Have You Seen My Film? A Kinema Podcast

Kinema, Christie Marchese, Ron Passaro
  • 5.0 (2)
  • TV & FILM

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. Navigating Indie Film with Anjay Nagpal (Indian Film Festival)

    MAR 27

    Navigating Indie Film with Anjay Nagpal (Indian Film Festival)

    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 🎬 Packaging strategies for independent films 🎬 Day-and-date release pros and cons 🎬 Festival curation and industry opportunities 🎬 The role of content marketing in film success Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Anjay Nagpal 02:23 Career Journey in Film Production 04:14 Evolution of Film Financing 06:10 Shifts in Documentary Filmmaking 07:59 Podcasting and IP Development 09:30 Focus World and Multi-Platform Distribution 12:34 Day-and-Date Release Strategies 17:58 Packaging Films for Success 21:21 The Role of the Indian Film Festival 26:38 Advice for Emerging Filmmakers Resources Indian Film Festival of Los AngelesFocus WorldSundance InstituteNeon Guest links LinkedInTwitterMore 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/

    26 min
  2. Distributing Your Film with Video Store.age (feat Ash Cook)

    MAR 23

    Distributing Your Film with Video Store.age (feat Ash Cook)

    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 about: 🎬 Unconventional film distribution model 🎬 Physical media and print rights focus 🎬 Community events and film curation 🎬 Security and encryption of digital films 🎬 Flexible rights management and partnerships 00:00 Introduction to Ash Cook and Video Storage 00:44 What Makes Video Storage Unconventional 01:49 How the USB Drive Model Works 02:40 Community Launch Events and Social Viewing 03:48 Sharing Drives and Supporting Filmmakers 05:04 Pre-sales and Rights Management at Festivals 07:09 Physical Media Rights and Film Ownership 08:45 Security and Encryption of Video Files 10:18 The Role of Video Storage in Film Curation 12:26 Curating Films for Different Audiences 14:22 Balancing Artistic Freedom and Distribution 16:41 Video Storage’s Place in Release Strategies 19:53 Quarterly Collections and Library Growth 21:12 Partnerships, Curated Collections, and Flexibility 23:18 Ownership, Streaming, and Digital Rights 26:45 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events Resources Video Storage Website -www.videostoreage.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/

    26 min
  3. Building a Film Community Online and Offline with Talia Light Rake (Heavy Shovel Productions)

    MAR 13

    Building a Film Community Online and Offline with Talia Light Rake (Heavy Shovel Productions)

    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 matching collaborators 🎬 Hosting in-person events to foster real relationships 🎬 Turning online interactions into face-to-face 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/

    25 min
  4. How to Build a PR Strategy with Lisa Trifone (Bright Iris Film Co.)

    MAR 3

    How to Build a PR Strategy with Lisa Trifone (Bright Iris Film Co.)

    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 myths surrounding publicity. The conversation emphasizes the need for filmmakers to set clear goals and understand the essential assets required for effective promotion. Takeaways: 🎬 Bright Iris Film Co. offers full-service publicity and strategy for independent films. 🎬 Filmmakers should engage with marketing agencies well in advance of their release. 🎬 A good rule of thumb is to budget 20% of the production budget for marketing. 🎬 The Unmissable Film Release Initiative is a 12-week cohort program for filmmakers. 🎬 Specificity in audience targeting is crucial for successful marketing. 🎬 Filmmakers often underestimate the time needed for effective publicity. 🎬 Common myths include the belief that publicity is unaffordable or only for big films. 🎬 Every film has unique needs and goals that should be addressed individually. 🎬 Essential assets for promotion include press kits and promotional materials. 🎬 Setting clear goals is vital for a successful film release. 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/

    1h 29m
  5. The Smart Way to Get Into Film Festivals with Brynne Norquist & Tyler Knohl (Hiike Independent)

    FEB 20

    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 Brynne Norquist and Tyler Knohl, co-founders of Hiike 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
See All (37)

Trailer

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
    37
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Have You Seen My Film? A Kinema Podcast
  • Show Website
    Have You Seen My Film? A Kinema Podcast

You Might Also Like