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 has developed a holistic and community-driven model for distribution, combining theatrical releases, educational outreach and its own VoD platform Filmingo to extend the life of its films and connect directly with audiences.

The conversation explores:

• Trigon's mission and the challenge of sustaining it amid the loss of key public funding

• Balancing cultural purpose with commercial realities

• Building direct relationships and trust with audiences

• The evolving tastes of Swiss arthouse viewers

• Lessons from a truly global approach to curation

A candid and inspiring look at what it takes to keep diverse storytelling alive - and why community, innovation and creativity matter more than ever in the world of film marketing, distribution and audiences.

About Meret Ruggle

Meret Ruggle is Co-head of the Swiss film distributor trigon-film. The film foundation has been releasing carefully selected films from Latin America, Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe since 1988 and runs its own DVD edition and the video-on-demand platform filmingo. Meret has been working for trigon-film for the last 12 years and is also involved in the Swiss Film Fund visions sud est, both as a member of the Board and an expert in the selection committee. Since 2024 she is also member of the board of the Winterthur Short Film Days (kurzfilmtage.ch).

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 Guide. With over two decades of experience at companies including Universal Pictures, Momentum, Revolver, Warner Music and Arrow Films, Jonathan has worked on everything from Amélie and Lost in Translation to Donnie Darko and The Mummy.

Together, they explore:

• Why casting is also a marketing decision

• The importance of product-market fit for indie films

• Practical steps filmmakers can take upstream to maximise audience reach

• How evolving distribution models create new opportunities

This is an essential conversation for anyone who wants to understand how independent films can not just survive, but thrive, in today's marketplace.

About Jonathan Sadler

Jonathan Sadler has been marketing filmed entertainment content since 1998, first at Universal Pictures before spending over 5 years at Momentum Pictures as home entertainment marketing director. He headed up marketing at Revolver Entertainment, Warner Music International and Arrow Films. Sadler has launched or worked on the re-release of iconic films such as Amelie, American Beauty, The Mummy, Lost in Translation, Cinema Paradiso, Heathers, Anuvahood, Edie, The Hunt, Donnie Darko and Love is All You Need. Film Marketing & Distribution: An Independent Filmmaker's Guide is his first book.

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 successfully shifted its demographic toward a younger audience, the creative tactics behind indie breakouts like Kneecap and Flow, and how agility and authenticity are driving modern film marketing.

Susie also speaks candidly about her experience becoming disabled early in her career, how it shaped her leadership and problem-solving skills, and her views on inclusion and progress in the film industry.

From data-driven decisions to cheeky Oscar-winning posters, from immersive family cinema to ensuring accessibility, this conversation offers a rare, inspiring look into how one of the UK's oldest cinema brands and distributor continue to innovate and bring in audiences for original stories. About Susie Bould Susie is Marketing Director at Curzon with 19 years experience in film and entertainment. Formerly at Lionsgate, Think Jam and Hyperlaunch, she is passionate about strategy, creativity, and connecting audiences with great cinema.

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 'A24 of action cinema' by combining cutting-edge AI dubbing technology, premium marketing, and a community-first approach to distribution. He explains how Rascal is building an identity-driven brand that speaks directly to underserved action fans across the U.S., why theatrical still matters, and how user-generated content is shaping the future of film marketing.

A deep dive into genre strategy, branding, AI, and the power of building direct audience relationships — this is a must-listen for anyone shaping the future of film distribution.

About Maxwell Riesberg

Maxwell Riesberg is an accomplished producer, storyteller, and creative advertising professional, as well a seasoned entrepreneur with two successful exits. He is the Founder of RSCL, the first film distribution company devoted exclusively to action cinema. Built as a consumer-facing lifestyle brand, RSCL represents a radical rethinking of film distribution for the AI era, focused on building meaningful, direct relationships with audiences through exceptional international action films, innovative partnerships, and community building.

Previously, Maxwell founded Paradise Creative, an advertising agency that specializes in theatrical trailers & digital campaigns for films and TV shows. Maxwell led the company from a two-person upstart into an industry powerhouse, cementing the agency's status as a go-to partner for clients including Amazon Studios, Warner Bros, Paramount, Sony Pictures, Hulu, HBO Max, Netflix, and many others. In addition to generating millions of box office dollars and delivering untold eyeballs to streaming titles, Maxwell & the Paradise team garnered many notable awards, including seven wins at the prestigious Clio Awards. Maxwell was Chief Executive Officer of the agency, until engineering his exit in 2021.

