The Movie Marketing & Distribution Podcast

• Community is the Audience: A New Approach to Independent Film Success featuring Shawn Dawes

  "Community isn’t just the audience—it is the audience. And that shift in thinking is where real change begins." – Shawn Dawes In this episode of the Marketing and Distribution Podcast, Alex Stolz is joined by filmmaker, producer, and platform founder Shawn Dawes, the visionary behind IndieScene—a new SaaS-based platform aiming to transform the independent film ecosystem through transparency, data, and community collaboration. With over 20 years in the creative industries—ranging from directing and development to producing and distribution—Shawn has firsthand experience of the challenges independent filmmakers face. From promising projects that collapsed at the final hurdle, to festival runs that didn’t yield industry support, his journey is one many filmmakers will recognize. Now, through IndieScene, Shawn is channeling those experiences into building infrastructure that truly supports independent film. The platform provides global databases of distributors, film festivals, cinemas, and venues—alongside real-world analytics on box office performance. The goal? To give filmmakers and small distributors the insights and access they need to make informed decisions and build sustainable careers. In this episode, Alex and Shawn explore: Why most indie films fail to break through—and the structural barriers that keep it that way How gatekeeping, outdated distribution models, and a lack of localized data stifle great projects Why community-based engagement isn’t just a marketing strategy, but a survival strategy The economics of theatrical self-distribution, and how event-based screenings can benefit both cinemas and filmmakers How IndieScene is gathering and aggregating real-time data to build a more accurate picture of the indie landscape Why the future of distribution may lie beyond traditional cinemas—into venues, cafes, community halls, and immersive experiences How predictive AI and blockchain might reshape how we assess market value and report box office returns Shawn also discusses the role of film festivals—both their shortcomings and their potential to become more globally connected, collaborative, and financially sustainable year-round. "We have to move from a transactional industry to an interactual one." — As Shawn puts it, that means not just distributing films, but building relationships, activating communities, and redefining how success is measured.

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• Navigating the Future of Screen Entertainment featuring Guy Bisson

  In this episode, Alex Stolz is joined by Guy Bisson, Executive Director at Ampere Analysis, a leading firm in media and entertainment analytics. Guy brings over two decades of expertise in the global TV, film, and entertainment industries, offering unparalleled insights into the transformations reshaping content creation, distribution, and consumption. Together, they dive deep into the challenges and opportunities facing today’s entertainment landscape. Guy explores the ongoing impact of streaming, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic boom and the Hollywood strikes. Guy highlights how content investment has leveled off at 75% of its peak, marking a significant shift that Guy argues can be viewed as positive and sustainable. They discuss how traditional media groups are navigating the era of consolidation and what it means for the future of entertainment. Guy also sheds light on the emerging role of social media platforms in content distribution and advertising, noting how platforms like YouTube have become critical players in the global entertainment ecosystem. The conversation moves into the world of film, with Guy offering insights into how the movie business is adjusting to the challenges of streaming, changing audience behavior, and the pullback in content production. As the industry faces the convergence of media and tech, Guy explores the concept of "diagonal integration," an emerging form of collaboration and M&A strategy that breaks traditional geographic and platform-based boundaries. Finally, they discuss the future of AI in entertainment—its rapid development, transformative potential, and the re-skilling required to adapt to this new wave of technological change. About Guy Bisson, Executive Director co-founder, Ampere Analysis Guy Bisson has been a leading entertainment market analyst with a specialisation in the global television business for the past 30 years. He is a regular speaker and moderator at many of the world’s leading entertainment business conferences, a frequent media commentator in print and broadcast and author of numerous reports and research articles on the business and strategy of the global television industry. Guy is co-founder of Ampere Analysis, a London-based analyst house focused on the entertainment and content business, which draws on title-level movie and TV analysis, consumer research and market forecasting to create a holistic outlook for the future of the industry. Guy previously led the television research practice at both Screen Digest and IHS.

