Learn how to market, distribute, and monetize your film from start to finish
We’re entering a brave new world for independent filmmakers. The old gatekeepers, institutions, and ideas are breaking down. But if you can build an audience and take control of your film’s distribution, there’s more opportunity than ever.
Filmmaker.MBA is a self-paced, self-directed course teaching the fundamentals of direct distribution. Through video lessons, case studies, action plans, and interactive webinars, we’ll teach you how to navigate the independent film world and walk you through the distribution process from start to finish. By the end of the course, you’ll have a customized distribution plan for your film—just what you need to move your project into action.
Watch in-depth video lessons covering every step of the distribution process.
Build a customized distribution plan for your film using our templates and checklists.
Launch your film and make an impact on the world.
Learn how to identify your niche, build your network, and create a passionate fanbase.
Learn how to set up your distribution platform and sell directly to your audience.
Learn how to launch successful digital, social, and community screening campaigns.
Learn how to create valuable products and generate regular income with your film.
Learn how to raise money for production, distribution, and outreach campaigns.
Learn how to pitch your project to funders, distributors, and institutional partners.
Learn how to think like a startup and build a profitable business around your work.
Learn how to design a social impact campaign and make your mark in the world.
You’ll start by watching 15 short video tutorials covering the entire distribution process. Each lesson introduces the main concept, guides you through a real-world example, and explains how to apply the ideas to your film. The lessons are self-paced, so you can skip directly to the topics that interest you most and refer back when you need it.
After watching the video tutorials, you’ll find 15+ detailed case studies illustrating the concepts in action. We’ll walk you through the direct distribution campaigns for successful films including Food Matters, Helvetica, and Indie Game: The Movie. The case studies will give you nuts-and-bolts advice and move you towards action.
At the end of each lesson, you’ll find a step-by-step action plan including templates, timelines, and checklists. The action plans are in Word format, so you can easily customize them for your project. By the end of the course, you’ll have a complete distribution roadmap to guide you through every step of your film’s release.
I’m Christopher Rufo. I’ve developed Filmmaker.MBA from ten years of in-the-trenches experience as independent filmmakers. I’ve produced three documentaries for PBS, pioneered new strategies in direct distribution, and made filmmaking into a sustainable full-time career—including salary, benefits, and retirement.
With my last film, Age of Champions, we grossed more than $1.5 million through direct distribution, corporate partnerships, and digital sales. In addition, we spearheaded more than 3,000 community screenings, reached more than 3 million viewers on PBS and Netflix, and appeared on NPR, ABC, CBS, HLN, CNN, and FOX.
I’ve built Filmmaker.MBA to share what I’ve learned and help filmmakers through the distribution minefield. I know how hard it is to juggle creative projects and the demands of daily life, so I’ve created something that will help save you time, money, and frustration as you launch your film.
For Filmmaker.MBA, I’ve partnered with Robert A. Compton, an experienced venture capital investor, filmmaker, and executive producer on 10 documentaries, including The Hunting Ground, Sundance award-winner Rich Hill, and Academy Award® nominee Cartel Land.
Meet the filmmakers who made $1.5 million through self-distribution https://t.co/KZW3vLc6Xu pic.twitter.com/ejtO1ie1Ym
— IndieWire (@IndieWire) September 6, 2016
“7 Ways to Maximize your Documentary’s Distribution” #PrioritizeRelationships #IndieFilm via @indiewire http://t.co/a7kJuyGMgV
— Gathr Films (@GathrFilms) May 11, 2015
Find an audience for your film in 5 simple steps: https://t.co/asaz2xU6zg pic.twitter.com/E5AJAQ58Bu
— No Film School (@nofilmschool) May 4, 2017
I am a big fan of the #filmmakermba. There is a lot to be learned from it for filmmakers. Real world examples are great teaching tools!
— Jon Reiss (@Jon_Reiss) April 26, 2017
Building powerful financing & distro networks for your film https://t.co/Od2M74BSN4 @FilmmakerMag pic.twitter.com/txqfE0IZb9
— ITVS (@ITVSIndies) November 26, 2016
This is such an outstanding case study from @IDAorg‘s team about independent documentary distribution: https://t.co/48vORLJQpn pic.twitter.com/2lrYfEKvUC
— Gravitas Ventures (@GravitasVOD) February 1, 2017
Join 1,700 filmmakers learning the business of direct distribution
