrical) and CEO Thor Sigurjónsson. In the conversation we discuss how the Nordic markets are transforming through shifting audience behaviour and
Reinventing Recommendation featuring Luis Perez Endara
Luis Perez Endara is CEO of Gluon Media and Founder of Panoptico.tv, a new online community and recommendation engine for film and TV across Latin America. In this conversation, Luis explains how the current recommendation solutions, from algorithms to peer to peer services, are failing audiences. Drawing from his extensive experience in sales, marketing, distribution and curation, he reveals how
A New Blueprint for Filmmaker-First Distribution with the Founders of Blue Harbor Entertainment
"The current distribution model is broken, and Blue Harbor is here to offer a different approach that benefits both filmmakers and audiences." Mike Messina, co-founder Blue Harbor Entertainment This episode is an insight into the obstacles and opportunities in the current releasing environment in a conversation with the founders of Blue Harbor Entertainment, the new service distribution company.
Marina Kosten: Building a Future for Theatrical through Data
"Optimising cinema businesses through better data strategies can transform the entire entertainment landscape." Marina Kosten Why the theatrical experience is so critical for the film and entertainment ecosystem and how it can be revitalised through a bold and innovative data-led strategy are some of the key topics explored here with the brilliant Marina Kosten. In the conversation Marina unpacks
Urszula Piasecka: the Evolving Role of Distribution
Urszula Piasecka is CEO of leading Polish distributor Kino Świat, part of the Studio Canal group. In this conversation we tap into Urszula's nearly 20 years' experience across film and media business, working in film production and distribution, to look ahead to how the role of the dsitributor can evolve. In addition, we gain insights on the centrality of the theatrical experience, how distributor
Letterboxd: Building a Global Community of Film Lovers w David Larkin
David Larkin is Head of Business and Parnerships at Letterboxd, the global social network for grass-roots film discussion and discovery. In this episode we go 'under the hood' of the only film-centric social platform, to understand more about how it has successfully built a loyal community of 14mm+ film fans across the world. This includes how Letterboxd supports targeted film campaigns, understan
Serge Zabbal on Innovating Distribution in the MENA Market
Serge Zabbal is Busines Director at Empire Entertainment, the 105 year old film production and distribution operation based out of Dubai. Focusing on the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa), Serge oversees all of Empire's English language and Arabic releases across the different markets. This includes the output of Sony Pictures Entertainment, as the studio's official partner for the region
Reimagining Distribution with Avril Speaks and Brandon Purdie
In this special episode of the Market and Distirbution Pdcast, we tap into our Reimagine the Ecosystem series, the series of discussions with leaders on the future of the industry. In this particular session, we addressed the fast evolving field of distribution itself, with Avril Speaks (Distribution Advocates) and Angel Studios' Brandon Purdie. With the distribution landscape having changed so mu
Benny Haesebrouck on doing Distribution Differently with MOOOV
In tis episode we explore alternative ways of distirbution with Benny Haesebrouck who is Head of Distirbution at MOOOV, the Belgian non-profit founded more than ten years ago. MOOOV's goal is to show a diverse world both on the big screen and beyond the cinema walls. Their mission to connect people through stories leads them to search all over the world for films and directors that combine artisti
Kymberli Frueh: Trafalgar Releasing and the Business and Art of Event Cinema
What have Taylor Swift, BTS, the National Theatre and Peppa Pig all have in common? One thing, at least, is that they have all been brought to the big screen by the leading event cinema company, Trafalgar Releasing. In this episode we speak with Trafalgar's SVP Programming and Content Acquisitions, Kymberli Frueh to discuss all aspects of the event cinema business - from how content is sourced to
Mathieu Robinet on Engaging Younger Audiences for Theatrical Releases
Mathieu Robinet is an award-winning film producer and distributor from France. In 2020 he created TANDEM, a film distribution company devoted to up-and-coming filmmakers and innovative marketing strategies. He was involved in the financing and theatrical distribution of over 100 films, working with directors such as Wim Wenders, Ruben Ostlund, Kirill Serebrennikov and Park Chan Wook. In this epis
Nikolaj Mathies: Effective Film Promotion on TikTok
