Nicki Micheaux: The Truth About Indie Film Distribution, Festivals & Marketing

Send us Fan Mail What happens after you've made your independent film? Finding a distributor might feel like the finish line, but for many filmmakers, it's where the next challenge begins. In this episode of The Honest Filmmaker, Jim Eaves talks to actress, writer, director and producer Nicki Micheaux about her journey from acting in television to making her own independent feature, *Summer of Violence*. Nicki shares how she found investors, built a successful festival run and secured distribution  as well as the lessons she learned about the importance of marketing, the limitations of relying on distributors and the need for filmmakers to take control of their own careers. We discuss whether film festivals are still worth the cost, approaching distributors directly, why you need to budget for marketing before production begins and how to get your work in front of an audience. Nicki also talks about directing actors, trusting your instincts on set and why sometimes you have to stop waiting for permission and make the film yourself. An honest, practical conversation for independent filmmakers navigating the challenges of getting their films made, released and seen. 🎬 Stream the film: Watch Summer of Violence internationally at http://www.summerofviolence.com Every purchase directly supports independent cinema. 💡 Level up your career: Go deeper and learn the business of the business at www.elevatecreativetalents.com. 👉 Connect with Nicki: @nickimicheaux #TheHonestFilmmaker #IndieFilm #FilmDistribution #IndependentFilmmaking #MicroBudgetFilmmaking #FilmmakingTips #FilmFestivals #FilmMarketing #FilmDirector #NickiMicheaux 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 Support the show For regular updates and exclusive content - sign up for The Honest Filmmaker newsletter https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/e-newsletter/ Join The Honest Filmmaker community on our Facebook Group or Discord https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/join-the-community/ HONEST, OPEN ADVICE ABOUT YOUR FILMMAKING CAREER Are you about to leave Uni with a filmmaking degree? Or want to change careers and work in a creative industry? We want to give you the tools you need to enter the real world of production or freelancing. Honest and open career advice from people in the business. We also talk to those in other creative industries to discuss their careers, the potential cross over with film production and practical tips for a successful and fulfilling career. Join the community: http://www.thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk