IFH 553: How to Build a Production Company with Michael D. Ratner

Today on the show we have returning champion Linda Nelson from Indie Rights. I wanted to bring Linda back to discuss how much the distribution game has changed in the three years since she was last on the show. We also discuss the American Film Market and how to work it properly.Nelson Madison Films/Indie Rights was founded by Michael Madison and Linda Nelson because they believed that the future was bright for independent artists and that there was a better way to produce and distribute movies. They have been in business since 2000, when they produced their first film, NSYNC BIGGER THAN LIVE a Giant Screen Movie that played to sold-out crowds worldwide.Known for innovation. SHIFTED, their first digital feature, was the first movie on Amazon's UnBox (the predecessor of Amazon Video) and was used by Amazon to promote their platform for over five years. DELIVERED was the first independent feature to edit and master a 4K movie using Adobe CS5. Articles in Variety, HDVideoPro and an Adobe Success Story followed. Partnerships were forged early on with the leading digital platforms including Amazon, Google, Cinedigm, MGo and Adrise, and these partnerships ensure that Indie Rights can offer the very best audience opportunities for their own films, as well as the more than 300 other filmmakers they work with.Linda Nelson began her career as an international investment banker, IT executive an entertainment real estate developer. After meeting Michael Madison, she pivoted into the movie business finally realizing her artistic potential. As an Executive Producer on NSYNC, she quickly realized that she was interested in being more "hands-on" and was the DP for her next film, SHIFTED. As a Producer on DELIVERED, she was finally able to gain experience in all aspects of the financing, development, production and distribution phases of moviemaking.I can't recommend Indie Rights highly enough. If you have a feature film that needs distribution do yourself a favor and check them out. Enjoy my eye-opening conversation with Linda Nelson.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

31 Loka 20181h 32min

Are movie theaters dead? Every summer there is a barrage of articles announcing the death of the movie theater experience. Those articles state the new generation is not interested in going to the movies anymore, that they stream everything.This kind of rhetoric has been spouted off since television was invented. Then it was VHS, then DVDs and not streaming. Movie theaters have always been able to find a happy home and compliment the new movie screening technology of the day. Today on the show we have Phil Contrino from N.A.T.O,  the National Association of  Theatre Owners. Phil and I discuss the movie-going experience. What theaters are doing right and where they can improve. We also discuss what place indie films have in the modern day movie theater experience.I've always had a ​love for the movies. It's like a church for me. Whenever I've been in a tough place in my life I go to the movies to escape, think and see what comes to me. It's almost meditative. I truly hope they'll always be a form of the communal movie going experience and I have a feeling there will be.​ Enjoy my conversation with Phil Contrino.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

23 Loka 201845min

For years now I've been preaching how filmmakers need to create ancillary products for their indie films. (listen to this episode for more on that.) Today's guest has done an amazing job at doing just that. Drew Marvick is the writer/director of the 80's style horror indie film Pool Party Massacre.Drew not only made his film, which took over a year to complete, but decided to target his core audience and sell amazing assortments​​ of products based on his film. The audience ate it up. Drew and I break down how he came up with his marketing plan, how he sources his classic VHSs, where he had that killer poster made, his sales numbers and how the hell he had an action figured made for a low budget horror film. BTW, check out the amazing artwork he had designed for Pool Party Massacre.Enjoy my eye-opening conversation with Drew Marvick.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

22 Loka 20181h 16min

Today's guest is writer/director Natalia Leite. This director is one of the bravest filmmakers I've ever met. Her work on the VICE documentary ‘Life as a Truck-Stop Stripper was breathtaking. Not only did she direct the piece but one of the subjects in the film as well.Enjoy my conversation with Natalia Leite.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

17 Loka 201854min

Today on the show we have documentarian, Susan Kucera. Here new film Living in the Future's Past stars Academy Award® winner Jeff Bridges.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

10 Loka 201829min

The wait is over! This is what I've been working on for months. May I introduce you to IFHTV (Indie Film Hustle TV), the world's first streaming service dedicated to filmmakers, screenwriters, creatives and content creators.I wanted to create a place where film creatives and storytellers could be informed and inspired, no matter where you lived in the world. When I was younger I would hunt for any content on filmmaking, behind the scenes, screenwriting, etc. Combing through DVDs, Laserdiscs and even VHS.IFHTV is the natural evolution of Indie Film Hustle. My mission is to help as many creatives, filmmakers and screenwriters on their artist path. I hope to grow the platform into a Netflix-style place for people to learn and be inspired.IFHTV will not only be an educational platform but it will also stream content covering the film business, acting, filmmaking, post-production, screenwriting, storytelling:Feature FilmsDocumentariesSeriesDocumentary FilmmakingSocial Media and MarketingDistributionCinematographyFilm HistoryExclusive InterviewsExclusive IFHTV Original Content and ShowsInspirational Films as wellIFHTV will launch worldwide November 1, 2018. It will be accessible on over 1000 devices including iOS devices, Android devices, MACs, PCs, streaming media boxes such as Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, and Nexus Player.The launch special will be $10.99 for 90 days. On Feb 1, 20,19 the price will go to $13.99. Take a listen to this episode to get all the low down on what I'm doing with IFHTV, including content, films, and documentaries we'll be launch with. Thanks for your support and I really hope you love IFHTV as much as I do.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

3 Loka 201816min

Have you ever been in a job you hate? Would you leave a stable job to follow your dream? Meet producer, director and actor Drew Waters. He did just that. Drew became an entrepreneur with three retail businesses and a commercial/residential construction company with partners. One day he woke up at the age of 30 and realized I wasn't fulfilled with what he was doing, so he thought back to the moment he was the happiest.That moment turned out to be a time, nearly ten years earlier when he was in Japan and was shooting a commercial. That realization led him to the decision to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.The next week he sold the companies to his partner and started acting/directing /producing. His first film was a D horror movie made for $3,500 That sold and was followed up by another D horror film that was made for $1,500.From there he made a 30k film in 10 days that sold to a distributor for a 50k MG.  Now after 14 years, 60+ acting credits, 7 produced films later and working with some of the best people in the business, he opened his own production company Argentum Entertainment. Together with his producing partner, he created, directed, produced his first $2m film called New Life. Following a limited theatrical release, it now has worldwide distribution and is selling well.I wanted to have Drew on to tell his story of how to follow your dream no matter what. He took a gambled and it paid off.Enjoy my inspirational conversation with Drew Waters.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

26 Syys 20181h

LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE, self-distribution vs traditional distribution!!! I wanted to finally create an HONEST resource for indie filmmakers to learn the TRUTH about both forms of distributing their films.I get into the weeds on this one and talk about my experience self-distributing my film, This is Meg, what my experience was working with multiple domestic and international distribution companies and give examples on how and why self-distribution is a great path just not for every film.It's a knowledge bomb packed episode so get ready to take some notes. Knowledge is power. Enjoy!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

21 Syys 201844min