The Film Finance & Distribution Podcast

🎬 In this episode of the Film Finance & Distribution Podcast, I sit down with Matt Borlenghi — an award-winning producer, writer, and actor best known as Lyle, the Pawnshop Guy in Netflix’s Cobra Kai. Matt’s career spans decades, beginning with his breakout role on All My Children opposite Kelly Ripa, which earned him a Daytime Emmy nomination and a Soap Opera Digest Award. He went on to star in primetime shows including The Jeff Foxworthy Show, Pig Sty, Party Girl, and Police Academy: The Series, before later becoming a fan-favourite on Cobra Kai. But Matt’s work goes far beyond acting. He is a multiple award-winning producer who has developed TV shows with and for major production companies and networks. His true-crime investigation Postmortem in Vegas aired on LMN through NorthSouth Productions and A&E, and he continues to develop new series — including ATF, a drama based on the real-life undercover work of a longtime ATF agent. Matt also recently produced and starred in the pilot Townsend, and appears in Letters to Addy and Daddy’s Place. On the film side, his credits include The Bobby DeBarge Story, Divine Influencer, 90 Days Past Due, and Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story. In this conversation, the first half of the episode focuses on Matt’s acting career — his breakout roles, his experience on Cobra Kai, and what makes a supporting character like Lyle resonate so deeply with audiences. In the second half, we turn to his work as a writer and producer, diving into the realities of developing projects, the challenges of getting a TV show made, and what it really takes to balance creative vision with industry demands. 🔗 Stay connected with Matt Borlenghi: Instagram: @cobrakaipawnguy IMDb: Matt Borlenghi on IMDb ActorCV: Matt Borlenghi Profile Read more: Matt Borlenghi on the 5 Things You Need to Create a Highly Successful Career in TV and Film – Authority Magazine / Medium 🔗 Follow the Film Finance & Distribution Podcast / Amber Williams: Podcast: filmfinance.podbean.com LinkedIn: Amber Williams The Film Finance & Distribution Podcast has grown worldwide, becoming a trusted resource for filmmakers who want practical knowledge on raising finance, closing deals, and reaching audiences. It’s designed to share insights you won’t easily find elsewhere, helping the filmmaking community access the tools needed to succeed.

My guest today is Chris Maher, an actor, producer, and investor with a background in economics and policy. After travelling the world working with major organisations, he returned to Chicago where he balanced a trading career with building his film craft. In 2020 he co-founded MC Films, and since then has produced and appeared in more than 20 films, including Blowback, Mojave Diamonds, and the upcoming Canyon of the Dead and Boardwalk Winter. His projects have also been recognised at festivals like Cannes and the American Film Market. In this episode, Chris shares insights on what separates a producer from an executive producer, how concept trailers and screenings can help bring in investors, what goes into a great pitch, how indie filmmakers can attract talent, the role of AI in the industry, and even new approaches to crowdfunding and film financing. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-maher-3718bb50/ Inst: https://www.instagram.com/chrisfredma/ IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6681923/

This week on the podcast, I’m joined by Fabian Farina and Mariano Mattei — the founders of Four Olives Productions, an award-winning indie film company based in the heart of Philadelphia. We dive into what it’s really like working in Philly’s film scene, how they got their films on to streaming platforms, and the role a good publicist can play in landing industry exposure and distribution deals. They also break down their three-pronged approach to getting on Netflix in the future, the power of networking, and what it takes to make truly independent cinema thrive. Don’t miss this inspiring and practical conversation with two filmmakers who are doing it their way — and winning.   Show notes: Indie Rights: https://www.indierights.com FB: https://www.facebook.com/fourolivesproductions Insta Four Olive Productions: https://www.instagram.com/fourolivesproductions Insta Fabian: https://www.instagram.com/fabian_farina215/ Insta Mariano: https://www.instagram.com/marianom215/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fourolivesproductions/ Tubi: https://tubitv.com/movies/100032538/sacrum-vindictae-ii?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAachWmDFISOqocBP2qTA5iKKHP56HxIjb11Epo6NGW7hMVCfF6oFbr8cZWUSKw_aem_pbP2UT17GBVGeKpP8Vrm8w Prime Video: https://shorturl.at/yXiDi “Every no is one step closer to a yes” – filmmakers Fabian and Mariano from Four Olive Productions. #nowait  

