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

I have a treat for you today. On the show we have filmmaker and podcaster Alrik Bursell from the podcast Making Movies is HARD! I've had the pleasure on be on his show before and have another episode coming up in Nov where I talk about Rise of the Filmtrepreneur.“Who am I to even have a podcast? Why is my opinion more valid than anyone else? In some ways it’s not, but that’s also kind of the point. We’re just two examples of people making movies in our own ways. We’re not any more special than any other filmmaker. There’s nothing about us that makes us any different or unique. We’re just doing it. And I think that’s the point, just go out and do it, make your movies. And these are the struggles that we face and this is how we’re trying to overcome them.” – Alrik Bursell Episode 87In this episode, we talk indie filmmaking, crowdfunding, distribution, the Distribber Debacle and much more. We also discuss his cool new film The Alternate.Enjoy my conversation with Alrik Bursell.​Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

15 Okt 20191h 23min

The legendary Oscar-nominated actor Robert Forster has passed away. I had the honor of working with Robert on one of my films, Red Princess Blues. He supplied some remarkable narration that set up my film perfectly. He was easily one of the most professional and talented actors I have ever worked with; a professional of the greatest caliber.He will always hold a special place in my heart because of not only working with him on my film but because his interview was to the first episode on the Indie Film Hustle Podcast. In our interview, he dishes out amazing advice to young actors, directors and human beings alike. He even tells us his favorite Quentin Tarantino on the set direction he got on the set of Jackie Brown; worth it’s waiting in gold.Robert was a working actor for decades, appearing in a classic film like Medium Cool, the iconic John Huston’s Reflections in a Golden Eye, 80’s action classic Delta Force  and Disney’s The Black Hole.He was ​nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1997 for Quentin Tarantino’s Jackie Brown, which he credits with reviving his career. Since then Robert has been on fire in the second half of his career, appearing in The Descendants, Like Mike; Mulholland Drive; Me, Myself, & Irene; Lucky Number Slevin and Firewall, just to name a few.I also have to mention his run on Breaking Bad. He just nails those last two episodes as Walt’s relocation/make me disappear guy. Just amazing. As you can tell I’m a big fan of Robert’s.Robert said that when his career was at its lowest ebb, he had what he called an "epiphany.""It was the simple one," he said, "when you realize, 'You know what? You're not dead yet, Bob. You can win it in the late innings. You've still got the late innings, but you can't quit. Never quit.' "You will be missed, Robert. Rest in Peace.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

12 Okt 201917min

Today on the show we have film producer, distribution expert, and today's "go-to" authority of how to get a film to market, Jerome Courshon. He has broken open the "exclusive club" of successful independent producers with his innovative 3-Day Program, "THE SECRETS TO DISTRIBUTION: Get Your Movie Distributed Now!"A producer in his own right (he secured a profitable distribution deal with Warner Bros. on his very first indie movie), Courshon is called upon by many sources for his savvy. From beginning to veteran producers, as well as the press, they contact him regularly to gain access to his unparalleled expertise and invaluable knowledge.Regarded as one of the world's chief experts in distribution, he tracks the ever-changing film industry distribution markets to present relevant, trending and successful strategies in his lectures, classes and 3-Day Program. His ultimate goal for every filmmaker? Get your movie or documentary to the marketplace successfully.Citing his own personal journeys of releasing films and working with distributors, Courshon highlights the many obstacles & challenges filmmakers face today -- and how to overcome them. His teachings also pack powerful messages on how to stay in the game for the long haul. At the heart of every lesson on distribution is a focus on "what works and what doesn't" in reaching your audience.We also discuss the current Distribber disaster and how it is affecting indie filmmakers today and in the future. This is a masterclass in film distribution so buckle up and enjoy my conversation with Jerome Courshon.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

10 Okt 20191h 55min

Ever wanted to know how to build a large following on social media? Today's guest Brendan Kane was able to get over 1 million followers in 30 days. His new book, One Million Followers: How I Built a Massive Social Following in 30 Days breaks down how he was able to achieve such a feat. Brendan Kane is a growth hacker for Fortune 500 corporations, brands and celebrities. He thrives on helping brands systematically find and engage new audiences who reward relevant content, products, ​and services with their attention and spend.Over 60 billion online messages are sent on digital platforms every day, and only a select few succeed in the mad scramble for customer attention.This means that the question for anyone who wants to gain mass exposure for their transformative content, business, or brand or connect with audiences around the globe is no longer if they should use social media but how to best take advantage of the numerous different platforms.How can you make a significant impact in the digital world and stand out among all the noise?Digital strategist and “growth hacker” Brendan Kane has the answer and will show you how—in 30 days or less. A wizard of the social media sphere, Kane has built online platforms for A-listers including Taylor Swift and Rihanna. He’s advised brands such as MTV, Skechers, Vice and IKEA on how to establish and grow their digital audience and engagement. Kane has spent his career discovering the best tools to turn any no-name into a top influencer simply by speaking into a camera or publishing a popular blog—and now he’ll share his secrets with you.In One Million Followers, Kane will teach you how to gain an authentic, dedicated, and diverse online following from scratch; create personal, unique, and valuable content that will engage your core audience; and build a multi-media brand through platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, and LinkedIn.Enjoy my conversation with Brendan Kane.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

