Getting It Out There: Content Distribution

The Distfuture team aims to find out about the different channels, or sectors, of content distribution in Australia, namely those of cinema, theatre, festivals, video and content for the web. The idea behind this seminar is to find out what opportunities are out there for media graduates in terms of content distribution, and how can media graduates establish themselves in this particular field of the media industry. As content creators, the team also seeks to discover how independent content producers approach distributors, and to gain an insight into the possible future of this field.

ABOUT THE GUESTS:

Richard Wolstencroft: Founder/Director of Melbourne Underground Film Festival (MUFF)

Richard Wolstencroft (a.k.a. Richard Masters) works in Australia as an independent filmmaker. Founder of the Melbourne Underground Film Festival (MUFF), which showcases "uncut, uncensored and cutting edge Independent Cinema", he has also written directed numerous feature films, including, Bloodlust (1990), The Intruder (1991), Pearls Before Swine (1999), and The Beautiful and Damned (2008). Richard is passionate about cinema and its potential to open up "new ways of examining human existence and the world."

Natalie Miller: Executive Director of Sharmill Films

Known to be the first independent female distributor in Australia, Natalie Miller works as Executive Director of Sharmill Films, a production house that specializes in European and other foreign language films. Co-founded Cinema Nova, she is widely respected within the Australian film industry for her love of and distribution of local art house cinema.

Chris Lintos: Music Producer

Having working for some time as a music producer in Australia, Chris Lintos recently made a deal with Distraction USA to distribute his own production, which he subsequently presented at Cannes Market. He is currently working on a feature film on a distribution contract with his Collingwood team. In addition, Chris has opened a venue for film screenings in Coburg.

Bronwen Morey: DVD Project Manager at Madman Entertainment

Bronwen Morey began working in the PR/Marketing department for Madman Entertainment in 2005, coordinating the production and distribution of monthly sales catalogues, including the production of marketing materials such as print advertising, posters and preview discs. In 2007, she was promoted to DVD Project Manager within the Production department, supervising the DVD release of programs such as Adult Swim, Sesame Street, programs from Cartoon Network, and non-anime animation such as Tintin, amongst other classic 1990's cartoons. Bronwen's position entails managing a small team of DVD designers and authors, and liaising with international licensers.

Michael Cicirko: Project Manager for Theatrical department at Madman Entertainment

In 2007, Michael Cicirko joined Madman Entertainment as a administrator and marketer within the Theatrical department. His roles include Project Manager for the Theatrical department, online content management, promotion and publicity for Victorian and Tasmanian releases, organising media screenings, liaising with journalists for press coverage upon film release, and coordinating grassroots activity for films to target audiences.

SEMINAR HIGHLIGHTS: