How to sell your film direct to Distributors with Marc Marriott

The Honest Filmmaker

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How do you get your independent film into cinemas without a sales agent? In this episode, filmmaker Marc Marriottreveals how he sold his debut feature Tokyo Cowboy directly to distributors—landing theatrical releases in both the U.S. and Japan.

Marc takes us through his filmmaking journey, from working under iconic Japanese director Yoji Yamada, to creating a bilingual comedy/drama that blends cultures and language. He shares how he raised the funding, directed a film in two languages, and navigated the challenges of working internationally.

Learn how Marc approached direct-to-distributor sales, his insider festival submission tips, and why building strong industry relationships matters more than ever. Plus, he offers game-changing advice for first-time feature filmmakers on how to lead confidently as a director.

If you’re looking to sell your indie film, break into international markets, or just want to learn more about indie film distribution, this episode is packed with real-world strategies and filmmaker wisdom.

Check out the re-release of Jim's first solo directing feature The Witches Hammer - out now on amazon
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B0F235F4T8/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r
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Chapters

1. Introduction to Marc and his movie (00:00:00)

2. Marcs filmmaking background (00:00:45)

3. learning in Japan from Yoji Yamada (00:02:08)

4. What Yoji Yamada films should we watch? (00:04:35)

5. The importance of having a mentor (00:06:39)

6. Becoming a director - having all the answers (00:07:55)

7. all about Tokyo Cowboy (00:09:35)

8. How did Marc raise the finance for the film? (00:11:44)

9. Shooting a film thats in two languages (00:16:31)

10. Can Marc speak Japanese? (00:19:04)

11. How to watch Tokyo Cowboy (00:20:11)

12. Selling direct to distributors (00:21:46)

13. Marcs film festival tips (00:23:28)

14. Marcs big piece of advice for working on your first feature film (00:28:22)

15. Reasons to listen to another episode with Tiffany Kim Stevens (00:31:19)