With over 1.9 billion users globally, TikTok is the entertainment juggernaut that is impossible to ignore. And in 2023, its users in the UK spent more time on average on the platform than any other video platform - including Netflix. But how can film marketing professionals effecfively leverage TikTok to engage audiences in our releases? Nikolaj Mathies stands out as one of the few marketing pro
Elba McAllister on Distribution in LatAm, Exec Producing with the Streamers and the changing face of International Sales
"As a distributor, I've learned that you have to be agile and ready to embrace change" Elba McAllister CEO and Co-Founder Cineplex Elba McAllister is the Co-founder of Cineplex, the Colombia-based Independent film distributor and other countries in Latin America since 1993. In this episode, Eliba discussed her distirbution jouney, the changing face of Colombian distirbution, international sales an
Brandon Purdie on the Pay it Forward Triumph of SOUND OF FREEDOM
In 2023, outside of the phenomenon of 'Barbenheimer', one film and release stands out as truly remarkable: SOUND OF FREEDOM. The hard hitting thriller, starring Jim Caviezel and Mira Sorvino, currrently stands at a colossal box office of $184m in the US and Canada and over $220m globallly. In this episode, we meet one of the key architects of this success, Angel Studios' EVP Global Theatrical Dist
Reimagine the Greenlight with Ted Hope, irina Albita and Anjali Midha
In an increasingly competitive and congested distribution marketplace, better and more informed decision making upstream is increasingly essential. However, formulaic and algorithmically influenced content continues to enter the system, often leaving audiences cold. Is there a better way? How can we support intuitive creativity with robust data analytics, audience insights and distribution intelli
Enrique Costa on Elastica, Unlocking New Audiences and the Importance of Building a Brand
Enrique Costa is CEO of the Spanish production and distribution company Elastica Films, which he co founded In 2021 together with María Zamora. In a little over 2 years the company has built a reputation for dynamic markeing and savvy acquisitons, releasing the last 2 Palm D'or Winners "Triangle of Sadness" and "Anatomy of a Fall" as well as prestige titles such as "Drive my Car," "The Worst Pers
Reimagining Film Festivals
Where do film festivals stand in a transformed and often fragmented film landscape? What is the underlying value that they can provide and how can we measure and capture that value? In a film ecosystem that often feels siloed, how can festivals become more robust and connected to other parts of the value chain, particularly with distribution? Is there an argument for festivals to work across the y
Co-creating Entertainment with Brands: Matt Rotondo of Sugar23 on Transforming the Production Process
In this episode we welcome to the show Matt Rotondo, Head of Brand Division at Sugar23. Matt reveals how Sugar23 are shaking up the entertainment space through an innovative co-creation process with brands from the earliest deevelopment stages. With extensive experience in advertising and brand partnerships, Matt shares insights into how he is helping brands to strategically leverage entertainment
Sarah Mosses on Creating Impact and Building Optimised Systems in Distribution
In this podcast episode, Sarah Mosses, the founder and CEO of Together Films, shares her unique perspective on film marketing and distribution. Sarah discusses her Impact based approach to film distribution, using films as a tool for community mobilization, citing her strategy of rallying passionate individuals, partnering with NGOs and influential platforms to create impactful releases. Sarah al
Making Data-Driven Decisions in Entertainment with Anjali Midha
"Marketing is about breaking through to audiences ... but also inspiring enthusiasm so that everyone else also finds out about your content, because marketing dollars can really only go so far." Anjali Midha co-founder and CEO of Diesel Labs. Anjali Midha, an entrepreneur with a passion for driving innovation in media and marketing analytics. She is the co-founder & CEO of Diesel Labs, a content a
Tega Williams on Building Brand Activations in Movie Marketing
"For FastX, we wanted to do something different... we created an unforgettable experience that brought people to the cinema and brought audiences to the brands. It's giving value to everyone in the whole system." Tega Williams Tega Williams Uwagho is Marketing Manager for Silverbird Film Distribution (SFD). Based in Lagos, Nigeria, SFD holds the exclusive rights to distribute Universal and Paramou
Innovating the Theatrical Experience with Thaddeus Bouchard
In this episode, Thaddeus Bouchard, president of Screendollars, discusses the evolution of movie theatre advertising and how the industry is navigating the current movie consuming landscape. Providing a compelling overview of the industry's dramatic last few years - and an insightful analysis of its current status, Thaddeus identifies the challenges and opportunities facing today's movie theaters
Eduardo Escudero on Innovation, FAST Channels and 'Reaching the Ocean'