What happens when you move your entire production process over to AI? In this episode, we sit down with Eline Van Der Velden, Founder and CEO of award-winning AI production company Particle6, to explore how she did just that — and what it means for the future of content creation film and television. From AI influencers and in-house tools to cost-saving, we cover it all. Whether you're curious about industry disruption, or where AI is headed next, this episode is packed with insight, optimism, and the occasional reality check. Watch the YouTube video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJDxvGLNoHY Eline van der Velden is the Founder and CEO of Particle6, an award-winning AI production company known for creating viral, social and AI content. Eline's background in physics (MSci from Imperial College) drives Particle6’s unique methodology, which combines scientific creativity with advanced technology and AI, making content that resonates and reduces production costs by 60%. With a decade of experience across platforms like BBC, Sky, Hearst Networks and Amazon Prime, Particle6 specializes in high-quality tv shows, digital campaigns, and immersive experiences. Under her leadership, Particle6 has produced over 50 programs and got over 1B views, including viral BBC Three hits like Putting It Out There, Miss Holland, and Gender Bias Riddle, and has expanded into international brand collaborations with clients like Genshin Impact. The company has won three Lovie Awards for Best Online Comedy and a Gold Telly Award and is recognized by Pact Future30, BFI Global Screenfund, and Channel 4’s Emerging Indie Fund. When not running Particle6, Eline is serious about tennis and dreams of saving the world with nuclear fusion. Particle6 links:   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Particle6TV Inst: https://www.instagram.com/particle6productions/ Home: https://www.particle6.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Particle6Productions/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/particle-productions-ltd  

We’re honoured to have a truly remarkable guest with us today—Cindy Mich! Cindy is an award-winning journalist and media personality who has made waves as both a filmmaker and the founder of the NYC-based independent film festival, Art is Alive, now celebrating its seventh successful year. Beyond her festival work, Cindy is a prolific writer, contributing to three digital publications while also owning and operating her own magazine, Elegant Expressions. With a combined reach of 300,000 across print and radio, Cindy is a powerhouse in the media world. She's regularly called upon to cover major film premieres, festivals, events, and product launches, bringing her unique perspective to everything she does. But that’s not all—Cindy’s made-for-TV series on medical misdiagnosis is set to premiere next month, and her public access TV talk show, Cin's Chat Corner, has just debuted, already reaching more than two million subscribers across seven states. Today we delve into her journey, discussing the significance of film festivals, what she looks for when judging films, and her transition from film to television.  Inst: https://www.instagram.com/officialcindymich/Cin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindy-mich-6328552b/ Art is Alive Film Festival: https://artisaliveff.wixsite.com/artisaliveff

Welcome to today's episode! We have Derry Shillitto on the show, the writer and director behind the feature film "The Correction Unit." This psychologically thrilling and cinematic movie explores the question: What happens to the most vulnerable in society when the most powerful embrace AI? With intense and exciting characters, "The Correction Unit" promises to be both entertaining and thought-provoking. Stay tuned as Derry shares his journey through writing, funding, directing, and securing distribution for his new film. Foyle River Films Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/866033460 The Correction Unit Homepage: https://thecorrectionunit.com/the-correction-unit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foyle_river_films/  

Silvia Schmidt is an experienced entertainment lawyer who will take us through the essential contracts you need for filmmaking and what to watch out for. Silvia studied Law and French at Trinity College Dublin and Sciences Po Paris, graduating with First Class Honours. She then pursued Legal and Political Theory at University College London, earning numerous awards and scholarships along the way. After training in finance law at Clifford Chance, Silvia followed her passion for film, joining Sheridans and specialising in media and entertainment law. She later worked as an in-house film finance lawyer at Ingenious Media, the UK's largest private film financing company at the time. Since 2019, Silvia has been a freelance lawyer and consultant, helping clients from all corners of the entertainment industry. Join us as Silvia shares her expertise to help you navigate the complex world of film contracts.  Silvia Schmidt Homepage: https://silviaschmidt.org/

Paul Scanlan is an Emmy Award-winning co-founder and CEO of Legion M the world's first fan-owned entertainment company, a pioneering endeavour that puts fans at the centre of everything they do. Legion M is dedicated to discovering and producing original and groundbreaking films and television content. Under Scanlan's leadership, the company is transforming the way content gets made, involving fans in the creative process and delivering unique, high-quality entertainment experiences. Scanlan and his team at Legion M are not just changing the industry—they are redefining it. Legion M: https://legionm.com/ Insta: @LegionMOfficial William Shatner Documentary: https://join.legionm.com/william-shatner-documentary/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/legionmofficial Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/legionmofficial/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/legionmofficial/posts/?feedView=all X: @LegionMOfficial

