The No Film School Podcast Why Regional Films and Fests are Essential
May 8, 2025
Joining the conversation are Sam Dunning, a writer and director of the indie mockumentary "Can You Dig It?", and Michael Polk, a producer and writer with Lumac Productions. They dive into the essential roles that regional films and festivals play in today's shifting cinematic landscape. The duo shares insights on the self-distribution strategies and the festival circuit, highlighting how filmmakers can build hyper-local audiences. They also discuss the magic of unexpected moments on set and the importance of community involvement in indie filmmaking.
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Tariff Threats Would Backfire
- A proposed 100% tariff on foreign-made films would dramatically raise costs and shrink what gets made or distributed in the U.S..
- Tariffs are blunt, likely unconstitutional, and miss the real reason productions leave: stronger foreign tax incentives.
Incentives Drive Location Choices
- Productions leave the U.S. primarily because other countries offer much larger tax rebates and incentives.
- A federal, consistent U.S. incentive would be the practical lever to bring jobs back, not tariffs.
Tour Your Film Like A Band
- Consider self-distribution and regional one-night theatrical tours to reach niche fans directly.
- Show up to Q&As and local events to convert festival fans into loyal word-of-mouth supporters.