Have You Seen My Film? A Kinema Podcast

Kinema, Christie Marchese, Ron Passaro

Hi there, and welcome to Have You Seen My Film?: A Kinema Podcast on Independent Distribution. I’m Christie Marchese, the founder and CEO of Kinema and your host for this series. In each episode,  we interview an industry expert or filmmaker (or both), and we focus on one specific aspect of a good film distribution strategy. And with a good strategy, your film can find its audience.  If you’re a filmmaker or work with filmmakers, this is for you! Hosted and Co-Produced by Christie Marchese | kinema.com Edited and Produced by Ron Passaro | ronpassaro.com

  1. The Smart Way to Get Into Film Festivals with Brynne Norquist & Tyler Knohl (Hiike Independent)

    2D AGO

    The Smart Way to Get Into Film Festivals with Brynne Norquist & Tyler Knohl (Hiike Independent)

    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 Bryn Norquist and Tyler Knohl, co-founders of Hike Independent, a film festival research and submission platform. They discuss the platform's unique features, including a quiz that matches filmmakers with suitable festivals, the revenue structure, and the importance of data collection for festival matching.  The founders share their journey, the challenges they faced, and their vision for the future of independent film distribution. They also address the issue of scam festivals and the importance of connecting filmmakers with genuine opportunities. 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/

    31 min
  2. A Business Plan For Documentary Filmmakers with T.C. Johnstone (Doc Film School)

    FEB 13

    A Business Plan For Documentary Filmmakers with T.C. Johnstone (Doc Film School)

    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 explore how filmmakers can build authentic impact campaigns, cultivate meaningful partnerships, and create work that resonates far beyond the screen. Listeners will gain valuable insights into: 🎬 Building films around mission and measurable impact 🎬 Leveraging partnerships to extend reach and sustainability 🎬 Navigating the challenges of independent documentary filmmaking 🎬 Turning personal passion into scalable storytelling Learn more about Doc Film School here: https://docfilmschool.com/ 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/

    32 min
  3. Launching and Distributing Your Film in 2026 with Keith Ochwat (Show&Tell)

    JAN 27

    Launching and Distributing Your Film in 2026 with Keith Ochwat (Show&Tell)

    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 Champions,' which raised over $1.5 million through innovative partnerships. He also dives into the various programs offered by Show&Tell, including free resources, paid subscriptions, and hands-on coaching through The Circle. Listeners will gain valuable insights into: 🎬 The importance of understanding your audience 🎬 Multi-channel marketing strategies 🎬 Real-world examples of successful fundraising and distribution 🎬 Tips for navigating the current film industry landscape Whether you're a filmmaker, creator, or industry professional, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you connect your films with the right audiences. Don't forget to check out the free resources available at showandtell.film and join the Kinema community for more insights and support! 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/

    37 min
  4. Crowd Equity Investing in Your Film w/ Marc Iserlis (Republic.co)

    12/19/2025

    Crowd Equity Investing in Your Film w/ Marc Iserlis (Republic.co)

    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 opportunities for unaccredited investors 🎬 Successful case studies, including Robert Rodriguez and Pressman Film 🎬 How filmmakers can effectively engage their audiences and tap into existing fan bases 🎬 The potential risks and rewards of crowd investing for filmmakers and investors alike 🔗 Links: Check out Republic Film: republic.com/film Learn more about Marc Iserlis and his work in the film industry. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more episodes that connect you with the latest trends in film and filmmaking! 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/

    21 min
  5. Podcast Pop Up at Bridge Summit Abu Dhabi

    12/15/2025

    Podcast Pop Up at Bridge Summit Abu Dhabi

    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 creator and disability advocate, and founder James Del, who introduces the Independent Media Collective, a new initiative aimed at supporting independent creators in navigating the challenges of the modern media landscape.  Learn about the collaborative spirit that drives creativity and how the collective aims to empower artists in a rapidly changing industry. Tune in for insights, inspiration, and a look at the future of storytelling in film and media! Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction00:12 - Joe Marchese on the attention economy00:46 - Liv Stone on disability advocacy and content creation00:54 - James Del on the Independent Media CollectiveFollow us: Joe Marchese: @instajoemarcheseLiv Stone: @livstoneJames Del: independentmediacollective.org 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/

    27 min
  6. NonDē: A History Lesson with Ted Hope (Hope for Film)

    12/06/2025

    NonDē: A History Lesson with Ted Hope (Hope for Film)

    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 covered:  The evolution of independent filmmakingThe role of community in the film industryStrategies for audience building and engagementInsights into the future of film distributionSubscribe to our channel for more episodes and insights from industry leaders! 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/

    52 min
  7. How to Get Marketing Materials During Film Production with Ray Kuglar (Blueprint Film Co.)

    11/11/2025

    How to Get Marketing Materials During Film Production with Ray Kuglar (Blueprint Film Co.)

    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 photographer does and why they are crucial on setThe types of content captured, including publicity stills and behind-the-scenes imagesThe importance of using high-quality stills over motion camera pullsBudget considerations for hiring a unit stills photographerThe evolving landscape of film marketing in the age of streaming platforms 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/

    23 min
  8. Everything You Need to Know About Film Festivals with Jeffrey Winter (The Film Collaborative)

    11/03/2025

    Everything You Need to Know About Film Festivals with Jeffrey Winter (The Film Collaborative)

    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/

    43 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Hi there, and welcome to Have You Seen My Film?: A Kinema Podcast on Independent Distribution. I’m Christie Marchese, the founder and CEO of Kinema and your host for this series. In each episode,  we interview an industry expert or filmmaker (or both), and we focus on one specific aspect of a good film distribution strategy. And with a good strategy, your film can find its audience.  If you’re a filmmaker or work with filmmakers, this is for you! Hosted and Co-Produced by Christie Marchese | kinema.com Edited and Produced by Ron Passaro | ronpassaro.com

Information

  • Creator
    Kinema, Christie Marchese, Ron Passaro
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Have You Seen My Film? A Kinema Podcast
  • Show Website
    Have You Seen My Film? A Kinema Podcast

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