Tag: Festival Strategy
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The “Slow Burn” Film Release Strategy: Why Some Indie Films Keep Making Money for Years
Forget the big splash. Some indie films quietly build revenue over years. This “slow burn” strategy leverages timed rollout, audience word-of-mouth, and long-tail platforms to keep money rolling in long after the opening weekend. Let’s unpack how it works and why it’s a game-changer for filmmakers. Table of Contents Understanding the Long Tail of Film
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The “Three-Film Rule”: Why Your First Two Films Might Not Make You Money
There’s a hard-earned truth among indie filmmakers: your first two films often won’t turn a profit. While the third might be your breakthrough, those early efforts serve a different purpose: training, establishing your voice, and building your reputation. This “third-film sweet spot” exists for a reason, and we’re looking at how to manage your expectations
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What Sets Apart the 1 in 10 First-Time Filmmakers Who Land Domestic Distribution?
Most first-time filmmakers never land domestic distribution. The odds are bleak: only about one in ten break through. But if you analyze the ones who do, a clear pattern emerges. It’s not random. It’s not luck. It’s about perception. About presentation. About how the film looks before anyone even hits play. You want to know
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If Sundance Is Your Only Plan, You Don’t Have a Plan
Let’s rip the Band-Aid off: if your entire distribution plan revolves around getting into Sundance, you don’t have a strategy. You have a fantasy. Look, we get it. The idea of your film premiering in Park City (ahem…Boulder…), packed into a sold-out theater full of buyers, agents, and Variety journalists is intoxicating. A standing ovation.
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What to Include in Your Film One-Sheet (If You Want Press to Care)
A one-pager is exactly what it sounds like, a single-page overview of your film designed specifically for press and publicity outreach. It’s not a sell sheet for buyers. It’s not an EPK. It’s a rapid-fire, no-fluff tool for journalists, critics, and publicists to quickly understand what your film is, why it matters, and how to
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What I Wish I Knew Before Releasing My Indie Film
Distribution is where most indie filmmakers go to die—or at least to disappear quietly. After the blood, sweat, and credit card debt of production, it’s easy to think your job is done. But distribution is not dessert. It’s not a celebration. It’s the war after the war, and most of us walk into it completely
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How Black and White Films Really Perform on Streaming and Licensing Platforms
It’s easy to romanticize black and white filmmaking. It feels “elevated,” “artful,” even “cinematic” in ways color sometimes isn’t. But for filmmakers and investors alike, admiration alone isn’t enough. What matters is how the film performs once it leaves your hands and enters the market. Does black and white help or hurt your odds on
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Film Festivals That Actually Get You Distribution (Not Just Laurels)
Every filmmaker wants the red carpet and the clout—but if your goal is distribution, especially from regional streaming platforms, you need to play smarter, not just fancier. While Cannes, Sundance, and TIFF are great for prestige, many regional platforms focus on festivals that spotlight local voices, underrepresented regions, and emerging indie talent. These are the
