387 - Indie Rights CEO Linda Nelson - How to Navigate the Streaming Landscape and Lessons in Entrepreneurship from a Pioneering Filmmaker

The MAKE IT Podcast

Hello, Hello!

In this episode, Chris has a conversation with Linda Nelson, the CEO and co-founder of Indie Rights, a leading independent film distribution company. They discuss Linda's journey from a small town in upstate New York to becoming a pioneer in the indie film distribution space, including her experiences with the NSYNC concert film, the challenges of making independent films, and the strategies she and her partner Michael Madison have used to build a successful distribution business. Linda shares valuable insights on filmmaking, distribution, marketing, and overcoming setbacks in the industry.

Show Notes:

• Linda Nelson's background: math major, art/psych minor, early career in banking and real estate
• Making the NSYNC concert film and the legal issues that followed
• Transitioning to independent filmmaking and the challenges of working out of a public storage facility
• The importance of persistence and embracing technology in the film industry
• Linda's parents' influence on her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit
• The impact of streaming services on independent filmmakers and the opportunities in emerging markets
• Indie rights' distribution model and the importance of providing filmmakers with detailed analytics
• Strategies for effective film marketing and building an audience through social media
• Recommendations for essential filmmaking books and advice on overcoming setbacks
• Linda's favorite Italian restaurants in LA and the importance of travel in expanding one's worldview

We Also Talk About:

• Linda and her partner Michael's complementary skills and roles in running Indie Rights
• The importance of proper music licensing and creating "network-friendly" versions of films
• The evolution of distribution platforms and the need for filmmakers to stay adaptable
• Linda's recommendations for essential filmmaking books and the importance of reading for inspiration
• Chris and Linda's shared experiences of growing up in modest, small-town environments and the impact on their creative pursuits

Enjoy!

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