I reached out to Jeff so he could share his story with the tribe. Warts and all, you’re going to have a front-row seat on what it looks like to self-distribute, market, and sell a doc in this new era of indie film.įamous Amos even made it on Shark Tank to pitch his new cookie concept. Rarely, do creatives share exact numbers? From the film’s production budget to ad spend to profits, I peel the curtain back. Fresh off the trail, I thought it might be helpful to document the entire experience for other indie filmmakers. There are so many moving parts to pull off a successful film launch. So, I decided to blaze the self-distribution trail alone. Getting drained dry by a used Porta Potty salesman wasn’t a priority. 96% of distributors see you like a juicy fly which they hope to woo to their web. But the alternative of “traditional” film distribution was as appealing as getting a colonoscopy from a dentist. However, brand new was the selling/self-distribution responsibilities with this documentary.Ĭhoosing to self-distribute wasn’t an easy choice. I’m pretty comfortable with “the making” of content. I’ve been cranking out docs for a major network for decades…picked up 17 Emmy Awards along the way. I just launched a feature-length doc about Wally Amos…THE Amos behind Famous Amos Cookies. As indie filmmakers, we must wear all these hats for a fighting chance to successfully self-distribute a film/doc. Honestly, there’s too much focus on film-making and not enough on film marketing, film-promoting and film-selling. Real numbers will be shared! It ain’t pretty, but I hope it helps you. The real challenge is selling/distributing your film! In this brutally honest case study, I reveal my steps and strategies for launching a feature doc. Today, anyone can make an indie film or documentary. He decides to create a 45 min+ mini-doc explain the good, the bad, and the ugly. Jeff wanted to be completely transparent on what he did right and wrong on his self- distribution adventures. At 82, facing huge personal and financial challenges, can he make his new cookie as famous as his first? Nobody deserves a Great Cookie Comeback like Wally Amos! For 30 years, Wally’s been hustling to get it back.
It was love at first bite! ? Then…he lost it all to a big corporation. Jeff is the director of the new film The Great Cookie Comeback. Famous Wally Amos introduced us to his famous cookie in 1975. Today on the show we have 18 time Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Jeff MacIntyre.