The Film Finance & Distribution Podcast Amber Williams

In this episode, we’re excited to welcome back Shaun Seneviratne, writer, director, and producer of the micro-budget feature film "Ben and Suzanne: A Reunion in 4 Parts," which premiered at SXSW 2024. Joining him is his key collaborator, the talented producer Doron Jè Paul Mitchell. Together, they'll discuss film distribution, the evolving definition of independent cinema, and share behind-the-scenes insights from their film, shot on location in Sri Lanka. Shaun and Doron will also explore their creative processes and what they have learned from their experiences on this project, alongside a glimpse into their exciting new ventures in film and theatre.

Writer/Director/Producer
Shaun Seneviratne's raw, highly relatable debut feature, "Ben and Suzanne, A Reunion in 4 Parts," held its world premiere in the Narrative Feature Competition at SXSW 2024. It was filmed on location in Sri Lanka on a micro-budget.
In this next episode, Shaun Seneviratne discusses filming on location, marketing a feature film, recommended budget allocations for marketing, choosing the right PR company, tips for minimizing a feature film production budget, and how to leverage an SXSW screening.
Shaun was a fantastic guest with a wealth of knowledge for filmmakers. Shaun’s passion for his work and the industry is inspiring, enjoy!
 
Shaun's links:
https://www.instagram.com/thebrownshaun/?hl=en
 
https://www.shaunseneviratne.com/
 
https://twitter.com/thebrownshaun?lang=en
 
https://vimeo.com/thebrownshaun
 
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9YY9tSYMmMlUJqX6cYzlAA
 
 

Whether you are an industry professional, a new or established filmmaker with compelling stories, cautionary tales, industry insights, or unique funding and distribution experiences, we invite you to email filmfinancepodcast@gmail.com to potentially feature on our show; please include screener links if available, and we'll respond to every submission.

Join Helen Curston for a riveting podcast episode featuring Gareth Ellis-Unwin, the acclaimed Academy and BAFTA Award-winning Producer and CEO of Bedlam Film Productions. This in-depth interview delves into Gareth's remarkable journey in the film industry, highlighting his significant achievements and ongoing contributions.
Gareth's career took off with the BAFTA-nominated British thriller Exam in 2009, leading to international acclaim with The King's Speech in 2010. This film, the highest-grossing British independent film ever, earned seven BAFTAs and four Academy Awards, including Best Film. In 2012, Gareth produced Zaytoun, the first film under the UK-Israeli co-production treaty, screened at major film festivals and winning accolades.
Gareth worked on Kajaki. The True Story, a BAFTA-nominated British war film, where he played a pivotal role in its UK distribution. He also produced Steel Country in 2016, a dark thriller starring Andrew Scott and Bronagh Waugh. Beyond production, Gareth actively supports the military charity Help for Heroes and mentors young film enthusiasts through the International charity Cinemagic.
As a respected figure in the film industry and a member of prestigious organizations like AMPAS, BAFTA, PGA, and PGGB, Gareth shares his insights on the evolving role of film producers in the age of streaming, the landscape of independent film production in the UK, and the impact of recent industry strikes. He also discusses best practices for film submissions and introduces his new project Anything to Anywhere.
Don't miss this enlightening conversation with Gareth Ellis-Unwin, a visionary in the world of film production, on the Film Finance and Distribution Podcast.
Bedlam Productions: https://bedlamfilmproductions.com/
YouTube:  @BedlamProductionsLtd  
X: @bedlamprod

David Keating stands out as a distinguished filmmaker, celebrated for his exceptional work in films such as 'The Last of the High Kings' and 'Wake Wood.' His contributions to cinema have not only garnered critical acclaim but also brought him awards. Beyond his achievements in filmmaking, David has also made a significant impact in education as a respected lecturer at the National Film School in Ireland. His expertise is further showcased through his role as a seasoned trainer, where he conducts workshops for prestigious organizations like BAFTA, BFI, Screen Ireland, and Directors UK. Demonstrating a keen adaptability to the evolving landscape of storytelling, David has recently explored the cutting-edge fields of virtual reality and extended reality. Currently, he imparts his wealth of knowledge by offering invaluable advice on pitching to aspiring filmmakers. Today David shares invaluable advice on pitching for filmmakers.  
David's website: https://www.dkeating.com/
David's X: https://twitter.com/keatingkeating?lang=en-GB

In this engaging episode, Clare Cahill dives into her latest research areas, exploring how to revolutionize virtual production to make it more affordable for indie filmmakers. She delves into film funding, examining the effectiveness of crowdfunding in building an audience base, and demystifies the true meaning of 'independent film,' while also differentiating between small and large film budgets.
Clare Cahill, the founder and director of Compos Mentis Productions, a company that lives by the ethos of "Cutting carbon, not creativity." Clare, an independent producer and educator, shares her journey from a Clerk of Courts, university tutor, and academic criminologist to entering the film industry.
At Compos Mentis Productions, Clare has been at the forefront of merging technology with creative expression, focusing on sustainable content production that doesn't compromise creative vision. The company stands as a beacon of innovation in film, immersive technology, and gaming, driven by the potential of creative computing.
Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable knowledge from a seasoned professional who is reshaping the industry. Tune in for an episode filled with inspiration, innovation, and impactful discussions.
Compos Mentis Productions: https://composmentis.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/composmentisproductions/