A Guide Finding Your Audience, Your Way.

Your audience is waiting…Ever felt like your movie's stuck in the editing room, waiting for its big break? We get it. From distribution dilemmas to feeling lost in the sea of big-budget blockbusters, it's easy to lose hope. But guess what? You're not alone. This month, our focus is on the revolutionizing world of film distribution where understanding your audience intimately isn't just a game-changer but the key to unprecedented self-sufficiency for filmmakers, as evidenced by the significant rise in streaming platform dominance, with Netflix alone accounting for 31% of total viewing time in the US, according to Nielsen data. The increasing success of alternative distribution methods offers filmmakers unparalleled control and potential for success, setting a new standard far beyond the traditional Hollywood landscape. MiFILM is diving deep into the world of distribution, spotlighting the challenges we face and the latest game-changing tools, grants, and opportunities that are shaking up the scene.  From Stubio's latest competition to film festivals specifically for your Proof Of Concepts, this month’s newsletter is a guide to finding your audience your way. 

Say hello to Rachael Galperin of Next Found Artists, a new alternative streaming platform for indie creators.  We chatted with Rachael about films that changed her life and what makes Next Found Artists the platform to watch.

Oh! Before we forget, MiFILM Virtual Office Hours is back by popular demand. Each month, we’ll cover hot topics from the members and share industry trends and helpful insights from a special guest. Click Here to register for our first Office Hour of the Year with Rachael on Thursday, May 23rd, at 4:30 PM ET.

Brittany: What made you start NextFound, and what is your connection to the problem?
Rachael: From a young age, I was always drawn to film for entertainment but also the emotional connection. I turned to film for a sense of belonging and community aspect that I didn't always know how to articulate. When I couldn't find what I was looking for in mainstream media, I started writing stories about it, which led me to aspire to become a screenwriter. At age eleven, I came up with the idea for NextFoundArtist. I wanted to create a safe space where all communities could feel a sense of belonging through the power of art. This idea has evolved, and now our mission is to amplify stories for those often overlooked and undervalued in mainstream media and provide art where all human beings feel represented and entertained. It's also a place where individuals can come and learn about other communities which results in individuals being more open and accepting of diversity. From listening to and working with filmmakers, we have been able to identify pain points and are striving to facilitate a solution that is truly for filmmakers, by filmmakers.  

B: That’s what, over two decades of experiencing the problem firsthand. So,Why now?
Rachael: Where to begin for this one? There are so many reasons why now is the right time, but ultimately, I felt such a lack of representation in mainstream media growing up. It's 2024, and STILL 75% of consumers don't feel represented. After continuing to feel underrepresented and hearing from both consumers and filmmakers directly about the lack of support their communities have, now feels like a better time than ever to dive into this mission. 

B: Now the Next Found Artists is hitting the market, what is your prediction or forecast for the future of film distribution?
Rachael: I see a shift in film distribution with a growing need for more independent and diversity inclusion, not just in front of the screen, but throughout the entire creative process. Alternative solutions such as ours or self-distribution that provide filmmakers with the ability to feel more empowered about sharing their work will be on the rise. I anticipate platforms that hinder art from being found and don't provide equal opportunities for minorities becoming more glaring and less desirable as the entire world population starts to shift with the increase of diversity. 

B: For the cinephiles, care to share the movie that saved and/or changed your life?
Rachael: Growing up, I loved everything about ET, from the storytelling to the product placement intertwined throughout the film. I knew I wanted to see more stories that truly left me feeling inspired. However, Blue is the Warmest Color was probably a film that allowed me to truly feel a sense of belonging. It was one of the first films that provided that community feeling for me. 

NextFoundArtist is a streaming platform for independent filmmakers, empowering consumers to support the art and artists that matter to them. Our platform fosters a community where artists and consumers feel a sense of belonging. Our mission is to provide a platform for artists who are often overlooked and undervalued, allowing them to share their authentic stories with consumers. In turn, consumers can finally feel represented and connected to the films they have access to. 

Interested in hosting your next project on Next Found Artists? Use the Minorities Film Submission Link to submit your film.

🔌Grants & Resources💸

SUNDANCE DEVELOPMENT TRACK – The development track has one open application that allows your fiction feature work-in-progress screenplay to be considered for the following programs, fellowships, and grants: Screenwriters Lab (held annually in January), Screenwriters Intensive (held annually in March, online), Sundance Institute Comedy Fellowship (includes participation in either the Screenwriters Lab or Intensive), Sundance Institute Horror Fellowship (includes participation in either the Screenwriters Lab or Intensive), Sundance Institute Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship (includes participation in either the Screenwriters Lab or Intensive) and Commissioning Grant. APPLY HERE. Deadline: May 16th, 2024 

PROOF FILM FESTIVAL–  PROOF is a short film festival in Los Angeles that showcases the best in proof-of-concepts. Do you have a short film or pilot that you want to see made into a feature film, television show, limited series, or another longer form of entertainment? Submit to PROOF! Providing a highly competitive and unique festival experience and opening the door for fruitful future filmmaking opportunities, PROOF is a one-stop shop for the newest emerging talent. Deadline: June 1st, 2024

New for 2024, PROOF is now accepting submissions for the Pitch Deck Show & Tell! Submissions for the Pitch Deck Show & Tell should pitch a narrative feature or a series. For your submission, please include a short video pitch between 2 – 5 minutes, pitching your feature or series project. Also, you need to include your pitch deck as a PDF file. The final deadline is August 1st. For additional information, please join us for an informational session on the Pitch Deck Show & Tell process on Jun 5, 2024, at 05:00 PM Pacific Time! Register HERE 

MiFILM members get  25% off submissions using code: PROOFMiFILM

NORTH STAR FELLOWSHIP – Presented in collaboration with BlackStar, the North Star Fellowship supports four innovative Black, Brown and Indigenous media artists and filmmakers who are developing projects that span the latitudes of creative nonfiction. These might include film, video installation, audio and photo-based work, immersive experiences, performance, or other modes and genres. The North Star Fellowship convenes on two occasions: The Camden International Film Festival and The William & Louise Greaves Filmmaker Seminar. APPLY HERE Deadline: June 3rd, 2024 

URBAN WORLD FILM FESTIVAL—Urbanworld is back for its 28th year of Storytelling, Innovation, and culture. It is a five-day festival based in New York City that showcases features, shorts, narratives, docs, animation, experimental films, feature screenplays, and branded content. We want to see your work! This year’s festival will run from November 6 to  10. Submit your film HERE. Regular Deadline: May 31

MiFILM Members get 25% off submission fees using code: UFFCOMM2524 

PRINCE GEORGE FILM FESTIVAL - We are excited to announce our call for films for the 2024 Film Festival season is here! Prince George's Film Festival is returning for the 3rd year, right in Prince George's County, Maryland from September 26th - September 29th. FIlmmakers can apply HERE. Regular Deadline: July 16th, 2025

Work With Us.

MiFILM curates programming to help underrepresented talent gain visibility. Are you looking to launch a mentorship program, hiring initiative, community event, or need a co-production partner to help market your film? Email us at [email protected].