Distribution

Ashley Renée Smith IMO of course, 1. No one really thinks the mainstream media is not entirely controlled, which has been confirmed to the public time and again since at least 2016. But which has been to one extent or another true forever (and the subject of political science studies since long before I got to university to learn about it). 2. However, I think this specific case, so far as it relates to Kimmel, ABC and Disney specifically is an interesting point which could be a useful case study. There is absolutely no doubt that the assassin is a leftist. There is absolutely no doubt that he was aided by leftist sympathizers and one has been arrested for intentionally causing distraction after the shooting so that the assassin could get away. There is absolutely no doubt that the host of AI generated posts painting MAGA wear etc. on assassin and his associates are faked as that is not his or their background, and their near immediate appearance smacks of a prepared effort. 3. It is also clear that the general audience doesn't buy it and that ABC, aware of this, is reacting to that - and possibly JUST PLAIN DECENCY by removing someone who is immediately jumping on an assassination of a politician in this country to support his personal politics, instead of decrying it as the despicable evil it is. If we continue to permit political violence and "lawfare" amongst political elites, we are descended into the morass of the second and third world and we will never get out. 4. That "Disney staffers" have any say in this at all proves that politics rules, at least in that company, and that the dominant political group there has a political axe to grind - why are they championing Kimmel instead of decrying political assassination? It puts much of the last decade of Disney activities into a new light.

Ashley Renée Smith Reading in Canadian with a European and Commonwealth lens who cancelled Disney two years ago, not over politics, but lack of content value for the subscription fee, when compared to other platforms. Re ABC, mainstream platforms are quickly being replaced by digital media sources. The migration is inevitable because of the censorship and controls, but the Kimmel thing likely jump-started the fast track. This is also the danger of tech companies buying mainstream media and other platforms. The public square decides what they want to see, not the media companies.

Disney returning Kimmel is partially a business decision after Disney + and Hulu faced subscription cancellations.

Kimmel returns tonight despite the rabid vitriol of those to the left of Attila The Hun and holdouts Sinclair and Nexstar. Unfortunately, I'm in a Nexstar ABC market.

Insights based on report from Jeff Clanagan

One angle: YouTube is dominating because CTV manufacturers HAVE to have it in their OS offering because people are looking for their favorite podcast or creator on YouTube and it better be three remote clicks away or it’s the last time they buy that brand of TV

Seems like a good opportunity for a smart distributor / Hero slot players to offer free remotes to subscribers - and that is a universal remote with THEIR buttons on it.

Randall Scott White I don't believe CTV actually does reach 90% of households yet. Is that an independent stat or an industry stat? On our FilmPod & DBO we've had to analyze the tech closely and CTV just isn't capable of what it claims to do, so far as tracking viewership, etc. The reasons are many and sometimes technical as well as legal and contractual, not to mention the designs of corporations like YouTube, Amazon et al to obfuscate delivery numbers on both ends of the distribution pipeline. Honestly, IMO YouTube is dominating, as it has before CTV became a thing, because it has the best platform and now Google is a defacto monopoly on search results... among other things. This is not to say that CTV isn't important. But it isn't all that, really.

Truth. Everything is connected. My Samsung and Roku TVs have cable like an app. Everything syncs with Google, if you want to use voice and other features (I don't) but I hook up to Google via YouTube. It's opened the door for more choice, thanks to the free apps like Tubi. It's a bit more complicated for people who are not technically savvy, but they get savvier as they learn more about their TV. I love it.

Many paths in, Julio Toro.

They still aren't in many ways, Debbie Elicksen. But those who get it are lapping the field.

Geoffroy Faugerolas, thanks for that. My film is a two person road trip across the USA. It is a retired horror show host and a young fan. They travel around visiting the homes and workplaces of real life horror show hosts.

Richard "RB" Botto Yes sir! And no two journeys are the same. Thanks to you and the good folks here, I feel energized in this push to make it happen.

That's absolutely correct, Julio Toro. That's why comparing yourself to anyone in this business is a losing battle. Go blaze your own trail.

A cartel "requires some consolidation" only to transform into a monopoly...

I think moreso the point he's secretly hinting at is that he's seeing consumer behavior that supports the idea that there are too many streamers right now, and these conglomerates are starting to recognize that no one consumer can be spread so thin across Netflix, Disney/Hulu, AppleTV+, HBO, Paramount, Peacock, Starz, Criterion, Mubi, AMC/Shudder, plus sports packages, plus everything else in one's life. It's too expensive for anyone to find what they really want. A single consumer can hardly get a critical mass of content tailored for broad tastes anymore on one single platform, like we could when the streamers first launched. Because even Netflix has become grown into it's own Netflix-style-content niche, which are just movies and shows you don't have to pay attention to and can watch while on your phone. Disney/Hulu's my favorite though because it's basically just family content then super dark gritty FX shows and indie movies for adults.

Cool!

Are ya'll looking to branch off into scripted animated projects?

This is a great post Pat Alexander. Very encouraging.

Ashley Renée Smith For sure awards shows have to catch up with change, such as RB discussed in his post in this Lounge today regarding distribution (Sept 18). It seems like the Emmy nominations got the memo.

