Have You Seen My Film? A Kinema Podcast

We sat down with Fassa Sar, founder and CEO of Callo, a media development platform built to help creators and producers take projects from idea to market. Fassa shared macro trends she is seeing across projects on the platform, the importance of equity, and how Callo can help bring your project to life. Callo: https://www.wearecallo.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearecallo/ Substack: h...

In this episode, we welcome back acclaimed filmmaker, author, and media strategist Jon Reiss. With over 15 years of experience helping filmmakers connect with audiences and profitably release their films, Jon shares his top tips from the 8 Above Distribution Lab, an immersive program that guides filmmakers' distribution and marketing plans in a collaborative learning environment. Links: 8 Abo...

Join Brian Walker and Juliette Richey from Picture Motion for a conversation about the state of impact storytelling. We talk about how impact campaigns are being funded today, why traditional distribution models are shifting, and how filmmakers can think more strategically about impact from the earliest stages of a project. Brian and Juliet also share how Picture Motion is evolving its work across...

Filmmaker Jeanie Finlay shares her innovative approaches to film distribution, audience engagement, and branding. Discover how her creative strategies and case studies can inspire filmmakers to think differently about releasing and marketing their films. Your Fat Friend Case Study Event: https://www.glimmerama.com/your-fat-friend-case-study-event Podcast listeners get 25% off. Use code: KINEMA5  k...

Loira Limbal, President and CEO of Firelight Media, shares the organization's mission to support filmmakers of color, discusses their programs, funding challenges, and opportunities for the future of documentary filmmaking. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:24 What is Firelight Media? Mission and History 01:26 Firelight's Programs for Filmmakers of Color 04:29 Support...

We're back! In this episode, Geoff Clark, CEO of ActTVe and Documentary+, explains the ins and outs of FAST and AVOD streaming, how independent filmmakers can leverage these platforms, and the future of free ad-supported content.  #FAST, #streaming, #AVOD, #independent filmmakers, #content licensing, #streaming platforms, #ad-supported TV, #content monetization, #digital distribution, #stream...

Isaac Zablocki, co-founder of the ReelAbilities Film Festival, discusses the importance of accessibility in filmmaking and film festivals. Topics include creating inclusive experiences, innovative accessibility technologies, and practical tips for filmmakers to broaden their audience reach. #Accessibility, #Film Festival, ReelAbilities, Inclusive Filmmaking, Disability Representation, Accessibilit...

Anjay Nagpal, a seasoned producer and executive director of the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles, shares insights on film financing, packaging, distribution, and the evolving landscape of independent cinema. Discover strategies for filmmakers to navigate today's market, from packaging to marketing and festival success. Key topics 🎬 Film financing evolution over the last decade 🎬 Packagin...

In this episode of the Kinema podcast, we chat with Ash Cook, founder and CEO of Video Storage, about his innovative approach to film distribution through physical media, community events, and flexible rights management. He shares insights on curating unique film collections, the security of encrypted drives, and the future of owning and sharing films in the digital age.  What you'll hear abo...

Discover how Talia Light Rake transformed her filmmaking career by leveraging online communities and social media. Learn actionable strategies to build your network and fund projects without traditional gatekeepers. 🎬 Talia's journey from pandemic pivots to launching 'Too Romantic' 🎬 Using Instagram for casting, financing, and collaboration 🎬 Algorithms and social media for match...

We chatted with Lisa Trifone, founder and CEO of Bright Iris Film Co., about the intricacies of film marketing and publicity for independent filmmakers.  We discuss the importance of early engagement, budgeting for marketing, and the resources available for filmmakers. Lisa shares insights on the Unmissable Film Release Initiative, the significance of specificity in audience targeting, and common...

Wait - there's a new way to apply to film festivals?? I needed to know more! After hearing filmmakers talk about a new, smarter way to apply to film festivals via Hiike Independendt, I DMed the founders on instagram and they kindly agreed to tell us everything.  Join us as I interview Brynne Norquist and Tyler Knohl, co-founders of Hiike Independent, a film festival research and submission pl...

In this episode, host Christie Marchese, founder and CEO of Kinema, sits down with documentary filmmaker and founder of Doc Film School T.C. Johnstone for an inspiring and in-depth conversation about the power of purpose-driven storytelling. T.C. shares insights from his filmmaking journey, including the creative and strategic decisions behind projects like Rising from Ashes. Together, they explor...

