The Film Finance & Distribution Podcast

From The Matrix to Reservoir Dogs: Career Lessons in Film Finance with Michael Mendelsohn

This week on The Film Finance & Distribution Podcast, we’re joined by Michael Mendelsohn, veteran producer, film financier, and CEO of Patriot Pictures.
With a career spanning more than three decades, Michael has operated at the intersection of art and capital — from Wall Street–backed studio finance to hands-on independent filmmaking. In this episode, we dive into Patriot Pictures’ approach to financing, packaging, and selling filmmaker-led stories, and what it really takes to support bold directorial debuts in today’s market.
We talk candidly about:
How to structure films to fit realistic budgets
Reducing costs without compromising creative vision
Why filmmaker-led projects matter — and how to make them viable
What financiers and sales companies actually look for right now
Michael reflects on lessons learned from a career financing landmark films including The Matrix, Reservoir Dogs, True Romance, Lord of War, and Underworld.
We also touch on Michael’s current slate, including recent and upcoming projects with Elizabeth Banks, and where he sees opportunity in the independent film space moving into 2025.
A must-listen episode for producers, directors, and anyone navigating the realities of independent film finance in 2026. 
Home Patriot Pictures: https://www.patriotpictures.com
 
Follow the Film Finance & Distribution Podcast / Amber Williams:
Podcast: https://www.whirleybirdproductions.com/podcast-1
LinkedIn: Amber Williams
The Film Finance & Distribution Podcast has grown worldwide, becoming a trusted resource for filmmakers who want practical knowledge on raising finance, closing deals, and reaching audiences. It’s designed to share insights you won’t easily find elsewhere, helping the filmmaking community access the tools needed to succeed.

International Distribution, Selling Out Screenings & Zero-Budget Marketing, - Indie Feature Case Study from Derry Shillitto

Welcome back to the Film Finance & Distribution Podcast.
Today’s episode is a special follow-up conversation with filmmaker Derry Shillitto, the writer and director behind the feature film The Correction Unit.
The Correction Unit is a psychologically charged, cinematic thriller that asks a chilling question: what happens to the most vulnerable in society when the most powerful fully embrace AI? With intense characters and a bold, thought-provoking premise, the film manages to be both gripping entertainment and a timely social commentary.
This is Derry’s second time on the podcast - his first appearance back in August 2024 covered the early stages of developing The Correction Unit. Today’s episode picks up where that conversation left off, following the film through completion, marketing, and international distribution.
Since we last spoke, Derry has successfully navigated the full indie filmmaking journey - securing funding, executing a zero-budget marketing campaign, achieving sold-out screenings, and distributing the film worldwide, including screenings in Taiwan and Malaysia. He also shares his experience using Greenlit as a crowdfunding platform, and leveraging social media.
Alongside his work as a director, producer, and editor, Derry is also an experienced film educator, teaching both practical and theoretical filmmaking remotely and in person - making him uniquely placed to break down what actually works for independent filmmakers.
If you’re interested in real, practical advice on financing, marketing, and distributing an indie feature - this episode is essential listening.
 
Foyle River Films Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/866033460 
The Correction Unit Homepage: https://thecorrectionunit.com/the-correction-unit 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foyle_river_films/
 
Follow the Film Finance & Distribution Podcast / Amber Williams:
Podcast: https://www.whirleybirdproductions.com/podcast-1
LinkedIn: Amber Williams
The Film Finance & Distribution Podcast has grown worldwide, becoming a trusted resource for filmmakers who want practical knowledge on raising finance, closing deals, and reaching audiences. It’s designed to share insights you won’t easily find elsewhere, helping the filmmaking community access the tools needed to succeed.

Matt Borlenghi: Producing, Ideas for Getting a TV Show Made, and Playing Lyle in Cobra Kai