Eduardo Escudero the founding partner and business manager of A Contracorriente Films, a Spanish leading independent distribution and production company, which manages also 4 cinemas in Madrid and Barcelona and its own SVOD platform Acontra+. A Contracorriente Films also has 2 x Cinema FAST channels. Eduardo graduated from the University of Barcelona with a degree in Law and an MBA in Audiovisual
Christie Marchese: Building Community, Unlocking new Screening Spaces and the Power of Impact Distribution
Christie Marchese is the founder and CEO of Kinema, a social cinema platform building a world-wide network of screening hosts, filmmakers, and filmgoers. Under her helm, the company raised a $2M seed round led by Kindred Ventures and is actively expanding access to engaging film and effectively eliminating theater deserts. Prior to launching Kinema, Marchese founded a consulting practice that turn
Noortje van der Sande on the Hybrid Consumer and the Intersection of Online and In-Cinema Experiences
In this episode, Noortje van der Sande, founder of the pioneering virtual cinema platform Picl.nl, discusses the innovative ways in which movie marketing and distribution are being transformed. Noortje shares insights into the development of Picl, which allows cinemas to offer films online simultaneously with their theatrical releases. Noortje delves into the concept of the "hybrid consumer" and r
Breaking Boundaries in Film Festivals: Algirdas Ramaška on Innovation, Adaptation, and Audience Connection
In this episode, Algirdas Ramaška, CEO of the Vilnius Film Festival and Kino Pavasaris Distribution, discusses the festival's incredible journey, including overcoming COVID-19 shutdowns, adapting with innovative approaches, and maintaining a deep connection to their audience. Algirdas shares how the Vilnius Film Festival has survived and thrived by adapting to unique circumstances, such as hosting
Tilane Jones on Leaning into Community
Tilane Jones is the President of ARRAY, the multi-platform arts and social impact collective dedicated to narrative change founded by filmmaker Ava DuVernay in 2011. Jones leads ARRAY Alliance, the non-profit group, as well as programming and production hub ARRAY Creative Campus. She continues to oversee ARRAY Releasing, the company's film distribution arm, where she is responsible for the acquisi
Kate Gerova and Mandy Kean on the Elevated Customer Experience
Mandy Kean is Founder + CEO of Mustard Studio Pioneer of cinema's wow factor, Founder & CEO Mandy Kean, knows about personalised experiences. Previously International Director of Cinema for Soho House & Co, including the world-renowned Electric Cinema brand, Mandy is well versed in the value of elevated hospitality and cinema. Her approach and vision were echoed in her international operations fro
Emma Jamieson on Embracing New Marketing Channels
Emma Jamieson is a freelancer marketing and social media consultant specialising in film, creative arts and hospitality. Emma has been a marketeer for over 12 years, working across both hospitality and tourism, luxury brands and entertainments sectors for PR agency PRCo, PPHE Hotel Group, Merlin Entertainments amongst others. Since 2020 Emma has pivoted to film - as a self-confessed lifelong movie
Sarah Timlick on Elevating Canadian Distribution
John Donnelly on the Changing Landscape in Exhibition
John Donnelly has 32 years of experience in the cinema industry. He launched the first UCI Cinemas multiplexes in Ireland in the 1990s before moving to Poland to establish multiplexes under the Multikino brand as Managing Director. In 2004, he became Managing Director of UCI Kinowelt in Germany heading up the turnaround of the company's operations in Germany. Following the acquisition of UCI/Odeon
Nikki Stier Justice on Building Brand Communities for Films
Nikki Stier Justice is an independent producer and seasoned entertainment executive with a background in film production and distribution. In 2014, she moved to start-up production company Good Deed Entertainment (GDE), where she helped grow the company into a multi-million dollar studio. As Chief Operating Officer she oversaw development, financing, production, distribution, corporate brandin
Michael Matrenza on Marketing, Madman and the Evolving Market in Oz
Michael Matrenza is a senior marketer with over fourteen years of experience working in distribution in Australia. Having previously worked at Roadshow Films and on Melbourne International Film Festival, Michael has worked in the marketing team at Madman Entertainment since 2011, currently heading up marketing for the business across theatrical, home entertainment and streaming platform DocPlay. W
Patrick O'Neill on the Irish Market and Unlocking New Talent
Patrick O'Neill is Founder and Managing Director of Wildcard, Ireland's leading film distributor working across Theatrical, Video on Demand, and TV in Ireland and the UK. Wildcard projects include The Young Offenders, Bobby Sands: 66 Days, Cardboard Gangsters, Black 47, The Hole in the Ground, Wolfwalkers, and Deadly Cuts. Wildcard regularly manage Irish distribution campaigns on behalf of UK Dist
