Cut To The Deal: The Business of Film
Cine Circle 22 episodes Jul 20, 2026
This podcast is aimed at indie filmmakers who want to understand the business side of the film industry. Each episode offers actionable advice on film funding, distribution strategies, and career development. It is designed for both beginners and those looking to turn a hobby into a sustainable career. The show focuses on proven techniques and real-world guidance rather than marketing hype.
Episodes
The First Domino: How Films Actually Get Financed
What does it really take to finance, package and distribute a profitable independent film?In this episode of Cut to the Deal, ZB Siwek speaks with producer, director and private-equity professional Garrett Patten about the realities of building film projects from the ground up. Garrett shares lessons from working across roughly 15 films, producing alongside names including Matt Damon, working with
Independent Film Distribution and Marketing with Jonathan Sadler and Matthew Hope
In this episode filmmaker Matthew Hope and distribution expert Jonathan share their journey of creating and distributing their latest film Empire of Lies. They discuss strategies for indie filmmakers to produce, market, and distribute profitable films on a limited budget, emphasising social media, theatrical release tactics, and the importance of compelling posters and titles. This is a must liste
International Indie Film Distribution with Derry Shillitto
Derry Shillitto shares his journey of funding, producing, and distributing his indie film 'The Correction Unit'. He discusses funding sources, distribution strategies, marketing efforts, and lessons learned to help independent filmmakers succeed.Watch The Correction Unit:https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B0DV46653V/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_rConnect with Derry Shillitto:https://www.instagram.com/
Theatrical Distribution For Indie Filmmakers with Shelly Kratzer
In this conversation, ZB Siwek and Shelly Kratzer discuss the intricacies of theatrical distribution for independent filmmakers. They explore the motivations behind seeking theatrical releases, the types of films that benefit from this approach, and the strategies filmmakers can employ to successfully navigate the distribution landscape. Shelly shares insights on budgeting, marketing, and the impo
Distributing and Monetising Your First Feature Film with Terry Winnan
In this conversation, Terry Winnan shares his unique journey from engineering to filmmaking, detailing how he transitioned into the film industry while still managing his engineering business. He discusses the challenges of funding and producing his feature film, which was developed from three short films, and the strategies he employed for distribution and marketing. Terry emphasizes the importan
Effective PR Strategies For Filmmaker with Heather Atherton
PR is one of the biggest levers indie filmmakers have to actually make money from their films – but most treat it as an afterthought. In this episode of Cut to the Deal, I sit down with veteran publicist Heather Atherton to break down exactly how to use PR, festivals, and creative stunts to get real exposure for your film (without a studio-sized budget).We talk about when it does make sense to hir
Will AI Replace Filmmakers? An Honest Conversation with Simon David Miller
In this episode ZB Siwek sits down with Film Creator, VC Partner, and New Forest founder Simon David Miller to explore one of the most important questions facing filmmakers today:How will AI reshape the film industry and what does that mean for creators, jobs, ethics, and storytelling?Simon shares his unique perspective from a career spanning investment banking, music, startups, and film, includin
Unlocking Film Marketing Success with Rosa Camero
In this conversation, Rosa Camero shares her extensive experience in film marketing, discussing the importance of effective marketing strategies for independent filmmakers. She emphasizes the need for filmmakers to start thinking about their audience early in the film development process and to create a solid marketing plan with clear goals. Rosa also highlights the significance of building an aud
New Distribution Strategy with Christie Marchese
🎬 How Indie Filmmakers Can Profit Through ScreeningsWhat if you could make real money from your film without relying on streamers that pay pennies per view?In this episode, ZB Siwek (Cine Circle) sits down with Christie Marchese, founder & CEO of Kinema, to explore a revolutionary new way for filmmakers to distribute and monetize their work through hosted screenings, virtual events, and direct
How to Use Equity Crowdfunding to Fund Profitable Indie Films with Greg Bekkers
In this episode, ZB Siwek sits down with producer and sales agent Greg Bekkers to dive deep into the world of equity crowdfunding for films. Greg shares his hands-on experience running multiple successful campaigns—raising over $200K on platforms like Wefunder and breaks down exactly what it takes for independent filmmakers to stand out, attract investors, and actually close deals.We cover:Greg’s
Produce a Profitable Film with Daren Smith
