IFH 436: The REAL Truth About Film Distribution Today with Linda Nelson

Published: Feb. 4, 2021, 3:22 p.m.

Today on the show we have returning champion Linda Nelson from Indie Rights. Linda and her partner Michael Madison have been a shinning light for filmmakers in the dark world of film distribution. With the distribution landscape changing almost weekly, I wanted to bring Linda on to shed some light on the ever shifting marketplace.

Nelson Madison Films/Indie Rights was founded by Michael Madison and Linda Nelson because they believed that the future was bright for independent artists and that there was a better way to produce and distribute movies.  They have been in business since 2000, when they produced their first film, NSYNC BIGGER THAN LIVE a Giant Screen Movie that played to sold-out crowds worldwide.

Known for innovation.  SHIFTED, their first digital feature,  was the first movie on Amazon’s UnBox (the predecessor of Amazon Video)  and was used by Amazon to promote their platform for over five years. Partnerships were forged early on with the leading digital platforms including Amazon, Google, Cinedigm, MGo and Adrise, and these partnerships ensure that Indie Rights can offer the very best audience opportunities for their own films, as well as the more than 300 other filmmakers they work with.

We discuss the realities of film distribution, what filmmakers need to know, and what is selling today. We also throw a cold-bucket of water on filmmaker so they can snap out of delusion and better position themselves for success.

Enjoy my eye-opening conversation with Linda Nelson.