Before that, Maxwell founded Lord Danger, a boutique commercial production company. He developed an in-demand roster of bold commercial directors, sourcing their campaigns and managing their career trajectories. Clients included Lawrence Lamont, Mike Diva, and Gille Klabin. Maxwell worked hand-in-hand as producer on his clients' works, from conceptualization all the way through post-production. Lord Danger created music videos for some of the biggest acts in music (Major Lazer, J. Cole, Steve Aoki, Big Sean, et al) as well as iconic commercials for house-name brands including 1-800-Contacts & Meow Mix. Maxwell was Co-Chief Executive Officer of the company, leading it to its acquisition in 2015.

Maxwell's work has been written about extensively, including in The Hollywood Reporter, Ad Age, Fast Company, Deadline, Entertainment Weekly, Billboard, Indiewire, and CNN. And Eater LA.

Maxwell loves to travel, both abroad but also to the furthest reaches of Los Angeles in search of its best food. When he's not on the road, he enjoys seeing (almost) every movie in theatres, appreciating dogs, rooting for Red Bull Formula 1 and (tragically) the Chicago Bears, and working on his tennis game.

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 film distribution in a different market.

Giulia and Elin dive deep into the structural and strategic contrasts between the Italian and Benelux cinema landscapes—from differences in audience behavior, cinema-going habits, and marketing approaches to infrastructure realities, dubbing vs. subtitling preferences, and the role of distributor-owned cinemas. They discuss the challenge of attracting younger audiences in Italy, the power of subscription models in the Netherlands, and how local market conditions influence everything from trailer design to influencer collaborations.

The episode also explores how each company tackled recent releases like The Apprentice and I'm Still Here, highlighting the nuances of political positioning, poster artwork choices, and physical event strategies. Listeners will get a behind-the-scenes look at what it means to build campaigns for niche vs. broad audiences, the growing importance of creator partnerships, and the limitations of using digital campaign data in territories without direct ticketing insight.

Offering a compelling case for greater cross-border learning and cooperation, Elin and Giulia speak to the intangible but powerful benefits of the exchange—how simply being in another distributor's office and absorbing their team dynamics, workflows, and problem-solving approaches can inspire new thinking and lasting relationships. Through this process they suggest how shared challenges—and creative responses—can enrich the entire European film industry.

About Elin Boijens

Elin Boijens is the marketing coordinator of independent Benelux distributor Searchers. Her passion for promoting cinema started at various film theaters as well as children's film festivals and -education. Her background in exhibition provides her with valuable insights into the desires, needs, and obstacles for the moviegoing audience. As a young film marketing professional, Elin is thrilled to currently operate on the crossroads between arthouse and commercial films, challenged to reach an audience for the wide variety of films Searchers releases.

About Giulia Amadio

Giulia Amadio is a marketing officer at BIM Distribuzione, an independent film distributor based in Rome, Italy. With an academic background in cinema and filmmaking, she has cultivated her passion for film promotion through a variety of professional experiences at film festivals and creative agencies. These roles have provided her with a well-rounded perspective on the film industry, blending strategic communication with a strong visual sensibility. Giulia is passionate about working at the intersection of creativity and strategy, helping to bring distinctive and diverse films to an ever-growing, engaged audience.

About Europa Distribution and Distributors on the Move

Europa Distribution is the international association of independent film publishers and distributors, created in 2006. With around 130 leading independent distributors representing 32 countries in Europe and beyond, it acts as a network, a think tank and serves as the voice of the sector.

Distributors on the Move is designed to offer marketing professionals who work in film distribution an immersive experience in a company abroad. The aim is to help creating personal and professional connections between distribution companies and their employees and to enhance international collaborations based on specific necessities.

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 The Fithian Group, Jackie brings years of leadership in policy, legal advocacy, and industry innovation. Previously Executive Vice President and General Counsel at the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO), she played a pivotal role during the pandemic, securing over $16 billion in relief for entertainment venues through the "Save Our Stages" program. Jackie also founded the Cinema Foundation, launched National Cinema Day in the U.S., and spearheaded the first-ever State of the Cinema Industry Report.

Jackie and Alex dive deep into the structural challenges of theatrical distribution, the opportunity for growth through data and partnership, and why the cinema remains a powerful — and deeply human — space for storytelling. A must-listen for anyone passionate about the future of film, audience connection, and rewriting the rules of theatrical success.