In this episode of Cut to the Deal, ZB Siwek speaks with Daren Smith (indie film producer and founder of Craftsman Films) about how filmmakers can create profitable, sustainable careers in today’s industry.Daren shares insights from his book Blockbuster and his experience producing indie films, running a production company, and now building a $10M film fund. The conversation dives into the mindset
How Filmmakers Can Build a Sustainable Career with Emily Best (Seed&Spark)
In this episode, I sit down with Emily Best, founder & CEO of Seed&Spark, filmmaker, and fierce advocate for creator sustainability, to ask the BIG question:👉 Why can't most filmmakers consistently fund, distribute, and profit from their films?We dive deep into:The harsh realities of building a sustainable filmmaking careerWhy most indie films aren’t actually commercial (and why that’s oka
Self-Distributing A Micro Budget Film with Alex Srednoselac
In this episode, ZB Siwek sits down with indie filmmaker Alex Srednoselac, the creator of Cashing Out, to unpack the real-world process of self-distributing a low-budget feature film in today’s shifting landscape.From Amazon Prime to Tubi, from theatrical runs to Blu-ray sales, Alex shares exactly how he got his film in front of audiences and how he nearly recouped his full $16,000 budget. He open
Creating a Fundable Film Package with Eric Parkinson
Eric Parkinson is a seasoned film executive, producer, and distribution expert with over 30 years in the industry. He has worked on the successful release of 1500 films including major titles such as Terminator, Platoon and Highlander. Eric’s expertise spans film production, financing, sales, and distribution, making him a key resource for independent filmmakers. In this episode, Eric shares essen
Finding Film Private Investors with Jeff Deverett
In this episode Jeff Deverett will discuss exactly who film private investors are, how to find them, approach them and pitch them. After working in film distribution for many years Jeff moved to producing where he has successfully secured funding for 9 feature films and has guided numerous filmmakers through the complexities of financing and distribution. This episode tackles a very challenging pa
Film Distribution with Indie Rights
In this episode, Michael Madison and Linda Nelson, founders of the distribution company Indie Rights, will demystify the process of securing a great distribution deal. They’ll cover how to find the right distributor, key red flags to watch for when signing a deal, and what to expect from a distributor relationship in 2025. Whether you're distributing your first feature or have been burned by bad d
Film Exhibition with Jonny Tull
In this episode, Jonny Tull, founder of Tull Stories, shares his wealth of experience in film distribution and exhibition, offering invaluable insights for indie filmmakers. We dive into the critical question of whether to release a film online or pursue a limited cinema release, with Jonny explaining the benefits of taking the film to audiences in cinemas.Jonny discusses the importance of identif
Breaking Down Film Distribution with Joe Dain
In this episode, we dive into the world of film distribution with Joe Dain, CEO of Terror Films. Joe shares invaluable insights into self-distribution strategies, industry trends, and the challenges indie filmmakers face in getting their films seen by audiences. Learn how to navigate distribution pitfalls, maximize your film's profitability, and leverage platforms like AVOD to ensure long-term suc
Film Sales with Marc Clebanoff
In this episode, we sit down with Marc Clebanoff, an award-winning filmmaker, producer, and sales agent, to explore the intricate world of film distribution. Marc shares insights on what makes a film financially viable in today's market, the importance of strategic budgeting, and how filmmakers can navigate challenges such as attaching talent, negotiating distribution deals, and adapting to the ev
Behind the Scenes of Film Distribution with Ted Chalmers
In this episode, we sit down with Ted Chalmers, founder of Summer Hill Entertainment, to dive into the world of film distribution. Ted shares invaluable insights into why filmmakers should work with distributors, how to choose the right one, and what to expect from the partnership.We cover:The role of a distributor in helping filmmakers reach audiences worldwide.Key factors to consider when select
Film Self-Distribution with Alrik Bursell
In this episode, we dive deep into the world of indie filmmaking and self-distribution with Alrik Bursell, filmmaker and co-host of the Making Movies is Hard podcast. Alrik shares his journey, from creating his first short film Strange Thing to releasing his feature film The Alternate and building an engaged audience along the way.We cover everything you need to know about self-distribution, inclu
Demystifying Film Distribution with Jerome Courshon
In this episode, Jerome Courshon, a renowned indie film distribution expert and founder of Lionheart Distribution, pulls back the curtain on what it truly takes to succeed in today’s film distribution landscape. Jerome shares his journey from struggling to secure a deal for his first feature film to becoming a trusted educator and ethical distributor.Discover what distributors are looking for in 2
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