Description

"Let's make a market for independent and student films" -- it sounds like an impossible dream, doesn't it? Not for the founders of Rise Flix. In this episode, I talk with Edouard Larouche, Ahmad Baqer, and Ralph Calle-Schulz about their new company, Rise Flix. Over the past year, it's burst on the indie film scene, hosting events in both New York and Los Angeles, and streaming dozens of films, all in the hopes of achieving the impossible dream: monetizing truly independent films and filmmakers.

In this episode, we discuss:

• how the three founders met and got their start in filmmaking;
• how Ralph Calle-Shulz saw the market of indie films and chose to do something about the disconnect between funders and filmmakers;
• their advice for independent filmmakers and monetizing their films, especially short films;
• the process for finding co-founders for a venture like Rise Flix and making it work as a team;
• how does the marketing process work when somebody signs up for Rise Flix;
• why should a filmmaker premiere their film on Rise Flix versus the set path for success coming out of film school;
• their strategy of working with film festivals;
• how does Rise Flix envision making money?
• why should a filmmaker work through Rise Flix?
• how do people start careers in independent filmmaking now, both in the United States and Europe?
• what's next for these visionary creators

Edouard's Indie Film Highlight: THE PIG (2023) dir. by Mark Foscolo & Peter Sussi (available on Rise Flix)

Ralph's Indie Film Highlight: BIRDMAN (2014) dir. by Alejandro González Iñárritu

Links:

Join Rise Flix Now

Follow Rise Flix On Instagram

Follow Ahmad Baqer On Instagram

Follow Ralph Calle-Shulz On Instagram