The Art of Self-Distribution: The Domestic Limited Theatrical Release

Hosted by Franco Sama

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Franco Sama

Webinar hosted by: Franco Sama

EP of over 20 $1MM-$5MM Films at Samaco Films

Independent feature film producer Franco Sama boasts over a decade of independent film development, production and financing. Sama has Executive Produced an impressive array of over 20 independent feature films including most recently, Guns, Girls and Gambling starring Gary Oldman, Christian Slater and Dane Cook which is quickly becoming a cult favorite; this film was released into theatres on December of 2012 and, in January 2013, acquired a worldwide distribution deal from Universal Pictures. Other films Sama has produced include: Black Limousine starring David Arquette, Vivica Fox and Bijou Phillips, Tooth and Nail starring Michael Madsen and Vinnie Jones, The Penitent Man, starring Lance Henriksen and Andrew Keegan and Paid, starring Corbin Bernsen and Tom Conti. Sama also serves as Executive Producer on the recent film festival darling Petunia, starring Thora Birch, Brittany Snow and Academy Award winner Christine Lahti. His shingle Samaco Films is currently producing a slate of several independent feature films, including Farewell Party, starring legendary actor John Amos and Fine Young Gentleman starring funnyman Anthony Anderson. Samaco Films released two films in 2015, the first, The Livingston Gardner stars James Kyson the beloved “Ando” from the NBC television hit series HEROS and the second, 3 Days in Havana starring Ally McBeal alum Gil Bellows; both films have been released through Samaco Films’ sister company, Synergetic Distribution and have been released via all digital and Video on Demand (VOD) platforms worldwide. Full Bio »

Webinar Summary

Learn directly from Franco Sama, 15-year expert of film financing and distribution with 25+ successful independent feature films to his name, including Guns, Girls and Gambling (Gary Oldman, Christian Slater and Dane Cook) and Petunia (Thora Birch, Brittany Snow and Academy Award winner Christine Lahti)!

As a filmmaker you may find yourself at the mercy of distributors and the existing archaic, chaotic convoluted distribution system(s) that ultimately ends up costing the you profits and, more importantly, creative and financial control of your project. With many new options becoming available for your project to be seen, self-distribution is becoming an increasingly beneficial option.

In this webinar we go over the self-distribution model of limited theatrical and limited platform release. We've brought in 15-year financing and producing expert Franco Sama to draw on his experience with over 25 successful indie films in which he has secured distribution. Franco will teach you step-by-step how to release your film in multiple theaters across multiple cities throughout the Unites States. Plus, he will take it a step further and show you exactly how to incorporate the release into your business plan as part of your development process so you can benefit your investors and increase your film’s international value.

You will leave this webinar armed with knowledge and ready to self-distribute your film via limited theatrical or platform release.


PRAISE FOR FRANCO'S TEACHINGS:

Head & shoulders above the usual webinars on film distribution and finance. Franco actually knows his stuff and has a track record to back it up. Really good presentation.” – Scott B.

This webinar gave me a TON of information and things to consider as we move forward with our first feature project. Thank you Stage32 for providing these excellent training opportunities.” – LeAnn M.

Franco was very informative. I've already produced a ton of stuff but have been challenged by the distribution side (although my 1st feature HAS finally gotten distribution!). He gave me some great nuggets of information. I would definitely take another webinar with him.” – Stephanie B.

I thought that this seminar presented a wealth of useful information in a short period of time.” – Glen P.

The material provided is informative and appreciated!” – Andry P.

What You'll Learn

  • Why self-distribution is an attractive option for independent filmmakers.
  • What is limited theatrical (or limited platform) release?
    • Everything you need to know.
    • Drawing from Franco's experience of producing over 25 successful independent films.
  • How do you incorporate this into your business plan?
    • Benefiting your investors.
    • Increase your film's international value
  • How many theaters will your film show in nationwide?
  • How many cities will your film show in nationwide?
    • How do I determine which cities to release my film in?
  • Do you keep the box office receipts?
    • Why is this important?
  • How is this different from a “four wall”?
  • How much does this cost to do?
    • What this means for the budget.
  • How does it get paid for?
  • How does this benefit my investors?
  • How this approach builds awareness for your film.
  • How this increases your films international value.
  • Recorded Q&A with Franco who has 15 years of experience with independent film distribution!

About Your Instructor

Independent feature film producer Franco Sama boasts over a decade of independent film development, production and financing. Sama has Executive Produced an impressive array of over 20 independent feature films including most recently, Guns, Girls and Gambling starring Gary Oldman, Christian Slater and Dane Cook which is quickly becoming a cult favorite; this film was released into theatres on December of 2012 and, in January 2013, acquired a worldwide distribution deal from Universal Pictures.

Other films Sama has produced include: Black Limousine starring David Arquette, Vivica Fox and Bijou Phillips, Tooth and Nail starring Michael Madsen and Vinnie Jones, The Penitent Man, starring Lance Henriksen and Andrew Keegan and Paid, starring Corbin Bernsen and Tom Conti. Sama also serves as Executive Producer on the recent film festival darling Petunia, starring Thora Birch, Brittany Snow and Academy Award winner Christine Lahti.

His shingle Samaco Films is currently producing a slate of several independent feature films, including Farewell Party, starring legendary actor John Amos and Fine Young Gentleman starring funnyman Anthony Anderson.

Samaco Films released two films in 2015, the first, The Livingston Gardner stars James Kyson the beloved “Ando” from the NBC television hit series HEROS and the second, 3 Days in Havana starring Ally McBeal alum Gil Bellows; both films have been released through Samaco Films’ sister company, Synergetic Distribution and have been released via all digital and Video on Demand (VOD) platforms worldwide.

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Testimonials

Head & shoulders above the usual webinars on film distribution and finance. Franco actually knows his stuff and has a track record to back it up. Really good presentation.” – Scott B.

This webinar gave me a TON of information and things to consider as we move forward with our first feature project. Thank you Stage32 for providing these excellent training opportunities.” – LeAnn M.

Franco was very informative. I've already produced a ton of stuff but have been challenged by the distribution side (although my 1st feature HAS finally gotten distribution!). He gave me some great nuggets of information. I would definitely take another webinar with him.” – Stephanie B.

I thought that this seminar presented a wealth of useful information in a short period of time.” – Glen P.

The material provided is informative and appreciated!” – Andry P.

Questions?

If you have a generic question about Stage 32 education you can take a look at our frequently asked questions section on our help page, or feel free to contact support with any other inquiries you might have.
 

Reviews Average Rating: 4.5 out of 5

  • Franco knows what he's talking about and this is an informative class. That being said, I was hoping for a lot more information on actual limited theatrical releases. One company is given and another after a question is asked, but definitely not a DIY approach. It's a pay someone approach. Good distribution info overall which I had a pretty good grasp of, but just would've liked to have a deeper dive into the ins and outs of limited theatrical releases.
  • I received a lot of valuable information. Franco is a great speaker speaker. I just wish that the charts were able to be seen as in a slide show and that he had a better quality video.
  • Better than I thought it would be

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