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  43:59
• Creating Big Screen Experiences for Passionate Fanbases featuring Shannah Miller and Lynne Schmidt

  "Our goal is to make every theatrical release feel like an event." Lynne Schmidt, SVP Operations and Strategic Partnerships Fathom Entertainment  In this episode of the Marketing and Distribution Podcast, host Alex Stolz sits down with Shannah Miller, Vice President of Marketing, and Lynne Schmidt, Senior Vice President of Operations and Strategic Partnerships at Fathom Entertainment. Fathom has long been known as a leader in event cinema, bringing live performances, special screenings, and classic films to theaters worldwide. But as the theatrical landscape evolves, so has Fathom. In this conversation, Shannah and Lynne share how the company has expanded beyond event cinema into specialty distribution, creating custom theatrical release strategies tailored to different types of content and audience demand. They discuss the company’s rebranding from Fathom Events to Fathom Entertainment and how this shift reflects their broader vision of theatrical engagement. With a diverse slate that includes The Chosen, classic film re-releases, anime, live concerts, and even influencer-driven horror films, Fathom has carved out a unique niche in the industry. Key topics covered in this episode include: Why Fathom transitioned from an event-based distribution model to a more flexible, entertainment-focused strategy The remarkable success of The Chosen in theaters and what it means for the future of serialized content on the big screen How classic re-releases, such as Coraline and The Lord of the Rings, continue to draw audiences and drive strong box office results The growing role of faith-based and inspirational content in theatrical distribution How partnerships with major studios, filmmakers, and exhibitors allow Fathom to bring a wide range of content to theaters The importance of community-driven marketing, influencer partnerships, and data-driven audience engagement The evolving role of theatrical distribution in a crowded entertainment landscape, and how Fathom is positioning itself for the future Shannah and Lynne also share insights into how audience behaviors are shifting, why theatrical experiences remain vital despite the rise of streaming, and how exhibitors can benefit from diversifying their programming. They highlight the importance of offering audiences something they can’t get at home, from exclusive content to immersive experiences like large-format screenings and collectible merchandise. With a packed slate of upcoming releases and new strategies to engage audiences, Fathom Entertainment is proving that theatrical distribution is not only viable but thriving. Whether you are a filmmaker, distributor, or industry professional, this episode provides valuable insights into the future of theatrical marketing and the power of fan-driven content. Listen now to discover how Fathom Entertainment is shaping the future of cinema and redefining what it means to bring content to the big screen. Lynne Schmidt, SVP, Operations & Strategic Partnerships Fathom Entertainment Lynne has 18 years of experience in the event cinema industry holding various roles within Fathom Entertainment since 2006. As Senior Vice President of Operations & Strategic Partnerships she is responsible for the management of Fathom’s proprietary satellite network which is installed in over 1,100 theatres in the U.S. and heads distribution efforts with all Fathom’s theatre partners both domestically and internationally. Lynne also leads programming efforts with Fathom’s premiere content partner, The Metropolitan Opera. Shannah Miller, VP of Marketing Fathom Entertainment Shannah is a marketing leader with 15+ years of experience in the entertainment industry. Before joining Fathom Entertainment, she held various positions at Atom Tickets, including Head of Partnerships and Business Development and Head of Marketing and Communications. She began her career in the music business and served as a senior executive at various labels within Sony Music, including RCA, Jive, Arista, and Columbia Records. As the VP of Marketing at Fathom Entertainment, she oversees all marketing and communication efforts with its customers, studios, content partners, exhibitors, and press.

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  42:55
• The Future of VOD for Independents featuring Pierre-Alexandre Labelle

