Chris Zuhdi is from a small town in Oklahoma. He fell in love with movies around about the age of five or six. It was either that or he had to become an Astronaut. The movies are what stuck and Chris has been chasing that Unicorn ever since.
Chris Zuhdi graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a BA in Film and Video Studies. He had a tremendous Professor, back at the University of Oklahoma named Misha Nedeljkovich who really taught him how to read film and introduced Chris to his great passionate genre Film Noir and Crime Fiction. “I love chasing unrealities. In one context I guess that makes you crazy, or at best delusional. In another context, it makes you a filmmaker,” says Chris.
Related: Goodnight, Charlene – Chris Zuhdi’s Crime Fiction Neo-noir Debut
indieactivity: How does an indie filmmaker distribute his/her film?
Chris Zuhdi (CZ): In spite of all the do it yourself talk about distribution these days, and there is some validity to that option, I advise to find a credible, established distributor. Easier said than done, but with all the info at our fingertips today, finding and making a short list of small to mid level indie distributors is very possible.
Then, just start contacting them. If one takes you, to be honest, that will put any project light years ahead of doing it yourself from somewhere outside LA or NYC. Goodnight, Charlene would have not done a fraction of what it has if I would have thrown it up on the internet, held some screenings, and run social media ads on my own without Linda Nelson and her company Indie Rights.
When does an indie filmmaker need to start planning for distribution?
Chris Zuhdi (CZ): Before you write your script! I would start contacting distributors about half-way through the completion of the film. But, only show the final, mixed film. Do not show a rough cut. Very important.
How do I get my film in theatres with an indie budget budget?
Chris Zuhdi (CZ): By raising money for a limited, theatrical release for the film upfront. Then search for companies that specialize in organizing limited theatrical runs. This is mainly for exposure and credibility, but can help stand out from all the clutter, and possibly increase ancillary sales. Just be aware there is a good chance the film won’t make its money back from the box office receipts.