🎬 In this episode of the Film Finance & Distribution Podcast, I sit down with Matt Borlenghi — an award-winning producer, writer, and actor best known as Lyle, the Pawnshop Guy in Netflix’s Cobra Kai.
Matt’s career spans decades, beginning with his breakout role on All My Children opposite Kelly Ripa, which earned him a Daytime Emmy nomination and a Soap Opera Digest Award. He went on to star in primetime shows including The Jeff Foxworthy Show, Pig Sty, Party Girl, and Police Academy: The Series, before later becoming a fan-favourite on Cobra Kai.
But Matt’s work goes far beyond acting. He is a multiple award-winning producer who has developed TV shows with and for major production companies and networks. His true-crime investigation Postmortem in Vegas aired on LMN through NorthSouth Productions and A&E, and he continues to develop new series — including ATF, a drama based on the real-life undercover work of a longtime ATF agent. Matt also recently produced and starred in the pilot Townsend, and appears in Letters to Addy and Daddy’s Place. On the film side, his credits include The Bobby DeBarge Story, Divine Influencer, 90 Days Past Due, and Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story.
In this conversation, the first half of the episode focuses on Matt’s acting career — his breakout roles, his experience on Cobra Kai, and what makes a supporting character like Lyle resonate so deeply with audiences. In the second half, we turn to his work as a writer and producer, diving into the realities of developing projects, the challenges of getting a TV show made, and what it really takes to balance creative vision with industry demands.
🔗 Stay connected with Matt Borlenghi:
Instagram: @cobrakaipawnguy
IMDb: Matt Borlenghi on IMDb
ActorCV: Matt Borlenghi Profile
Read more: Matt Borlenghi on the 5 Things You Need to Create a Highly Successful Career in TV and Film – Authority Magazine / Medium
🔗 Follow the Film Finance & Distribution Podcast / Amber Williams:
Podcast: filmfinance.podbean.com
LinkedIn: Amber Williams
The Film Finance & Distribution Podcast has grown worldwide, becoming a trusted resource for filmmakers who want practical knowledge on raising finance, closing deals, and reaching audiences. It’s designed to share insights you won’t easily find elsewhere, helping the filmmaking community access the tools needed to succeed.

Award-Winning Filmmaker Chris Maher on Film Financing, Pitching Investors, Attracting Talent & the Future of AI

My guest today is Chris Maher, an actor, producer, and investor with a background in economics and policy. After travelling the world working with major organisations, he returned to Chicago where he balanced a trading career with building his film craft. In 2020 he co-founded MC Films, and since then has produced and appeared in more than 20 films, including Blowback, Mojave Diamonds, and the upcoming Canyon of the Dead and Boardwalk Winter. His projects have also been recognised at festivals like Cannes and the American Film Market.
In this episode, Chris shares insights on what separates a producer from an executive producer, how concept trailers and screenings can help bring in investors, what goes into a great pitch, how indie filmmakers can attract talent, the role of AI in the industry, and even new approaches to crowdfunding and film financing.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-maher-3718bb50/
Inst: https://www.instagram.com/chrisfredma/
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6681923/

Film Distribution, Streaming Platforms, Publicists & Networking with Four Olive Productions

This week on the podcast, I’m joined by Fabian Farina and Mariano Mattei — the founders of Four Olives Productions, an award-winning indie film company based in the heart of Philadelphia.
We dive into what it’s really like working in Philly’s film scene, how they got their films on to streaming platforms, and the role a good publicist can play in landing industry exposure and distribution deals.
They also break down their three-pronged approach to getting on Netflix in the future, the power of networking, and what it takes to make truly independent cinema thrive.
Don’t miss this inspiring and practical conversation with two filmmakers who are doing it their way — and winning.
 
Show notes:
Indie Rights: https://www.indierights.com
FB: https://www.facebook.com/fourolivesproductions
Insta Four Olive Productions: https://www.instagram.com/fourolivesproductions
Insta Fabian: https://www.instagram.com/fabian_farina215/
Insta Mariano: https://www.instagram.com/marianom215/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fourolivesproductions/
Tubi: https://tubitv.com/movies/100032538/sacrum-vindictae-ii?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAachWmDFISOqocBP2qTA5iKKHP56HxIjb11Epo6NGW7hMVCfF6oFbr8cZWUSKw_aem_pbP2UT17GBVGeKpP8Vrm8w
Prime Video: https://shorturl.at/yXiDi
“Every no is one step closer to a yes” – filmmakers Fabian and Mariano from Four Olive Productions.
#nowait
 

