Have You Seen My Film? A Kinema Podcast

We sat down with Fassa Sar, founder and CEO of Callo, a media development platform built to help creators and producers take projects from idea to market. Fassa shared macro trends she is seeing across projects on the platform, the importance of equity, and how Callo can help bring your project to life.

Callo: https://www.wearecallo.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearecallo/
Substack: https://callomoves.substack.com/

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 this episode, we welcome back acclaimed filmmaker, author, and media strategist Jon Reiss. With over 15 years of experience helping filmmakers connect with audiences and profitably release their films, Jon shares his top tips from the 8 Above Distribution Lab, an immersive program that guides filmmakers' distribution and marketing plans in a collaborative learning environment.

Links:
8 Above Website 
8 Above Instagram 
The 8 Above Distribution Lab

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/

Join Brian Walker and Juliette Richey from Picture Motion for a conversation about the state of impact storytelling.

We talk about how impact campaigns are being funded today, why traditional distribution models are shifting, and how filmmakers can think more strategically about impact from the earliest stages of a project. Brian and Juliet also share how Picture Motion is evolving its work across strategy, partnerships, educational campaigns, screenings, and awards support through initiatives like To Be Seen.

If you’re a filmmaker, impact producer, or anyone thinking about how stories reach and move audiences, this episode is full of practical insight on what’s changing, what’s working, and where impact storytelling may be headed next.

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/

Filmmaker Jeanie Finlay shares her innovative approaches to film distribution, audience engagement, and branding. Discover how her creative strategies and case studies can inspire filmmakers to think differently about releasing and marketing their films.

Your Fat Friend Case Study Event: https://www.glimmerama.com/your-fat-friend-case-study-event

Podcast listeners get 25% off. Use code: KINEMA5 

key topics

• Creative distribution strategies
• Audience engagement and community building
• Branding and marketing in film
• Case studies of successful film releases

Resources

• Glimmerama: https://www.glimmerama.com/your-fat-friend-case-study-event 
• Jeanie Finlay: https://www.jeaniefinlay.com/
• Glimorama July 1st Talk: https://www.glimmerama.com/your-fat-friend-case-study-event

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/

Loira Limbal, President and CEO of Firelight Media, shares the organization's mission to support filmmakers of color, discusses their programs, funding challenges, and opportunities for the future of documentary filmmaking.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:24 What is Firelight Media? Mission and History
01:26 Firelight's Programs for Filmmakers of Color
04:29 Supporting Early Career Filmmakers and Fellowship Programs
06:45 The Firelight Funds and Rapid Response Support
08:37 Advocacy and Impact Campaign Support
09:06 Research and Development Funding for Filmmakers of Color
10:30 Funding Challenges: Loss of Public Media Support
12:21 Support and Funding Opportunities in the Current Environment
16:24 Building a Network of Support and Supporters
17:47 The Importance of Arts and Cultural Support in Democracy
22:09 Refocusing on Mission and Purpose in Challenging Times
29:53 Opportunities in a Changing Funding Landscape
32:14 Decentralization and Ecosystem Resilience
36:14 The Power of Community and Human Connection
37:22 Final Thoughts and How to Support Firelight Media

Resources
Firelight Media Website: https://www.firelightmedia.tv/
Firelight Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firelight_media/

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're back! In this episode, Geoff Clark, CEO of ActTVe and Documentary+, explains the ins and outs of FAST and AVOD streaming, how independent filmmakers can leverage these platforms, and the future of free ad-supported content. 

#FAST, #streaming, #AVOD, #independent filmmakers, #content licensing, #streaming platforms, #ad-supported TV, #content monetization, #digital distribution, #streaming channels, #content strategy

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/

Isaac Zablocki, co-founder of the ReelAbilities Film Festival, discusses the importance of accessibility in filmmaking and film festivals. Topics include creating inclusive experiences, innovative accessibility technologies, and practical tips for filmmakers to broaden their audience reach.

#Accessibility, #Film Festival, ReelAbilities, Inclusive Filmmaking, Disability Representation, Accessibility Technologies, Film Industry, Audience Engagement

Key topics

• The origins of ReelAbilities and industry gaps
• Defining accessibility beyond ADA standards
• Innovative tech for accessible viewing experiences

Resources

• ReelAbilities.org
• Forward Docs
• RespectAbility
• Snowflake Accessibility Tool

Guest links

• Website

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/

Anjay Nagpal, a seasoned producer and executive director of the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles, shares insights on film financing, packaging, distribution, and the evolving landscape of independent cinema. Discover strategies for filmmakers to navigate today's market, from packaging to marketing and festival success.

Key topics

🎬 Film financing evolution over the last decade

🎬 Packaging strategies for independent films

🎬 Day-and-date release pros and cons

🎬 Festival curation and industry opportunities

🎬 The role of content marketing in film success

Chapters 

00:00 Introduction to Anjay Nagpal

02:23 Career Journey in Film Production

04:14 Evolution of Film Financing

06:10 Shifts in Documentary Filmmaking

07:59 Podcasting and IP Development

09:30 Focus World and Multi-Platform Distribution

12:34 Day-and-Date Release Strategies

17:58 Packaging Films for Success

21:21 The Role of the Indian Film Festival

26:38 Advice for Emerging Filmmakers

Resources

• Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles
• Focus World
• Sundance Institute
• Neon

Guest links

• LinkedIn
• Twitter

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 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 Introduction to Ash Cook and Video Storage
00:44 What Makes Video Storage Unconventional
01:49 How the USB Drive Model Works
02:40 Community Launch Events and Social Viewing
03:48 Sharing Drives and Supporting Filmmakers
05:04 Pre-sales and Rights Management at Festivals
07:09 Physical Media Rights and Film Ownership
08:45 Security and Encryption of Video Files
10:18 The Role of Video Storage in Film Curation
12:26 Curating Films for Different Audiences
14:22 Balancing Artistic Freedom and Distribution
16:41 Video Storage’s Place in Release Strategies
19:53 Quarterly Collections and Library Growth
21:12 Partnerships, Curated Collections, and Flexibility
23:18 Ownership, Streaming, and Digital Rights
26:45 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events

Resources
Video Storage Website -www.videostoreage.com  

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/

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/