Learn how to get your film into the world and make money

This first-time filmmaker thought festivals and Netflix were his path to success. He was wrong… but he took a different approach that secured a national PBS broadcast, connected with his audience, and made money.

Meet the filmmaker

Chris Burket has been in the film industry since 2008, primarily as a TV and studio camera operator and stunt coordinator. GET BUSY LIVING is his first documentary film.

“It was a long journey to make this film but as far as distribution, I really didn’t know where I was going with it until I met Keith and Show&Tell” - Chris Burket

By learning how to work with partners to distribute his film, it has already made $12,000 in screening fees and will be broadcast on PBS this summer.

DIRECTOR, CHRIS BURKET
Runtime: 23 seconds
Runtime: 60 seconds

Distribution Myths

“I thought you just get your film to a distributor and if they like it, they write you a check and that’s the end of it. I was wrong”

DIRECTOR, CHRIS BURKET

Netflix Passed

A chance encounter with a Netflix acquisitions and distribution manager gives Chris a quick lesson on how streaming companies think about independent documentary films.

Runtime: 41 seconds
Runtime: 30 seconds

A New Approach

By partnering with nonprofits and companies in his core audience, Chris was able to:

  • Create a 15-minute “Conference Cut” to pitch partners

  • Premiere his “Conference Cut” at the Austin Film Festival

  • Already host 4 conference events, netting over $12,000 in income

  • Connect with PBS and secured a broadcast

Free Resources

Join filmmaker and distribution strategist Keith Ochwat’s ongoing free monthly webinar series where he shares useful ways to release and sell your film.

We’ve helped filmmakers raise over $2 million by targeting niche foundations and big companies that care about your film’s message and will write you a check.