Every feature needs more than a great idea. It needs a plan. In the newest episode of the Indie Coach Podcast, I sit down with Jon Fitzgerald, co-founder of the Slamdance Film Festival and former director of AFI Fest, to discuss how filmmakers can create a roadmap that takes their projects from concept to audience. https://youtu.be/FiS9qvxXlJw https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-xgv5b-1b1b5a2 Too many filmmakers concentrate entirely on developing and producing the movie, only to begin thinking about their audience, festival strategy, marketing, and distribution after the film is finished. By then, many of the most important decisions have already been made. Jon and I discuss why the creative, financial, production, audience, festival, and distribution sides of a feature must work together from the beginning. We also explore what it really means to participate in a film festival. Getting accepted is not enough. Filmmakers have to prepare, rally their teams, invite the industry, engage audiences, generate publicity, and create momentum that continues long after the screening. Jon’s next Feature Blueprint Lab begins July 30. It is a five-week, small-group experience that helps filmmakers create a customized roadmap for bringing their films from concept to audience. There are only a few spots remaining. Learn more and register here: https://www.jonfitzgerald.pro/blueprint.html DM me for a discount code to receive 20% off. You can also read Jon’s “10 Keys to Festival Participation” here: https://open.substack.com/pub/onthefestcircuit/p/10-keys-to-festival-participation?r=3r31g&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web Watch or listen to our complete conversation, and then get out there and make your movie.