In the new landscape of indie filmmaking, savvy producers don’t bet on a big sale at a prestige festival and just hope for the best. They start thinking about distribution and marketing long before their film is complete, and consider multiple options to give their project the greatest chance of success upon release.

Film Independent is pleased to welcome distribution expert Jon Reiss (author, Think Outside The Box Office) who will explain the steps you must take when crafting a successful marketing and distribution plan for your indie film. Topics covered will include: setting goals early (is a theatrical release even realistic?); identifying your audiences and establishing ways of connecting with them; branding your film and yourself; and choosing the best paths for your release, such as event/theatrical, VOD and educational.
 
About the instructor

Jon Reiss is a filmmaker, author and media strategist who wrote the book Think Outside the Box Office. His company, 8 Above, creates custom audience-building strategies, theatrical experiences and digital release campaigns for independent feature and documentary films. Reiss has consulted with hundreds of filmmakers and film organizations throughout the world including The Gotham, IDA, Screen Australia, Film Independent and Creative Scotland. Current clients include 1800 On Her Own, Sabbath Queen, Food & Country, The Ride Ahead and The Body Politic.

He has conducted workshops on six continents and helped create and run the IFP/Gotham Filmmaker Lab for ten years. In 2023 he created the 8 Above Distribution Lab to teach filmmakers how to distribute and market their films.

Jon got his start in filmmaking and distribution at the infamous San Francisco documentary collective Target Video. He not only shot seminal bands such as Black Flag, Iggy Pop, Throbbing Gristle, and The Cramps but was one of the first – if not the first person – to conceptualize and execute video tours throughout Europe, carting 500 lbs. of video deck and projector in a VW Bus across 15,000 miles.
 
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Accessibility

Film Independent is committed to hosting events that are accessible. For inquiries regarding accessibility, or to request an accommodation, please contact us at accessibility@filmindependent.org or 323 556 9305.