How AI Is Changing Film & TV – with Eline Van Der Velden, CEO of Particle6

What happens when you move your entire production process over to AI? In this episode, we sit down with Eline Van Der Velden, Founder and CEO of award-winning AI production company Particle6, to explore how she did just that — and what it means for the future of content creation film and television. From AI influencers and in-house tools to cost-saving, we cover it all. Whether you're curious about industry disruption, or where AI is headed next, this episode is packed with insight, optimism, and the occasional reality check.
Watch the YouTube video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJDxvGLNoHY
Eline van der Velden is the Founder and CEO of Particle6, an award-winning AI production company known for creating viral, social and AI content. Eline's background in physics (MSci from Imperial College) drives Particle6’s unique methodology, which combines scientific creativity with advanced technology and AI, making content that resonates and reduces production costs by 60%. With a decade of experience across platforms like BBC, Sky, Hearst Networks and Amazon Prime, Particle6 specializes in high-quality tv shows, digital campaigns, and immersive experiences.
Under her leadership, Particle6 has produced over 50 programs and got over 1B views, including viral BBC Three hits like Putting It Out There, Miss Holland, and Gender Bias Riddle, and has expanded into international brand collaborations with clients like Genshin Impact. The company has won three Lovie Awards for Best Online Comedy and a Gold Telly Award and is recognized by Pact Future30, BFI Global Screenfund, and Channel 4’s Emerging Indie Fund. When not running Particle6, Eline is serious about tennis and dreams of saving the world with nuclear fusion.
Particle6 links:
 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Particle6TV
Inst: https://www.instagram.com/particle6productions/
Home: https://www.particle6.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Particle6Productions/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/particle-productions-ltd
 

Award-winning Cindy Mich Shares Film Festival Advice, Judging Films, and TV Transition.

We’re honoured to have a truly remarkable guest with us today—Cindy Mich! Cindy is an award-winning journalist and media personality who has made waves as both a filmmaker and the founder of the NYC-based independent film festival, Art is Alive, now celebrating its seventh successful year.Beyond her festival work, Cindy is a prolific writer, contributing to three digital publications while also owning and operating her own magazine, Elegant Expressions. With a combined reach of 300,000 across print and radio, Cindy is a powerhouse in the media world. She's regularly called upon to cover major film premieres, festivals, events, and product launches, bringing her unique perspective to everything she does.
But that’s not all—Cindy’s made-for-TV series on medical misdiagnosis is set to premiere next month, and her public access TV talk show, Cin's Chat Corner, has just debuted, already reaching more than two million subscribers across seven states.
Today we delve into her journey, discussing the significance of film festivals, what she looks for when judging films, and her transition from film to television. 
Inst: https://www.instagram.com/officialcindymich/Cin
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindy-mich-6328552b/
Art is Alive Film Festival: https://artisaliveff.wixsite.com/artisaliveff

Filmmaker Derry Shillitto on Funding, Directing, and Securing Distribution

Welcome to today's episode! We have Derry Shillitto on the show, the writer and director behind the feature film "The Correction Unit." This psychologically thrilling and cinematic movie explores the question: What happens to the most vulnerable in society when the most powerful embrace AI? With intense and exciting characters, "The Correction Unit" promises to be both entertaining and thought-provoking. Stay tuned as Derry shares his journey through writing, funding, directing, and securing distribution for his new film.
Foyle River Films Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/866033460
The Correction Unit Homepage: https://thecorrectionunit.com/the-correction-unit
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foyle_river_films/
 

Top Entertainment Lawyer Silvia Schmidt Simplifies Film Contracts

Silvia Schmidt is an experienced entertainment lawyer who will take us through the essential contracts you need for filmmaking and what to watch out for. Silvia studied Law and French at Trinity College Dublin and Sciences Po Paris, graduating with First Class Honours. She then pursued Legal and Political Theory at University College London, earning numerous awards and scholarships along the way.
After training in finance law at Clifford Chance, Silvia followed her passion for film, joining Sheridans and specialising in media and entertainment law. She later worked as an in-house film finance lawyer at Ingenious Media, the UK's largest private film financing company at the time. Since 2019, Silvia has been a freelance lawyer and consultant, helping clients from all corners of the entertainment industry. Join us as Silvia shares her expertise to help you navigate the complex world of film contracts. 
Silvia Schmidt Homepage: https://silviaschmidt.org/

Paul Scanlan Discusses Opening the Gates to Hollywood with his Company Legion M

Paul Scanlan is an Emmy Award-winning co-founder and CEO of Legion M the world's first fan-owned entertainment company, a pioneering endeavour that puts fans at the centre of everything they do. Legion M is dedicated to discovering and producing original and groundbreaking films and television content. Under Scanlan's leadership, the company is transforming the way content gets made, involving fans in the creative process and delivering unique, high-quality entertainment experiences. Scanlan and his team at Legion M are not just changing the industry—they are redefining it.
Legion M: https://legionm.com/
Insta: @LegionMOfficial
William Shatner Documentary: https://join.legionm.com/william-shatner-documentary/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/legionmofficial
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/legionmofficial/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/legionmofficial/posts/?feedView=all
X: @LegionMOfficial