Welcome to the ultimate podcast for indie filmmakers who want to learn the business side of the industry. In each episode we’ll cut straight to actionable advice and dive deep into the business side of the film industry, unpacking everything you need to know about film funding, distribution strategies, and career development. Whether you're just starting out or looking to transform your hobby into a thriving career, we provide proven, detailed techniques, and real-world advice to help you succeed.
What does it really take to finance, package and distribute a profitable independent film?
In this episode of Cut to the Deal, ZB Siwek speaks with producer, director and private-equity professional Garrett Patten about the realities of building film projects from the ground up. Garrett shares lessons from working across roughly 15 films, producing alongside names including Matt Damon, working with Adrian Grenier and helping bring the award-winning Bitcoin thriller Self-Custody to millions of viewers.
They discuss why distributors still ask “Who’s in it?” before anything else, how filmmakers can solve the financing-and-talent chicken-and-egg problem, and what actually motivates wealthy individuals to invest in films.
Garrett also explains how filmmakers without industry connections can build meaningful relationships, why festivals should be approached with a long-term mindset, and how emerging filmmakers can use vertical content, influencers and proof-of-concept projects to create opportunities.
The conversation also explores the difficult economics of modern independent-film distribution, declining streaming revenues, the importance of marketing your own release and how AI could transform production without replacing filmmakers entirely.
WATCH SELF CUSTODY:
https://www.primevideo.com/region/eu/detail/0IHGFJHRXA6ECNMY7UIMPE3OGV (https://www.primevideo.com/region/eu/detail/0IHGFJHRXA6ECNMY7UIMPE3OGV)
Connect with Garrett Patten:
imdb.com/name/nm11350364 (http://imdb.com/name/nm11350364)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrett-patten-913321159/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrett-patten-913321159/)
Connect with ZB Siwek:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zb-siwek-55938442/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/zb-siwek-55938442/)
Learn More About Cine Circle:
https://www.cinecircle.co.uk/ (https://www.cinecircle.co.uk/)
Follow us on socials!
https://www.youtube.com/@CineCircleFilms/videos (https://www.youtube.com/@CineCircleFilms/videos)
https://www.tiktok.com/@cinecircle (https://www.tiktok.com/@cinecircle)
https://instagram.com/cinecircleuk (https://instagram.com/cinecircleuk)
https://x.com/cinecircle_uk (https://x.com/cinecircle_uk)
CHAPTERS
00:00 – Garrett Patten’s journey from private equity to filmmaking
03:45 – What makes a film marketable?
07:16 – Building connections and meeting film financiers
14:43 – What film investors really want
19:18 – How Self-Custody reached millions of viewers
26:27 – The brutal reality of indie-film distribution
33:00 – Making a low-budget film more marketable
35:20 – AI, vertical content and the future of filmmaking
28 Apr 2026
Independent Film Distribution and Marketing with Jonathan Sadler and Matthew Hope
In this episode filmmaker Matthew Hope and distribution expert Jonathan share their journey of creating and distributing their latest film Empire of Lies. They discuss strategies for indie filmmakers to produce, market, and distribute profitable films on a limited budget, emphasising social media, theatrical release tactics, and the importance of compelling posters and titles. This is a must listen for any filmmaker looking to self-distribute and market their next indie feature film. WATCH E...
27 Apr 2026
International Indie Film Distribution with Derry Shillitto
Derry Shillitto shares his journey of funding, producing, and distributing his indie film 'The Correction Unit'. He discusses funding sources, distribution strategies, marketing efforts, and lessons learned to help independent filmmakers succeed. Watch The Correction Unit: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B0DV46653V/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r Connect with Derry Shillitto: https://www.instagram.com/foyleriverfilms Connect with ZB Siwek: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zb-siwek-55938442/ Learn...
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Podcast Authority Score: 15 / 100
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