I help independent doc filmmakers with distribution
I offer practical advice on strategy and implementation. My background is in marketing, but I've been in the trenches as a producer. There's no right/wrong way — it depends on the project.
I learned a lot about marketing when I was marketing director of Lincoln Center. But ultimately I learned the most from being in the trenches, doing the work myself, as a longtime distributor and marketer of my own films.
My first film is when I really cut my teeth. Soy Andina aired on National Public Television, toured Peru in partnership with the U.S. Embassy, screened at hundreds of venues, and sold to more than 150 universities, often with additional speaking fees.
I will work with you to help:
- Build a mailing list and newsletter (the key to most marketing campaigns).
- Distribute to the educational market
- Polish your marketing materials and online presence
- Figure out a marketing and distribution plan that's doable for you, that renergizes rather than depletes you
- Coach and support you through the process
Testimonies
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"Mitch has been a colleague and friend for over 25 years, and I have seen him work magic building partnerships with like-minded organizations and bringing out audiences. He really is a marketing wizard who brings people together across interests and skills to increase everyone's capacity to do their work well and improve." - Johnathan Skurnik
"Mitch is a guru in marketing and connecting people." - Nelida Silva "Mitch is a great marketer. He mobilized hundreds of people around his film, creating a true global community, in the best of spirits!" - Ingrid Patetta "You’re a great panelist; your points always backed up with real data, specific and useful." - Fernanda Rossi "As a newby to the film making world, it was incredibly valuable to have your perspective, experience and passion." - Kristen Chamberlain, Director (Joanna Macy and the Great Turning) "Thank you for the wonderful job speaking on the Fundraising for Filmmakers panel. I have not seen an audience take such copious notes. Your contribution helped make it a huge success." - Joey Guastella, Associate, The Foundation Center "Our conversation sparked my energy and enthusiasm and renewed my dedication to the project ... and that is priceless." - Susan Williamson " You inspired so many people at the Conference, Mitch. Thank you for such terrific advice!" - Alison Sotomayor, NALIP (National Association of Latino Independent Producers) "Thanks Mitch! You were an inspiration to be more proactive with my marketing! I have already gotten a great response!" - Monika Navarro "Thank you so much again for your advice and support — it was really indispensable." - Rachel Lears "Mitch is about the best marketing adviser I could think of." - Rick Vecchio "We met when you were on the panel at the Foundation Center. Your input and advice on the topic of fundraising was incredibly valuable, and I found your approach and awareness refreshing and genuine. It's not surprising that people have invested in you and your projects! And your newsletter is an inspiration! - Irene Walsh |
"After seeing hundreds of filmmakers come and go, you definitely have the most strategy, drive and enthusiasm ... the words 'thank you' can't express the gratitude that I feel!"
- Charlotte Von Hemert, International Latino Film Festival "Mitch led a day-long program for the Media Arts classes at our high school. “Soy Andina” and the insightful discussion and activities that followed resulted in a truly rewarding experience for our students and teachers. You are a great role model for our students." - Frank Nafey, Jersey City Arts High School Program "Mitch holds an impressive amount of first-person knowledge of the distribution landscape. He offers balanced and individualized ideas for each producer and project, and pitfalls to avoid. As a filmmaker himself, he's able to relate with generosity and intelligence to other filmmakers." - Alysa Nahmias "Mitch, our talk was super helpful and inspiring. You are brilliant. I love how critically you think and how much valuable knowledge and experience you have." - Kathy Leichter "I am very impressed with how you enlisted your friends and colleagues to watch my work, but also to give very deep feedback generating great discussion about Prodigal Daughter. I am absolutely recharged to create a truly compelling piece. You are amazing!" - Mabel Valdiviezo "You inspired a lot of people at the NALIP Conference, Mitch. Thank you for offering terrific advice!" - Alison Sotomayer "You were an inspiration to be more proactive with my marketing -- I have already gotten a great response!" - Monika Navarro "Your workshop as well as mentoring was really helpful" - Leslie Hill, NC "It’s incredibly valuable to have your perspective and experiences in the mix as this project develops" - Kristen Chamberlain "Thanks for the advice — I feel like I have a new purpose now." - Natalie Picoe "Thanks for the great meeting. It was what I, and the film, needed on many levels. It renewed my dedication to the project. That is priceless to me." - Susan Williamson |
Panelist and Speaker
• Docuclub
• Doing Your Doc / NALIP
• The Foundation Center
• New York Women in Film & TV
• NALIP National conference
• Doculink New York City
• International Documentary Association
• Film in the City
ARTICLES
• "The Art of Digital Marketing" (Voz, the magazine of Latino Public Broadcasting, 2010)
• "Getting Your Film Funded and Seen" )Contributing author; (Shooting People, 2005)
• Docuclub
• Doing Your Doc / NALIP
• The Foundation Center
• New York Women in Film & TV
• NALIP National conference
• Doculink New York City
• International Documentary Association
• Film in the City
ARTICLES
• "The Art of Digital Marketing" (Voz, the magazine of Latino Public Broadcasting, 2010)
• "Getting Your Film Funded and Seen" )Contributing author; (Shooting People, 2005)