Master Classes are in-depth, interactive learning experiences focused on craft and career building and led by renowned industry experts. Topics include fiction and documentary filmmaking, TV writing and production, and navigating and succeeding in the entertainment industry. 

As traditional models for reaching audiences struggle to survive, independent filmmakers are turning to innovative approaches to distribute their work and create meaningful impact. With new tools, platforms, and strategies available, understanding how to navigate this evolving landscape is more critical than ever.

In this three-hour Master Class, producer Pulkit Datta (Israelism, Jersey Boy, Vs. Goliath, Hoop Like This) offers a practical and in-depth guide to the world of creative distribution and impact for both fiction and non-fiction films. Drawing from real-world case studies and personal experience, Datta will share the key principles and processes that help independent films find and engage their audiences. Designed for filmmakers who want to take a unique, strategic, and intentional approach to releasing their work, this session goes beyond the basics. You'll explore how to build a tailored distribution plan for your film—one that aligns with your goals, vision, and resources.

Datta discusses his experience working on Israelism, a 2024 success story in creative documentary distribution, as well as the narrative feature Jersey Boy and the sports documentary Hoop Like This. 

What You'll Learn:

• How to define clear goals, audiences, and measures of success for your film
• An overview of distribution and impact pathways, from traditional to hybrid models
• Creative marketing strategies that resonate with target audiences
• Budgeting and sustaining a long-term distribution or impact campaign
• Building a strong support team for outreach and engagement
• Tools for tracking success and applying learnings for future projects

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• 0:00:00-0:01:40: Introductions
• 0:01:40-0:03:01: Overview of Topics Covered
• 0:03:01-0:05:35: Speaker Introduction
• 0:05:35-0:07:39: Projects Referenced in the Presentation
• 0:07:39-0:10:09: What Is Creative Distribution?
• 0:10:09-0:12:58: What Is An Impact Campaign?
• 0:12:58-0:15:47: Three Key Questions: Audience, Goals, Success
• 0:15:47-0:18:14: Who Is Your Audience?
• 0:18:14-0:21:17: Building Your Audience
• 0:21:17-0:37:01: Audience Cast Studies (Israelism, Vs. Goliath, Life After)
• 0:37:01-0:41:15: Setting Goals and Measuring Success
• 0:41:15-0:46:28: Building Your Team
• 0:46:28-0:56:06: Coalition Case Studies (Israelism, Jersey Boy)
• 0:56:06-1:01:10: Budget and Resources
• 1:01:10-1:17:20: Audience Q&A Session #1
• 1:17:20-1:23:12: Traditional Distribution
• 1:23:12-1:28:51: How To Get Creative With Releasing
• 1:28:51-1:39:44: Distribution Case Study (Israelism)
• 1:39:44-1:47:31: Distribution Case Studies (No Other Land, Life After)
• 1:47:31-2:00:23: Impact Campaign Case Studies (Vs. Goliath, Jersey Boy, Hoop Like This)
• 2:00:23-2:04:28: Types of Screenings
• 2:04:28-2:10:34: Amplifying the Message
• 2:10:34-2:21:40: Social Media Case Study (Israelism)
• 2:21:40-2:25:29: Non-Film Press and Media Strategy
• 2:25:29-2:30:28: Gathering Data and Adapting
• 2:30:28-2:33:23: Key Takeaways and Learnings
• 2:33:23-2:49:05: Audience Q&A Session #2