Learn from expert Mark Padilla, who has overseen the release of more than 100 films in international markets!

Walk away with real-world case studies, a practical strategy roadmap, and insider tips to position your film for theatrical success!

PLEASE NOTE: This exclusive Stage 32 webinar is now available to watch on-demand and no longer live.

You’ve poured your heart into your independent film—now you want to see it on the big screen. And guess what? You still can! The theatrical landscape is evolving, and there are smart, effective ways for indie filmmakers like you to reach audiences in theaters. This exclusive Stage 32 webinar will give you the tools to understand how limited theatrical releases work in today’s market, and how you can use that knowledge to create meaningful momentum for your film!

You’re not alone if you’ve found the idea of theatrical distribution overwhelming. Between high costs, limited access to theaters, and unclear marketing strategies, many filmmakers struggle to get their films seen. Some go it alone without understanding the risks, others hand their projects over to distributors without asking the right questions. In this webinar, you’ll break down the distribution process step-by-step so you can avoid common pitfalls and make choices that move your career forward.

Your Stage 32 educator and host, Mark Padilla, is here to share what really works. With over 20 years in global distribution and experience releasing more than 100 films, Mark is the President of Worldwide Sales and Acquisitions at Jackrabbit Media. He’s guided countless indie filmmakers through the complex world of theatrical releases—and now, he’s ready to help you do the same! 

You’ll walk away with a clear understanding of the financial and logistical realities of theatrical distribution, plus the pros and cons of self-releasing versus working with a distributor. You’ll learn how other independent filmmakers are getting creative to connect with audiences despite limited space in theaters. Through real-world examples and honest case studies, you’ll see what’s working, what isn’t, and how to apply those lessons to your own release strategy. If you’re looking for a no-nonsense breakdown of how theatrical distribution really works today—and how to navigate it confidently—this exclusive Stage 32 webinar will give you the tools to make smart, informed decisions for your film!

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

• Key Questions to Ask a Distributor Before Signing

• Limited Release Case Study Worksheet

The Current Landscape Of Independent Film Distribution

1. A Market Overview

2. Audience Preferences and Trends

3. The Influence of Awards and Critical Acclaim 

Challenges And Opportunities In Limited Theatrical Releases

1. The Financial Considerations

2. The Marketing and Visibility Components to consider

3. Regional vs. National Release Strategies

4. The Role of Genre in a film’s Theatrical performance

5. DIY- The pros and cons of doing it yourself vs traditional distribution

Case Studies Of Recent Independent Film Releases

1. Successful Examples

2. Lessons Learned- Learn from other’s mistakes

3. Applying these to your film

Strategies for Navigating The Evolving Distribution Landscape

1. Leveraging Digital Platforms

2. Building Relationships with Distributors and Exhibitors

3. Expanding Audience Engagement Through Special Screenings

Q&A with Mark

PLEASE NOTE: This exclusive Stage 32 webinar is now available to watch on-demand and no longer live.

• You’ve completed an independent film and want to explore theatrical distribution options

• You’re in post-production and want to build a smart, realistic release strategy

• You’re a first-time filmmaker curious about how limited theatrical works

• You’ve released a film before and want to better understand what to do differently next time

• You want to connect with audiences and elevate the visibility of your project

• You’re a producer or distributor looking to sharpen your knowledge of the current theatrical landscape