In this episode as we explore the journey of Michael Guerrini, the Founder of YOTKO Productions and YOTKO Apparel. Michael, a passionate filmmaker is on a mission to turn Perth into a new Hollywood. Despite being relatively new to the industry, his ambition and creativity know no bounds. Michael specializes in directing, cinematography, editing, and colour grading. His first short film, "Full Circle," is a black-and-white neo-noir action drama about an assassin realizing something is wrong too late. Tune in as Michael chats with me about monetizing short films and organising a cinema screening. He also shares his advice on budgeting and production for short filmmakers.   Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Yotko Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yotkoproductions Twitter: https://x.com/yotko97 Pintrest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/yotko/ Apparel: https://mguerrini.wixsite.com/yotko-apparel  

In this episode, we’re excited to welcome back Shaun Seneviratne, writer, director, and producer of the micro-budget feature film "Ben and Suzanne: A Reunion in 4 Parts," which premiered at SXSW 2024. Joining him is his key collaborator, the talented producer Doron Jè Paul Mitchell. Together, they'll discuss film distribution, the evolving definition of independent cinema, and share behind-the-scenes insights from their film, shot on location in Sri Lanka. Shaun and Doron will also explore their creative processes and what they have learned from their experiences on this project, alongside a glimpse into their exciting new ventures in film and theatre.

Writer/Director/Producer Shaun Seneviratne's raw, highly relatable debut feature, "Ben and Suzanne, A Reunion in 4 Parts," held its world premiere in the Narrative Feature Competition at SXSW 2024. It was filmed on location in Sri Lanka on a micro-budget. In this next episode, Shaun Seneviratne discusses filming on location, marketing a feature film, recommended budget allocations for marketing, choosing the right PR company, tips for minimizing a feature film production budget, and how to leverage an SXSW screening. Shaun was a fantastic guest with a wealth of knowledge for filmmakers. Shaun’s passion for his work and the industry is inspiring, enjoy!   Shaun's links: https://www.instagram.com/thebrownshaun/?hl=en   https://www.shaunseneviratne.com/   https://twitter.com/thebrownshaun?lang=en   https://vimeo.com/thebrownshaun   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9YY9tSYMmMlUJqX6cYzlAA    

Whether you are an industry professional, a new or established filmmaker with compelling stories, cautionary tales, industry insights, or unique funding and distribution experiences, we invite you to email filmfinancepodcast@gmail.com to potentially feature on our show; please include screener links if available, and we'll respond to every submission.

Join Helen Curston for a riveting podcast episode featuring Gareth Ellis-Unwin, the acclaimed Academy and BAFTA Award-winning Producer and CEO of Bedlam Film Productions. This in-depth interview delves into Gareth's remarkable journey in the film industry, highlighting his significant achievements and ongoing contributions. Gareth's career took off with the BAFTA-nominated British thriller Exam in 2009, leading to international acclaim with The King's Speech in 2010. This film, the highest-grossing British independent film ever, earned seven BAFTAs and four Academy Awards, including Best Film. In 2012, Gareth produced Zaytoun, the first film under the UK-Israeli co-production treaty, screened at major film festivals and winning accolades. Gareth worked on Kajaki. The True Story, a BAFTA-nominated British war film, where he played a pivotal role in its UK distribution. He also produced Steel Country in 2016, a dark thriller starring Andrew Scott and Bronagh Waugh. Beyond production, Gareth actively supports the military charity Help for Heroes and mentors young film enthusiasts through the International charity Cinemagic. As a respected figure in the film industry and a member of prestigious organizations like AMPAS, BAFTA, PGA, and PGGB, Gareth shares his insights on the evolving role of film producers in the age of streaming, the landscape of independent film production in the UK, and the impact of recent industry strikes. He also discusses best practices for film submissions and introduces his new project Anything to Anywhere. Don't miss this enlightening conversation with Gareth Ellis-Unwin, a visionary in the world of film production, on the Film Finance and Distribution Podcast. Bedlam Productions: https://bedlamfilmproductions.com/ YouTube:  @BedlamProductionsLtd   X: @bedlamprod