Dorothee Pfistner on the Art of Acquisitions
Dorothee Pfistner spearheads acquisitions, TV sales as well as distribution strategies at Neue Visionen Filmverleih since 2014, a leading independent Berlin based film distributor, after several years at France's production and sales outfit MK2. Neue Visionen was founded in 1997 by Torsten Frehse and Wulf Sörgel and has been under the joint management of Torsten Frehse and Sylvia Müller since 20
Nick Camacho on Building a Distribution Brand
For seven years Nicholas Camacho has been director of marketing for the boutique distributor Oscilloscope Laboratories and has worked on theatrical, VOD, and home video releases for dozens of acclaimed and cult favorite films including Embrace of the Serpent, Kedi, The Love Witch, Buzzard, and Saint Frances. His branding and film marketing efforts aim to position Oscilloscope as an outspoken champ
Roxanne Avent Taylor on Building Audiences from the Ground Up
Roxanne Avent Taylor is emerging as one of Hollywood's most prolific and successful independent producers as well as the driving force behind several social justice and youth advocacy initiatives. As co-founder of Hidden Empire Film Group with husband director Deon Taylor, Ms. Taylor has developed, packaged and produced an impressive slate of films. Her most recent, Lionsgate's "Fatale," stars two
Niels Alberg: bringing audience insight into movie development
Niels Alberg is CEO and co-founder of PUBLIKUM.io. For the past 20 years, Niels has worked in applied research, strategy and creative business development. Niels specializes in designing innovative research methods for a large number of clients in projects that combine human insight and business strategy with the goal of developing new, creative connections between companies, organisations and peo
Tyler DiNapoli on the Marketing Funnel for Independent Film
DiNapoli serves as President of Marketing for Bleecker Street where he oversees media, research and brand strategy for the NYC based film studio. He has been with the company since its inception and worked on 50+ Bleecker Street films including: THE ASSISTANT, LOGAN LUCKY, HOTEL MUMBAI, CAPTAIN FANTASTIC (Academy Award Nominated), DISOBEDIENCE, TRUMBO (Academy Award Nominated), LEAVE NO TRACE and
Bill Guentzler on Acquiring Titles for a Global Audiences
Bill Guentzler joined Gravitas Ventures as Senior Director of Acquisitions in 2021. After spending a summer studying in Berlin in 1998, Bill joined the Cleveland International Film Festival as an intern and grew with the organization, ultimately being named Artistic Director in 2005, a position he held for 15 years. During his time at CIFF, he was part of the team making the festival one of the la
David Kapur on How to Grow GenZ Audiences for Film
Starting out with BA Hon's in both art and business David has established a unique career & network combining entrepreneurialism with creativity. Excelling in product creation and trend spotting within film and cinema. David is currently a Barbican Trust board member and co-founder of award winning agency elevenfiftyfive. Career highlights include key roles in the development of iconic Orange Wedn
Sanne Junker Pedersen: Bringing Filmmakers Closer to the Audience
Sanne Juncker Pedersen is Head of the initiative ´Closer to the Audience´ launched by The Danish Film Institute in 2020. Backed by the funding scheme AudienceFocus she has worked closely with the Danish film industry and new partners to create innovation and progress within the field of audience research and audience awareness in development stage and pre-production. The Danish Film Institute has
Women Innovators in Film LIVE from Cannes '22
Recorded live on stage at the Cannes Film Festival 2022, this special conversation features a stellar lineup of senior leaders from national film organisations from across the world: Kjersti Mo, Director of the Norwegian Film Institute (NFI) Teresa McGrane, Deputy Chief Executive at Screen Ireland Francesca Accinelli, VP Promotion, Communications & International Relations at Telefilm Canada Annet
Mark Hirzberger-Taylor on Bringing Classic Films back to Cinemas
With over 25 years' experience, Mark Hirzberger-Taylor has worked for major studios including Paramount, Universal, Disney and MGM in territories as varied as Austria, Indonesia and Turkey. Since March 2019 Mark is CEO of Park Circus Group, a worldwide film distributor and sales agent representing all major Hollywood and British studios with offices in Glasgow, London, LA and Paris. Mark is also a
The Changing Face of US Distribution with James Shapiro
"Especially in the independent space, the most successful distributors are the ones that have a data-driven approach" James Shapiro, Executive Vice President, US Distribution XYZ Films James Emanuel Shapiro is an entertainment executive veteran for twenty years and has been the COO of both Drafthouse Films and NEON where we helped build both distribution companies from the ground up. He's worked o