Host Christie Marchese, founder and CEO of Kinema, sits down with filmmaker and educator Keith Ochwat, founder of Show&Tell. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of independent filmmaking in 2026, discussing practical strategies for fundraising, marketing, and distribution. Keith shares his wealth of experience, including case studies from his successful projects like 'Age of Cha...

Let's dive deep into the world of crowd investing with Marc Iserlis, the head of Republic Film.  Hear how Republic.com enables film financing by allowing filmmakers to raise capital from everyday fans, transforming them into equity investors rather than donors. In this episode, we explore: 🎬 The difference between crowd investing and crowdfunding 🎬 The impact of the Jobs Act on investment o...

This episode of the Kinema podcast was recorded live at the Bridge Summit in Abu Dhabi! We were given a brief window to utilize their podcast studio, and nabbed three speakers close by to share the corner of the film and storytelling world.  We chat attention economy with Joe Marchese, founder and chairman of Human Ventures, creators moving from short form to long form with Liv Stone, a content cr...

We have a special treat for you! Kinema's Head of Marketing, Ami Vora, joins Christie in chatting with film legend and king of #Filmstack, Ted Hope! Ted is a renowned filmmaker and the former co-head of Amazon Studios, and in this episode, he generously shares with us his journey in the film industry, what Filmstack is on Substack, and his vision for empowering independent filmmakers. We cove...

In this episode of Have You Seen My Film , host Christie sits down with Ray Kuglar, a Houston-based unit stills photographer with over a decade of experience on set. Ray shares his insights on the vital role of a unit stills photographer in film production, explaining how high-quality stills are essential for marketing, advertising, and selling films. Join us as we discuss: What a unit stills phot...

I love when a guest gets spicy with their hot takes! We spoke with the legendary Jeffrey Winter, co-executive director of The Film Collaborative , to get the hard truths on getting into film festivals.  More on Kinema for Filmmakers here: https://bit.ly/kinemayoutube 🎙️ Hosted and co-produced by Christie Marchese 🎬 Produced and edited by Ron Passaro 💻 https://kinema.com/

I sat down with Gen Z filmmaker and office intern Emma Buzgo as she explained social media to this old Millennial. Emma shared insights into how Gen Z engages with film communities online, particularly on platforms like TikTok. More on Kinema for Filmmakers here: https://bit.ly/kinemayoutube 🎙️ Hosted and co-produced by Christie Marchese 🎬 Produced and edited by Ron Passaro 💻 https://kinema.com/

In episode 2 of this season we sat down with THE Richard Rushfield! Richard is the Editorial Director and a Columnist for The Ankler, and a leading voice in the entertainment industry. We explored the evolving landscape of independent film. From the vibrant scenes at the Toronto Film Festival to the challenges and opportunities facing filmmakers today, Richard shares his insights on marketing, aud...

Welcome back to the Kinema podcast!  We're kicking off season 3 with what filmmakers wanted to know most! We asked Kinema filmmakers what they wanted us to cover on the podcast. And we ended up getting loads of questions about how to best take advantage of the Kinema platform. So we brought in Kayla Kaipolani Carroll, Kinema's Head of Community. She is the first point of contact for scre...

Sonya Childress and Sahar Driver are the co-founders and co-directors of the nonprofit organization Color Congress. In this episode, they share with us a sneak peek at Elevate Docs, their recently launched series of marketing experiments aimed at strengthening film distribution infrastructures for diverse audiences. In this episode, we discuss: 🎬  The mission and vision of Color Congress as an ec...

Do you need a theatrical release for your film? Why is it important? Can you do it on my own or should you hire someone? Annalisa Shoemaker, the founder of Suncatcher Productions, answers these questions for us. With over a decade of experience leading theatrical distribution campaigns at Amazon Studios and Focus Features, Annalisa shares her expertise on how filmmakers can successfully navigate t...

How do you build your email list to over 160,000 people - before your film is even available? We talked to first time filmmakers Brandon and Whitney Cawood about the release of their incredibly impactful documentary 'To Dye For,' which explores the risks associated with synthetic food dyes and the personal stories of families affected by them. Brandon and Whitney share their unique appro...