Peter Broderick, formerly with Paradigm, is one of the world's leading distribution strategists, specializing in the documentary genre. He talks in unprecedented detail with OWC RADiO host, Cirina Catania, and answers many of our questions about how to monetize our amazing films!

Peter and his partner, Keith Ochwat, design and implement customized strategies to maximize revenues, define audiences, increase impact, and put films on the path to profitability.

If you want to know more about distribution for your projects, this interview has many of the answers.

Welcome to the New World of Distribution!

Read Peter's articles and describe to his distribution bulletin at www.peterbroderick.com. You can also get more information and register for the classes that he conducts with Keith, at https://www.superchargeyourdistribution.com

In This Episode

00:08 - Cirina introduces Peter Broderick, formerly with Paradigm, who is one of the world's leading distribution strategists, specializing in the documentary genre.05:52 - Peter talks about Christopher Nolan's film, Following. A movie they distributed in the year 1999.11:17 - Peter recommends filmmakers' basic approach in giving rights of a produced film to distribution companies.16:42 - What are some of the strategies to scout for distribution companies as a filmmaker?21:19 - How to work with Peter to help filmmakers design and implement a customized distribution for their film?26:42 - Peter describes what they call the second stage in distributing your film, Theatrical Distribution.32:15 - Peter explains why his job is to balance optimism and realism for aspiring filmmakers.35:18 - Peter discusses the advantages of having a personal audience and the indirect selling of films to get a higher revenue margin.39:37 - Peter talks about the impact of networking as a filmmaker.42:30 - Visit Peter Broderick's website, peterbroderick.com, to sign-up for his cutting-edge, virtual crash course - Supercharge Your Distribution.

Jump to Links and Resources

Transcript

Peter Broderick is one of the world's foremost experts on distribution strategy. He's the former president of Paradigm Consulting. And he spends every day all day, helping creators maximize their revenues, decide on their distribution strategies, and helps them make a living doing the things they love to do. Peter, thank you for joining us.

Well, thanks for having me, Cirina. It's exciting to be part of your show.

Tell us the kinds of projects that you work on.

I do concentrate on documentaries, and I can explain that because I only agreed to consult with filmmakers when I'm confident that I can make a meaningful difference for them. And with documentaries, it's always possible. And with fiction, sometimes it's possible, and sometimes it's not. 

Well, that's actually very encouraging. A lot of people think it's just the opposite. Let's talk about who was in control in the past and who's in control now.

I can begin by explaining the difference between the Old World and the New World, and then we can get to the new New World. Does that make sense?

Let's do it. 

Okay. So, I was running a finishing fund called Next Wave Films from 1997 to 2003, and we were helping filmmakers, mostly filmmakers who are making their first film. And these were mostly fiction features. To find the resources to finish their movie, then we would help them find distribution, and ultimately, our idea was to help them launch their careers. Our poster child from that time was Christopher Nolan; we did his first film Following, which he shot on a budget of $12,000. And we were able to give him finishing funds so he can complete the film. And then we took it to the Toronto Film Festival, then he went to Rotterdam and won the Rotterdam Film Festival. And he was off to the races. The film had theatrical distribution in the US and around the world, and it gave him the chance to make mementos of his next film,