IFH 096: Gravitas Ventures - Confessions of an Indie Film Distributor

Published: Sept. 1, 2016, 7:06 p.m.

Gravitas Ventures: Confessions of an Indie Film Distributor
If you have ever given any thought to the process of distributing your feature film, you know it can be nutz! The film distribution landscape has changed, and changed again as I'm writing this article.
Finding a good and reputable film distributor in today's world is hard to say the least. So I wanted to bring onto the show a film distributor that has a very good reputation for working with filmmakers, being transparent and honest. Enter Michael Murphy, President of Gravitas Ventures.
Indie Film Distribution from the Ground Up
Gravitas Ventures is a global entertainment distribution operation with the ability to connect filmmakers and producers with consumers through hundreds of media platforms throughout the world.
Gravitas was one of the first companies to develop a global network of digital media platforms as partners and now has relationships with many of the key providers of cable video on demand (“VOD”), subscription video on demand, electronic sell through and electronic rental platforms around the world. CEO Nolan Gallagher founded Gravitas Ventures in 2006 after helping shape VOD strategies for the largest North American cable operator (Comcast), and a major studio (Warner Bros). With a simple mission to deliver ideas to the digital market, Nolan recognized that Gravitas could build a bridge between filmmakers and consumer friendly technology offerings.
Soon after Gravitas’ inception, Nolan and Gravitas’ President and co-owner Michael Murphy began attending worldwide film festivals in search of thought-provoking features and documentaries while establishing distribution relationships with worldwide cable, satellite, television and internet based partners.
While not abandoning its digital roots, Gravitas Ventures is now one of the largest all rights distributors in the world, with the ability to distribute films into theaters and brick and mortar retailers. The company releases over 400 new films annually and is a scalable partner to new media outlets interested in licensing from our library of thousands of titles. As technology advances and new distribution opportunities arise, Gravitas Ventures continues to stay at the forefront, providing exceptional film product to audiences worldwide.
So as you can see Michael knows is stuff. I wanted to grill him on what it takes to get an indie film distributed to the world. Enjoy my interview with Michael Murphy from Gravitas Ventures.