  In this episode Alex Stolz sits down with Pierre-Alexandre (Alex) Labelle, co-founder of Under the Milky Way, the global digital distribution company helping studios, filmmakers and rights holders bring their films to VOD platforms worldwide. Alex shares his journey in the film industry, from the early days of digital distribution to working with major platforms like Apple, Google, and Amazon. He dives into the industry's evolving landscape, discussing the rise of SVOD, the ongoing relevance of transactional VOD, and the growing impact of AVOD and FAST channels (although cautioning that this may be less than has been claimed!). The conversation also explores Claudia, Under the Milky Way’s latest initiative, designed to streamline the distribution process for independent filmmakers through automation and strategic insights. Alex emphasizes the importance of data in shaping film distribution strategies and how AI could revolutionize industry decision-making. Closing with a fascinating analogy comparing the predicting the future to a game of Tetris, Alex leaves listeners with thought-provoking insights on how filmmakers and distributors can adapt to a constantly shifting digital environment.   🎬 Key Takeaways: The transition to digital distribution was inevitable, but industry shifts—like the dominance of SVOD—came as a surprise. Transactional VOD remains relevant, particularly for back-catalog titles and films not available on major streaming services. FAST channels and AVOD present opportunities but are not the game-changers many expected. Claudia is Under the Milky Way’s answer to empowering independent filmmakers, automating where it helps while keeping human insight where it matters. AI and data-driven insights will shape the next wave of film distribution innovation. About Pierre-Alexandre Labelle Pierre-Alexandre Labelle graduated from McGill University in 2000 and moved to France to work as a derivatives trader for Cargill (2001-2004). He then became an entrepreneur in the film industry through the creation and development of UniversCiné (2005-2008). In parallel, in 2007, he launched the Glitner Project (collaborative platform for European VoD rights-holders). After a tenure as Deputy Manager of the European Producers Club in 2009, he co-founded Under The Milky Way in 2010.   About Under the Milk Way Under The Milky Way is an international digital film distributor. The company distributes feature films on VoD Platforms on behalf of studios such as StudioCanal, Mattel, Pathé and Gaumont as well as many independent distributors across the world. Under The Milky Way works with many VoD Platforms such as Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Rakuten, Netflix, Tubi, Pluto TV and was also awarded the global Apple “preferred aggregator” status in 2011. The company is fully operational on more than 100 territories out of 13 regional offices in Europe, Asia, North and Latin America. Since 2011, Under The Milky Way develops and operates software solutions known as “The Library Intelligence”.  It includes a complete suite of applications customised to its activities. In 2024, Under The Milky Way launched Claudia; a solution for independent producers to distribute their films on major VoD platforms around the world. https://claudia.underthemilkyway.com/.

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  53:21
• Conic: the story of a new distribution company featuring Jen Davies and Graham Fulton

  "We want to be a positive force in the ecosystem." Jen Davies In this episode, Alex Stolz speaks with Jen Davies and Graham Fulton, co-founders of Conic, the Glasgow-based film distribution company formed in 2022. They discuss the origins of Conic, their mission to support independent cinema, and the evolving landscape of film distribution. The conversation covers their values, team dynamics, acquisition processes, and the challenges of theatrical releases, all while emphasizing the importance of community and collaboration in the film industry. Jen and Graham discuss the journey of a young film distribution company, highlighting their bidding process for films, the importance of community engagement, and the surprising success of securing broadcast deals. They delve into effective marketing strategies to cut through the noise in the industry, share lessons learned from their experiences, and express excitement for their upcoming slate of films, emphasizing the positive outlook for the cinema industry recovery. About Conic Conic is a UK / Ireland distributor releasing bold and ambitious films. Since launching in October 2022, Conic has released several award-winning and BAFTA nominated films, including Smoke Sauna Sisterhood, In Camera, Disco Boy, That They May Face the Rising Sun and many more. In the first half of 2025 Conic will release Palestinian thriller, To a Land Unknown; San Sebastian Best Director-winning On Falling; Cannes Youth Award winner Holy Cow and American indie Good One. Find out more at www.conic.film / @conicfilm  About Jen Davies Jen is co-founder of Conic, and heads up creative and marketing. Prior to starting Conic with business partner Graham Fulton, Jen spent a decade as Creative Director at Park Circus, which represents most of the Hollywood studios and British film libraries, overseeing marketing and international campaigns for many reissues of classic titles and new releases. Before that Jen worked for Glasgow Film as Head of Communications and Marketing and was also part of the team which set up SQIFF, the Scottish Queer International Film Festival. About Graham Fulton Graham is co-founder of Conic, and heads up distribution, sales, and acquisition. Before starting Conic with business partner Jen Davies, Graham was Director of International Sales and Distribution at Park Circus, distributing and selling films directly to cinemas, film festivals and distributors around the world. Representing most of the Hollywood studios, some of the films he helped release internationally include Free Solo, Three Identical Strangers, A Certain Woman, Mandy and American Utopia.

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