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 importance of understanding audience expectations and the impact of social media on film promotion. He also reflects on the lessons learned from viewer feedback and his plans for future projects.


Takeaways
Terry transitioned from engineering to filmmaking due to a passion for creative writing and video editing.
His feature film was funded by his engineering company, allowing him creative freedom.
Managing a film project is similar to running a business, which helped him navigate the filmmaking process.
The feature film was developed from three short films, creating a cohesive anthology.
Terry chose to bypass film festivals for his second and third films to expedite the release.
He opted for IndieRights as a distributor due to their favorable terms and support.
Quality control is crucial for film submission; proper file naming and formats are essential.
A strong marketing strategy, including a well-designed poster, can significantly impact viewer engagement.
Social media plays a vital role in promoting films; consistency in posting is key.
Viewer expectations can greatly influence reviews; positive feedback often comes from unexpected sources.

Watch Terry Winnan's Film: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt36914087/

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Filmmaking Journey
02:51 Transitioning from Engineering to Filmmaking
05:51 Funding and Producing the Feature Film
09:04 Creating a Film Anthology
12:02 Distribution Strategies and Film Festivals
15:13 Choosing the Right Distributor
18:01 Film Release Timeline and Quality Control
20:55 Marketing and Poster Design
23:56 Social Media Strategy and Engagement
27:05 Understanding Viewer Expectations and Reviews
29:58 Future Plans and Lessons Learned

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