Learn from Sean Flanagan, a distribution executive with over 2,000 titles released and over 1,000 titles acquired!

You will receive a theatrical self distribution cheat sheet to take home!

The dream of seeing your film in theaters is alive and well—if you know how to make it happen! While traditional theatrical distribution has evolved, there are still countless opportunities for filmmakers to self-distribute and bring their stories to the big screen. With the right strategies, you can take control of your release, build a dedicated audience, and ensure your film gets the attention it deserves. This exclusive Stage 32 webinar will give you the tools and knowledge to make that dream a reality and create your successful theatrical release!

Too many filmmakers walk into a distribution meeting with unrealistic expectations about theatrical release, believing that a large minimum guarantee and wide theatrical release are the only options. The reality is far more nuanced, and understanding how to self-distribute, using grassroots tactics and creating a compelling campaign in an oversaturated market, is essential. Learn what others often miss and how to avoid these common pitfalls.

Your host Sean Flanagan is an expert in distribution with Synergetic Films and Dark Room. Having worked on over 2,000 titles and acquired or licensed more than 1,000 films, Sean has extensive experience in both distribution and production. With a background in development and distribution, he brings a unique perspective to the filmmaking world. Sean’s mentorship at USC, New Orleans Film Festival, Big Apple Film Festival, and more proves that he’s the right person to guide you through the ins and outs of self-distribution!

You’ll gain insights on identifying your distribution goals, understanding the economics of theatrical releases, and the essential steps to accessing theatrical screenings! Whether you’re navigating DIY theatrical release options or building an audience through grassroots marketing, this webinar provides you with the actionable strategies you need to succeed.

PLUS! You will receive the following handout to help you:

• Theatrical Self Distribution Cheat Sheet

• Know Yourself – What Is Your Goal?

• • Are you doing this for yourself or for your film?

  • The value of career progression

  • The realities of theatrical financials

  • The Pros and Cons of DIY Theatrical

• The Different Kinds Of Theatrical Releases And How To Access Them

• Public Performance

• Educational Screening

• Four Walling

• Traditional booking

• Split screens

• Everyone’s dream – Holdovers

• The Economics Of Screenings

• Creating theatrical materials

• Personal expenses

• Marketing and promotion

• Scheduling Considerations

• Identifying the correct partners

• Learning the best times to program your title

• Approaching a theatrical partner

• What Materials Will You Need?

• Feature film files – DCPs and beyond

• Artwork and lobby materials

• Marketing and other expenses

• Metadata! Metadata! Metadata!

• You’re Booked – Now, How To Build An Audience

• How to (cheaply) promote your screening

• The power of giveaways

• Attracting promotional partners

• Grassroots publicity for free

• Eventize your screening

• What Happens Next?

• How Theatrical impacts distribution

• Do you need a distributor before or after?

• How success helps digital distribution

Q&A With Sean

• Independent Filmmakers looking to self-distribute their films and navigate the modern theatrical landscape.

• Aspiring Distribution Professionals eager to learn from an industry expert.

• Producers and Screenwriters wanting to understand how distribution impacts their projects.

• Anyone Interested in Alternative Distribution Strategies to get their film seen on the big screen.