In the episode you'll discover:

• Why ATTEND is reimagining theatrical distribution with a "matchmaking" platform for filmmakers and exhibitors

• How data transparency and flexible deal terms can drive higher occupancy and lower distribution costs

• The role exhibitors can play in supporting mid-range films and rebuilding moviegoing habits

• What the creator economy means for the future of film marketing and distribution

• Lessons from launching National Cinema Day and securing historic government funding for theaters

• Why pricing, programming, and audience identity all matter more than ever in driving cinema attendance

About Jackie Brenneman

Jackie Brenneman is a founding partner of The Fithian Group, a global cinema industry consultancy that partners with the creative community, movie theater owners, leading research firms and innovators to bring custom, market-ready solutions to the marketplace. Jackie is also the President and CEO of the Attend Theatrical Marketplace, Inc., a revolutionary new theatrical marketplace developed by The Fithian Group that aims to grow the theatrical marketplace by increasing both the number and range of movies exhibitors can offer and helping them program and market the titles. Prior to forming The Fithian Group, Jackie was Executive Vice President and General Counsel to the National Association of Theatre Owners. In those roles, Jackie was a frequent speaker and panelist at global exhibition events on the importance of data and optimism in shaping the narrative and future of the industry. During the pandemic she achieved $16.1 billion for venue-specific "Save Our Stages" COVID relief grants, with specific grants targeted for movie theater owners. She also formed the Cinema Foundation and acted as its founding President. In that role, she implemented first-ever National Cinema Day in the United States and oversaw the release of the inaugural State of the Cinema Industry Report. Jackie has been awarded the Top Woman in Global Exhibition (2023), Industry Figure of the Year (2022) and Ken Mason Award for achievement in cinema (2022).

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-consumer tools — enabling them to maintain ownership, access audience data, and control the viewing experience. The conversation covers core platform functionalities, including custom landing pages, geo-blocking, revenue splits, and scarcity-based release strategies.

The episode also explores broader shifts in the film industry: the growing demand for alternative distribution models, the role of audience data in decision-making, and how creators are beginning to apply startup thinking to their release strategies. Ana and Malcolm share examples of early user behavior, evolving filmmaker mindsets, and the rationale behind their business model.

This conversation provides a detailed look at the evolving digital infrastructure for independent film — and how tools like Olyn could help bridge the gap between creation, monetization, and long-term audience engagement.

About Ana Maria Jipa and Malcolm Wood

Ana Maria Jipa is co-founder of Olyn, a media-fintech company transforming how digital content is monetized and distributed. An entrepreneur since the age of 19, Ana built her career across investment funds, public institutions, and global tech platforms—spanning San Francisco to Europe. Renowned for her expertise in product development, fintech infrastructure, and API systems, she has consistently championed equitable value exchange models that allow consumers to earn through participation.

Olyn has raised Silicon Valley capital and secured strategic partnerships with global studios, positioning the company at the forefront of creator-led media distribution.

Malcolm Wood is the co-founder of Olyn, a successful entrepreneur, award-winning film producer, and environmental advocate with a strong track record in market expansion and global media ventures. Recognized as one of Asia's most influential figures by Tatler, Malcolm has led multimillion-dollar projects across Media, Technology, Hospitality, and Sustainability. His film credits include A Plastic Ocean, described by Sir David Attenborough as "the most important film of our time", The Last Glaciers, an IMAX documentary spotlighting the global climate crisis and his most recent environmental documentary with Oscar winner James Reed from my Octopus Teacher, The White Mountain. Malcolm blends business with a commitment to making a positive impact. At Olyn, Malcolm brings deep industry insight and a relentless focus on impact for global growth—reimagining film distribution to empower filmmakers with ownership, direct monetization, and freedom from gatekeepers.

Find out more about Olyn at www.Olyn.com

"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, data, and community collaboration.

With over 20 years in the creative industries—ranging from directing and development to producing and distribution—Shawn has firsthand experience of the challenges independent filmmakers face. From promising projects that collapsed at the final hurdle, to festival runs that didn't yield industry support, his journey is one many filmmakers will recognize.

Now, through IndieScene, Shawn is channeling those experiences into building infrastructure that truly supports independent film. The platform provides global databases of distributors, film festivals, cinemas, and venues—alongside real-world analytics on box office performance. The goal? To give filmmakers and small distributors the insights and access they need to make informed decisions and build sustainable careers.

In this episode, Alex and Shawn explore:

• Why most indie films fail to break through—and the structural barriers that keep it that way

• How gatekeeping, outdated distribution models, and a lack of localized data stifle great projects

• Why community-based engagement isn't just a marketing strategy, but a survival strategy

• The economics of theatrical self-distribution, and how event-based screenings can benefit both cinemas and filmmakers

• How IndieScene is gathering and aggregating real-time data to build a more accurate picture of the indie landscape

• Why the future of distribution may lie beyond traditional cinemas—into venues, cafes, community halls, and immersive experiences

• How predictive AI and blockchain might reshape how we assess market value and report box office returns

Shawn also discusses the role of film festivals—both their shortcomings and their potential to become more globally connected, collaborative, and financially sustainable year-round.