David Keating stands out as a distinguished filmmaker, celebrated for his exceptional work in films such as 'The Last of the High Kings' and 'Wake Wood.' His contributions to cinema have not only garnered critical acclaim but also brought him awards. Beyond his achievements in filmmaking, David has also made a significant impact in education as a respected lecturer at the National Film School in Ireland. His expertise is further showcased through his role as a seasoned trainer, where he conducts workshops for prestigious organizations like BAFTA, BFI, Screen Ireland, and Directors UK. Demonstrating a keen adaptability to the evolving landscape of storytelling, David has recently explored the cutting-edge fields of virtual reality and extended reality. Currently, he imparts his wealth of knowledge by offering invaluable advice on pitching to aspiring filmmakers. Today David shares invaluable advice on pitching for filmmakers.   David's website: https://www.dkeating.com/ David's X: https://twitter.com/keatingkeating?lang=en-GB

Geraldine is a seasoned industry professional with four decades of rich experience. From her public affairs role with the Motion Picture Association in Europe to her role as a Senior Advisor for the Film distributors’ Association. Geraldine has championed countless film publicity campaigns, collaborating with major US studios and numerous global independent distributors, and she's also armed with a Law degree. An incredible journey, and I’m excited for you to delve into the multifaceted world of film from behind the scenes with us! This episode covers: Publicity and public affairs in film distribution. How intellectual property rights and copyright safeguard filmmakers. A step-by-step explanation of the distribution process. Geraldine's roles at the FDA. Key elements distributors typically look for in a film. Shifts may take place within film distribution. Common mistakes filmmakers make when trying to distribute their films.  What can be done to strengthen the UK independent film industry.  To what extent the cinemas are recovering after the Covid pandemic.   What Geraldine has done consistently throughout her career that has kept her on track and progressing.  The episode starts with topics suitable for entry-level filmmakers and gradually delves deeper, offering insights that I believe will captivate filmmakers at all levels.

In our upcoming episode, we're thrilled to welcome BAFTA-nominated film & television producer, Farah Abushwesha. Dive deep as Farah unravels the complexities of navigating the independent film industry, shedding light on film funding strategies unique to the UK and imparting wisdom on managing stress in this demanding field. Plus, get an insider's glimpse into her collaboration with Netflix in New York City for the celebrated film, 'Irreplaceable You'. Don't miss this enriching conversation brimming with insights and tales from behind the scenes! IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1562672/?ref_=nmbio_bio_nm Rocliffe: https://www.rocliffe.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rocliffeproductions/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/farahabushwesha?lang=en Books Rocliffe Notes : A Professional Approach to Being a Writer: A Professional Approach For Screenwriters and Writer-Directors, available at: https://shorturl.at/mnJU1 Rocliffe Notes: A Guide to Low Budget Filmmaking, available at: https://shorturl.at/bpIP8

Inspiring Filmmaker, and Founder of the streaming platform Newyonder, JON CLEAVE. Jon shares knowledge and advice on pitching, carbon neutral productions and B-Corps as well as a wealth of information learnt throughout his fascinating career. Newyonder: https://www.newyonder.earth/ https://linktr.ee/newyonder Jon Cleave Twitter: https://twitter.com/joncleave?lang=en Jon Cleave Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joncleave/?hl=en

Elektra Yao is an experienced, and dedicated lawyer based in New York City whose mission is to serve artists and creative professionals by helping them secure artists visas, cement their brands, and monetize their artistry.  In this episode Elektra shares valuable information on green cards and business visas for the US.  Yao Law Group: https://www.yaolawgroup.com/#welcome  Yao Law Group YouTube channel:    https://www.youtube.com/@yaolawgroup Best Questions to Ask Your Attorney:     https://www.youtube.com/shorts/rjxaSoW_u4M Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yaolawgroup/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/elektraesq  

This interview with the award-winning documentary filmmaker, Rich Felgate focuses on sourcing funding as a first-time filmmaker through private investment and the Patagonia grant, as well as navigating sales and distribution deals with Espresso Media.  Finite: The Climate of Change: https://www.finite-film.com/  Rich Felgate Twitter: https://twitter.com/richfelgate?lang=en Finite Editor Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/ariadnafvm  Network for Social Change: https://www.thenetworkforsocialchange... Just Stop Oil: https: //chuffed.org/project/j9ebdwmpy48m

This episode with the award-winning writer/director Marcus Markou focuses on navigating sales and self-distribution within the independent film industry. Double M Films: https://www.doublemfilms.co.uk Marcus Markou Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarcusMarkou Cinema for a Pound YouTube video info: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SH8T90qwPYg Forward to a friend: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNGtJlFZdf8 Launching Cinema for a Pound blog post: https://www.doublemfilms.co.uk/single-post/launching-cinema-for-a-pound  Award Winning Short Film Office Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsDu2qLfAo0  Gathr: https://gathr.com/ Box Office Mojo: https:///www.boxofficemojo.com/