Absolutely love your attitude, Janelle Rollins, you’re so right, this business is tough, but it’s absolutely doable when you show up with passion and persistence like you are!

Since you’re based near NYC, you’re actually in a great spot. Here are a few lesser-known but legit festivals and events where real networking happens and industry eyes are often watching:

• New York Television Festival (NYTVF) – While it’s evolved over the years, it’s long been a place where creators connect with agents, managers, and producers looking for new voices.

• Soho International Film Festival – A fantastic place for indie filmmakers and emerging talent. The crowd tends to be full of working creatives and industry scouts.

• Bushwick Film Festival – Strong emphasis on underrepresented voices and new talent. Great vibe and great conversations.

• Montclair Film Festival (just across the river in NJ) – Increasingly respected and attended by people from all levels of the industry.

• IFP Week / Gotham Week (The Gotham Film & Media Institute) – This one is gold. It’s not just a festival, it’s an industry marketplace and networking hub. A must-attend if you’re developing a project and want to meet agents or execs.

Also, don’t underestimate the power of consistently being active on Stage 32, joining the lounge conversations, attending Stage 32 webcasts, and even emailing our Success Team at Success@Stage32.com for advice on next steps can make a real difference.

Depending on what your film is about Janelle Rollins, also consider direct to consumer exposure. For example, one of the documentary filmmakers I met on this platform had a film about a jazz musician. She entered film festivals, of course, but she also did screenings around the globe that catered to the topic of interest. She came to Edmonton, where I was living at the time, and launched her screening tour at a jazz club there. She showed her film at other clubs, music schools, and in major jazz festivals, such as the Monterey Jazz Festival.

good call Wyman Brent

Sebastian Tudores, thank you. I had a connect request today from someone claiming to be famed director Oliver Stone. He is willing to read my script if I send him 350 dollars through a method where the money cannot be recovered and where it is diffcult to trace who receives the money.

well Wyman Brent - I could see Oliver Stone having an offshore account lol

Sebastian Tudores, my account is offshore and underwater.

"Stage 32 is full of amazing real people to connect with. Just remember: the real value here is in building genuine, supportive relationships with fellow creatives—not chasing connections that only look glamorous on the surface." You nailed it on the head 100%, Wyman Brent!

I was surprised when I heard about this, Ashley Renée Smith. It could mean less opportunities for distributors, creatives, producers, directors, crew, and others in the industry.

Ashley Renée Smith ...reducing the control of the MPA from only 6 mega-corporations to only 5 mega-corporations.

Absolutely, Maurice Vaughan, and that’s one of the biggest concerns we’re hearing from the community. When fewer companies hold more power, it can mean fewer doors to knock on, less creative risk-taking, and tighter control over what gets made and who gets hired. It’s a critical time for us all to stay informed.

True, Shadow Dragu-Mihai. But one less mega-corporation can make some really big waves. It raises serious concerns about creative diversity, ownership of legacy IPs, and fair access for emerging talent.

Kenneth George I am sure they'll be very interested in what an unsold writer in the UK with anger issues has to complain about. But here's an idea - stop responding with abusive and inappropriate comments and I won't have to reply.

Shadow Dragu-Mihai Wait, I think I know what this is. You have some sort of weird crush on me Shadow? I once read a book about these types of aggression. Sorry... :-( I am not into guys man if thats your thing ... not judging of course.

Quote from Kenneth George: "Shadow Dragu-Mihai, Esq., Ipg Pathetic. Here is the fact. Nothing you have done in 30 years meets my standard. That is what you should know. Now take your frustration somewhere else."

Well Kenneth that is a given since, with no experience and having done nothing in the industry, you don't have a standard yet. But thanks for finally admitting I have 30 years ahead of you. Yeah, you deleted it but we do get emails right?

Shadow Dragu-Mihai Well, Shadow, since you won’t stop, you can quote this:

"30 years in an industry does not equal talent."

You've shown me what you've done in 30 years. Do you want me to tell you what I think of it? I was trying to be nice.

Put it this way, if you had one of my scripts 30 years ago, you'd probably be retired by now, This is turning into something very pathetic. I don't deal with fraudsters Shadow. And I am clearly not into whatever this is so how about you just move on.

Hi everyone, Ashley here, I’m the Head of Community at Stage 32.

I want to take a moment to step in and redirect the conversation back to a productive and respectful tone.

This post began as a thoughtful discussion about AVOD platforms and the real financial challenges facing indie filmmakers. That’s an important and timely topic, and I appreciate the insights that have been shared. However, the conversation has veered into personal attacks and unproductive back-and-forth that go against the values we hold as a community.

At Stage 32, we work hard to create a space where creatives can share ideas, ask questions, and collaborate without fear of being shut down or disrespected. We expect all members to engage with professionalism, kindness, and an open mind, even when opinions differ.

Let this serve as a clear warning: anyone who continues to be disrespectful, antagonistic, or dismissive in this post from this point forward may be suspended from the platform for violating our community guidelines.

Let’s bring the conversation back to the original intent and keep it constructive. We’re all here to help one another grow. Let’s honor that mission together.

Thank you.