FT 072: Inside the Multi-Window Distribution Model with Simon Swart

Indie Film Hustle Podcast: Filmmaking | Film School | Screenwriting | Film Marketing | Independent Film | Cinematography | Film Festival | Filmmaking Podcasts I Moviemaker

Today’s guest is all about the business of filmmaking. Simon Swart has 20+ years of expert marketing experience - working primarily on the development, selling, and distribution of some large franchises and films such as Star Wars, Avatar, Planet of the Apes and X-Men, Black Swan, and Slumdog Millionaire. After years behind the scenes, Swart has taken up executive producing/producing independent projects. His film credits include The King’s Daughter, The Greatest bond, and several others that are currently in the works. King Louis XIV's quest for immortality leads him to capture and steal a mermaid's life force, a move that is further complicated by his illegitimate daughter's discovery of the creature. During his 19 years at 20th Century Fox Films, the former executive pioneered the company’s early launch of faith and family-friendly programming and marketing in the domestic operations, sales, and home entertainment departments. Utilizing his analytical strengths from his background in international finance, Swart has created some very profitable films including 6 Below with Josh Hartnett. And the mega indie film hit I Can Only Imagine, which grossed over $83 million at the box office. I Can Only Imagine (2018) is an inspiring and unknown true story behind MercyMe's beloved, chart-topping song that brings ultimate hope to so many is a gripping reminder of the power of true forgiveness. With these films, he created a new market for the ever-shifting distribution space for competitive smaller studios. This third-party distribution model started with Lionsgate and then grow into MGM relativity, DreamWorks, and Mirror Backs. Currently, Swart serves as producer for the independent South African firm Nthibah Pictures which was formed in 2018 to fund Marketing, P+A, distribution, development, and production with a focus on the international market. Fathom Premieres 6 below: Miracle on the mountain (2017) - An adrenaline seeking snowboarder gets lost in a massive winter storm in the backcountry of the High Sierras where he is pushed to the limits of human endurance and forced to battle his own personal demons as he fights for survival...." Enjoy my epic conversation with Simon Swart.