Studio Canal CEO Alex Hamilton on Evolving Release Patterns
Alex was President, International, Film and Managing Director of Entertainment One UK. Since joining eOne in 2008, Alex spearheaded eOne UK's film business, with full overall responsibility for acquiring and exploiting through all media an extensive range of feature films, including Twilight, 12 Years a Slave, Dallas Buyers Club, Stan & Ollie and Green Book.With his vast industry experience and pa
Innovating Distribution in West Africa with Moses Babatope
Moses Babatope has over 20 years of experience in cinema operations management, film production and film distribution, gained from several locations around the world, including the UK and Nigeria. He is currently the deputy managing director of Filmhouse Group and Managing Director of FilmOne Entertainment, Nigeria. FilmOne Entertainment and Filmhouse Cinemas have a combined workforce of over 500
Avtar Panesar on launching Bollywood titles to a global market
Avtar Panesar is VP Special Projects at Yash Raj Films and an industry veteran with rare experience of helming international film and home entertainment markets for Indian cinema overseas. He has developed sustainable relationships in the complex space of international film distribution and contributed towards building the YRF brand both within the diaspora as well as non-traditional markets acros
Nick Savva on how to successfully launch content on VOD
Nick Savva is the General Manager for Giant Pictures, a digital distribution label placing movies, documentaries and episodic TV on VOD and streaming platforms in North America and worldwide. Based in New York, Nick began his film career at BBC Films in his native London and later worked at Tribeca Films. He has specialized in digital distribution for independent movies and documentaries for the p
Lia Devlin examines audience behaviour with Alex Stolz
Lia Devlin is Managing Director of Altitude Film Distribution and has been with the company since its inception in 2014 releasing over 150 films ranging from the Academy and BAFTA Award Winners MOONLIGHT, ROCKS, MINARI, 20 FEET FROM STARDOM, AMY and critically acclaimed THE FLORIDA PROJECT, DIEGO MARADONA, LADY MACBETH and more. Prior to that Lia specialised in Marketing for both independent and s
Kevin Goetz discusses how films are influenced by audiences and more
Nicknamed "the doctor of audience-ology," Kevin Goetz has been at the center of what Hollywood calls the movie research industry for more than thirty years. His firm, Screen Engine/ASI, conducts research for a majority of all movies that are widely released in America and around the world. With decades of experience, Goetz has worked alongside all of the major film studio chiefs, network and strea
The importance of building an audience base with Karol Martesko-Fenster
Karol is an Austrian-born American entrepreneur and media industry innovator with a broad motion picture, Internet, blockchain, broadcast, publishing and event backgrounds. He has produced over a dozen award-winning films and his career spans two decades including leadership in the American independent film industry. Karol is Partner & COO of global media distribution and marketing company Abramor
Discussing movie distribution with Jakob Abrahamsson
Jakob Abrahamsson is coowner and CEO of Nordic and Baltic upmarket distributor NonStop Entertainment and Bio & Bistro Capitol, an Electric/Everyman style cinema in Stockholm. He is an alumni of Inside Pictures and serves on the board of the Swedish Distributor's Association. He has a background as a freelance writer and programmer for the Stockholm Int Film Festival. NonStop Entertainment acquires
'The huge threat to online film marketing ', a conversation with Jake Garriock
'Things that are hits are big hits now because everyone is talking about them on social media - the spread of information is quicker, it snowballs', states Jake, Head of Distribution Strategy and Group Publicity at Curzon, during a new podcast encounter with Alex Stolz. Jake Garriock joined Curzon in 2008, as Head of Distribution Strategy and Group Publicity, leading numerous in-house PR and award
Getting that 'cultural hype', a conversation with Eve Gabereau
"People still want to go to the cinema, but they don't have the sense of urgency with films...so how do you get that cultural hype?', shares Eve Gabereau, Chief Executive Officer of Modern Films, during the session with Alex Stolz.
Indie films & the 'traditional model' ?, with Delphine Lievens
'Pre-pandemic indie films were moving away from the traditional model but the pandemic has accelerated it so studios are using different streams as well', says Delphine Lievens Head of Distribution at Bohemia Media, a UK based distribution company that focuses their output on diverse stories and uplifting marginalised voices. Delphine Lievens is Head of Distribution at Bohemia Media, a UK based di
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