8 Okt 201932min

Today we are going to BLOW THE LID off this entire Distribber/Film Aggregator mess. Today's guest is Joe Dain from Terror Films. Joe has been on the frontlines of this Distribber debacle and has been affected in a large way. He had many films placed through Ditribber and has been working diligently to save the films he has placed through Distribber. Joe wrote an amazing guest post speaking the real issue facing filmmakers in the shadow of what has happened with Distribber. During his journeys, he has discovered many interesting bits of information about the going on's of Distribber in the final months and lays out a few "what ifs" that are extremely interesting.Be ready for a lively conversation about Go Digital/Distibber, Film Aggregators, Predatory Film distributors, where filmmakers are making money today with their films, what platforms do avoid, and much, much more.Enjoy!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

4 Okt 20191h 48min

In this episode, I lay out the future of making money in independent filmmaking as I see it. The old legacy model of making and movie and handing it over to a distributor doesn't work anymore. A new model needs to be created and I hope the method I go over in this show will help you generate multiple revenue streams from your film projects. I also warn you about many concerning issues I see in today's revenue model for filmmakers and how you can insulate yourself from them moving forward.Take notes because this episode is PACKED with knowledge bombs. Enjoy!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

3 Okt 201942min

First of all, we made it to 350 episodes. HOLY CRAP! Thank you all for all the love and support that you have given me, this show and Indie Film Hustle in general. To celebrate I'm launching the first-ever MAKE YOUR MOVIE BOOTCAMP. The Bootcamp is a LIVE two-day intensive designed to show you how to make, market and sell a feature film. I've been working on this for months and I finally get to release it to the world.I wanted to create a workshop that could jump-start people on their filmmaking career but with my flavor of course. Below is a fraction of what I'll be diving into at the Bootcamp.Ideas: Learn how to flesh out your ideas into a marketable film project.Screenwriting Process: We go over the basics of screenwriting and discuss alternative methods of writing like scriptments and improv.Finding Money: Alternate ways to raise money for your film.Crowdfunding: Discuss the dos and don'ts of what makes a successful campaign.Directing Your Film: I breakdown methods and techniques that will jump-start your directing journey.Post Production Workflows: Where many indie films die. This won't happen to you. I'll teach you the proper way to set up your workflow and get you and your film to the finish line.Marketing and Building an Audience: Once you have your film done you need to get it out into the world. I will go over proven techniques that will help you build and target an audience.Submitting to Film Festivals: Tricks and techniques on what to do and definitely what not to do when taking your film on the festival circuit. This one section that will save you thousands of dollars and years of your life.Self Distribution Models: I'll teach you how to run a successful self-distribution campaign by using multiple case studies on how it is done correctly.Avoid Predatory Film Distributors: It is shark-infested waters out there. We go over what to look out for when dealing with traditional and predatory film distributors.Revenue Streams: I do a deep dive into how to create multiple revenue streams from your indie film.Breaking Through Your Fear: I show you techniques to break through your own creative fears and finally make the feature film you have always wanted to.PLUS: Two Surprise film industry heavy hitters will come into Guest Speak and answer questions.Why Do You Need This Bootcamp?Jump Start Your Feature FilmIt takes a lot of time and energy to get a feature film off the ground, but it doesn't have too. I shot my first film in 8 days and completed the entire process, from idea to final product, within 3 months. The film went on to be sold internationally and was licensed by Hulu. I will teach you the techniques I used to make this happen.Marketing and Audience BuildingIn today's world if you do not understand how to get your indie film in front of the right customers you are dead in the water. I've built a large platform with millions of eyeballs. I will teach you my secret sauce for audience building.Avoid Distribution PitfallsThere are a lot of predatory film distributors in the industry today that are all too happy to take advantage of you. If you are not careful you could end up making a non-tax deductible donation to one of these sharks and loss your film for 15 years. I will show you how to avoid these snakes and how to find a good distributor to partner with.Actually, Make Money with Your FilmI will discuss the Filmtrepreneur® Method of filmmaking. Thinking more like an entrepreneurial filmmaker is imperative moving forward in the business. Creating multiple revenue and passive income streams from your film projects is the key to a sustainable career.The MAKE YOUR MOVIE BOOTCAMP will be taking place Oct 26 &27 in Burbank, CA at the Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Burbank. If you want to get 20% off the ticket price CLICK HERE.This will be EPIC. When you finish this Bootcamp you will be ready to make, market and sell your feature film. I go over the details in this episode so take a listen and I hope to meet you in person at the MAKE YOUR MOVIE BOOTCAMP.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

28 Sep 201915min

oday on the show I have Klaus Badelt. We do a deep dive into the state of independent film and self-distribution. We also discuss the Distribber debacle and how filmmakers can get access to their films back from Distribber.Klaus is not only a tech entrepreneur he also writes the occasional score for feature films including The Thin Red Line, The Prince of Egypt, Gladiator, and Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.He also founded Filmhub, a unique way to distribute your indie film. Filmhub allows filmmakers to upload your film for free, while streaming channels discover, order, and stream your work - worldwide. Once revenue starts flowing, 80% goes to you. No deductions or fees. That's it.Enjoy my epic conversation with Klaus Badelt.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

26 Sep 20191h 45min