Episode 72

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Published on:

4th May 2018

72 – Direct Distribution for Your Documentary with Christopher Rufo

The topic of film distribution is, perhaps, one of the most requested topics that we’ve ever had for the podcast. And it’s no wonder. While there may seem like more options than ever for the doc filmmaker, it’s hard to know which ones may be best suited for us. Or if, in fact, self-distribution may, in fact, be the better, smarter option for the independent documentary filmmaker.

 

Well, Christopher Rufo is a documentary filmmaker who has cracked the proverbial code on what he likes to call “direct distribution”. Chris – who is the founder of both Documentary Foundation and Filmmaker.MBA has some very tried and true methods for getting your documentary film out into the world, seen on big screens, and helping you make some good money back on your film.

 

Topics Discussed

  • definition of direct distribution and how it applies to you and your film distro plan
  • how incorporating as a non-profit can be very advantageous to you
  • how embracing an entrepreneurial spirit is key to sustaining one’s doc life
  • stop trying to get to a general audience, instead niche down to your true audience
  • re-defining the term theatrical release

 

Related Resources

 

Watch Christopher Rufo’s PBS documentary, Diamond in the Dunes for free by going here!

 

 

 

10% discount on FILMMAKER.MBA

Don’t forget to take advantage of the 10 percent discount by using the promo code MYDOCLIFE at checkout!

 

 

Sponsors & Thank You’s

° Episode #72 is brought to you with support from BlackBox Global, creators of one of the easiest way to turn your filmmaking skills into passive income!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=14&v=BAGp0j57LNE

Go to BlackBox, Create a Free Account, and start selling your footage today!

 

° Free Music ArchiveSpecial Thank You to recording artist, Dlay who supplied music for this week’s episode of TDL. You too can download his music or other artist’s music by going to Free Music Archive today!

 

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About the Podcast

The Documentary Life
Documentary filmmaker & host, Chris G. Parkhurst, inspires & informs you on how to best live and lead your own doc life.
Have a passion for making documentary films? Want to learn how to best lead a documentary life? Join award-winning commercial and documentary filmmaker, Chris G. Parkhurst, and special industry guests as they candidly share their filmmaking stories, insights, and experiences, for all to learn how to best lead and live their own documentary dream lives.

About your host

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Christopher Parkhurst