Jeff Deverett: Indie Production and Distribution to Netflix and Beyond
Description
#wolfpack #4 Top 70 California Business Podcasts
After graduating from Law School in Toronto, Canada, Jeff Deverett launched his film career in the Distribution division of Astral Media, a large public entertainment and media company. Jeff ran the sales and acquisitions of the Home Entertainment division wherein he acquired and sold movies and TV shows both domestically and around the world. He began with Theatrical distribution and Television, which soon led to VHS tapes, morphed into DVD and BluRay disc, and then eventually transitioned to digital delivery and streaming platforms.
- www.deverettmedia.com
- www.indiefilmcommunity.com
- www.instagram.com/indiefilmcommunity
- www.youtube.com/@IndieFilmCommunity
- God Is Good Trailer
Connect with your host Kaia all Alexander:
Produced by Stuart W. Volkow P.G.A.
Get career training and a free ebook “How to Pitch Anything in 1 Min.” at www.EntertainmentBusinessLeague.com
In this episode of Hollywood Wolfpack, Kaia Alexander speaks with renowned filmmaker and educator Jeff Deverett, who brings a wealth of experience in independent film production, distribution, and financing. Given the recent wildfires in Los Angeles, Kaya opens the discussion by emphasizing the importance of community support, particularly highlighting the relief efforts through the Entertainment Community Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to helping entertainment industry workers affected by disasters.
Kaya and Jeff delve into the intricacies of filmmaking, discussing the delicate balance of creativity and business acumen necessary for success. Jeff emphasizes the vital importance of understanding the financial side of filmmaking and the need to consider audience demands before committing to a project. He explains that a filmmaker's ability to generate pre-awareness and audience interest can significantly influence investor relationships and distribution opportunities.
Jeff offers insights into the world of distribution, detailing strategies to navigate this challenging landscape, particularly for indie filmmakers. He discusses the necessity of having a solid marketing plan and suggests that filmmakers allocate 20% of their production budget for marketing expenses to increase visibility and reach. The discussion also sheds light on the realities of distribution deals, as Jeff shares anecdotes that reveal the often tumultuous relationship between filmmakers and distributors.
Jeff touches on the importance of collaboration in filmmaking. Jeff describes his "wolf pack" highlighting how he surrounds himself with talented individuals allows him to excel in areas where he may lack expertise, such as social media marketing or specific technical skills. This collaborative spirit echoes in Kaya's mission to foster relationships among her students at the Entertainment Business School.
Jeff's rich storytelling also includes his latest project, "God is Good," inspired by the uplifting true story of an Asian immigrant's journey.
In the latter part of the episode, the two engage with Kaia's students, answering questions.
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