"We have to move from a transactional industry to an interactual one." — As Shawn puts it, that means not just distributing films, but building relationships, activating communities, and redefining how success is measured.

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 and opportunities facing today's entertainment landscape. Guy explores the ongoing impact of streaming, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic boom and the Hollywood strikes. Guy highlights how content investment has leveled off at 75% of its peak, marking a significant shift that Guy argues can be viewed as positive and sustainable. They discuss how traditional media groups are navigating the era of consolidation and what it means for the future of entertainment.

Guy also sheds light on the emerging role of social media platforms in content distribution and advertising, noting how platforms like YouTube have become critical players in the global entertainment ecosystem. The conversation moves into the world of film, with Guy offering insights into how the movie business is adjusting to the challenges of streaming, changing audience behavior, and the pullback in content production.

As the industry faces the convergence of media and tech, Guy explores the concept of "diagonal integration," an emerging form of collaboration and M&A strategy that breaks traditional geographic and platform-based boundaries. Finally, they discuss the future of AI in entertainment—its rapid development, transformative potential, and the re-skilling required to adapt to this new wave of technological change.

About Guy Bisson, Executive Director co-founder, Ampere Analysis

Guy Bisson has been a leading entertainment market analyst with a specialisation in the global television business for the past 30 years. He is a regular speaker and moderator at many of the world's leading entertainment business conferences, a frequent media commentator in print and broadcast and author of numerous reports and research articles on the business and strategy of the global television industry. Guy is co-founder of Ampere Analysis, a London-based analyst house focused on the entertainment and content business, which draws on title-level movie and TV analysis, consumer research and market forecasting to create a holistic outlook for the future of the industry. Guy previously led the television research practice at both Screen Digest and IHS.

"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 long been known as a leader in event cinema, bringing live performances, special screenings, and classic films to theaters worldwide. But as the theatrical landscape evolves, so has Fathom. In this conversation, Shannah and Lynne share how the company has expanded beyond event cinema into specialty distribution, creating custom theatrical release strategies tailored to different types of content and audience demand.

They discuss the company's rebranding from Fathom Events to Fathom Entertainment and how this shift reflects their broader vision of theatrical engagement. With a diverse slate that includes The Chosen, classic film re-releases, anime, live concerts, and even influencer-driven horror films, Fathom has carved out a unique niche in the industry.

Key topics covered in this episode include:

• Why Fathom transitioned from an event-based distribution model to a more flexible, entertainment-focused strategy
• The remarkable success of The Chosen in theaters and what it means for the future of serialized content on the big screen
• How classic re-releases, such as Coraline and The Lord of the Rings, continue to draw audiences and drive strong box office results
• The growing role of faith-based and inspirational content in theatrical distribution
• How partnerships with major studios, filmmakers, and exhibitors allow Fathom to bring a wide range of content to theaters
• The importance of community-driven marketing, influencer partnerships, and data-driven audience engagement
• The evolving role of theatrical distribution in a crowded entertainment landscape, and how Fathom is positioning itself for the future

Shannah and Lynne also share insights into how audience behaviors are shifting, why theatrical experiences remain vital despite the rise of streaming, and how exhibitors can benefit from diversifying their programming. They highlight the importance of offering audiences something they can't get at home, from exclusive content to immersive experiences like large-format screenings and collectible merchandise.

With a packed slate of upcoming releases and new strategies to engage audiences, Fathom Entertainment is proving that theatrical distribution is not only viable but thriving. Whether you are a filmmaker, distributor, or industry professional, this episode provides valuable insights into the future of theatrical marketing and the power of fan-driven content.

Listen now to discover how Fathom Entertainment is shaping the future of cinema and redefining what it means to bring content to the big screen.

Lynne Schmidt, SVP, Operations & Strategic Partnerships Fathom Entertainment

Lynne has 18 years of experience in the event cinema industry holding various roles within Fathom Entertainment since 2006. As Senior Vice President of Operations & Strategic Partnerships she is responsible for the management of Fathom's proprietary satellite network which is installed in over 1,100 theatres in the U.S. and heads distribution efforts with all Fathom's theatre partners both domestically and internationally. Lynne also leads programming efforts with Fathom's premiere content partner, The Metropolitan Opera.

Shannah Miller, VP of Marketing Fathom Entertainment

Shannah is a marketing leader with 15+ years of experience in the entertainment industry. Before joining Fathom Entertainment, she held various positions at Atom Tickets, including Head of Partnerships and Business Development and Head of Marketing and Communications. She began her career in the music business and served as a senior executive at various labels within Sony Music, including RCA, Jive, Arista, and Columbia Records. As the VP of Marketing at Fathom Entertainment, she oversees all marketing and communication efforts with its customers, studios, content partners, exhibitors, and press.