How to sell your film direct to Distributors

with Marc Marriott

Filmmaker Marc Marriott shares how his international path—from the UK to Japan—influenced his approach to directing. He reflects on studying under legendary Japanese director Yoji Yamada, whose mentorship shaped his creative instincts and storytelling style. Marc’s deep respect for Yamada’s work and his time in Japan helped set the foundation for his debut feature film, Tokyo Cowboy in ‘How to sell your film direct to distributors‘.

Making Tokyo Cowboy: Financing, Language, and Vision

Marc opens up about the creative and financial journey behind Tokyo Cowboy, a bilingual indie comedy/drama that crosses cultural lines. From raising funds for a unique international story to directing actors in both English and Japanese, Marc discusses the challenges and triumphs of making a film across two languages—and two film markets. He also reveals whether or not he actually speaks Japanese!

Getting Your Indie Film Into Cinemas

One of the biggest highlights of Marc’s story is how he sold his film directly to distributors. Skipping traditional sales agents, he pitched his completed film himself, leading to a theatrical release in both Japan and the U.S. Marc breaks down his approach, how he built industry relationships, and what other filmmakers can learn from his hands-on distribution experience.

Film Festival Tips from the Trenches

With real-world experience on the festival circuit, Marc shares practical tips for submitting and screening your film at festivals. From understanding programming priorities to making connections with buyers and press, he explains how to get the most value out of a festival appearance—beyond just having your film shown.

Advice for First-Time Feature Directors

Marc closes out the episode with his biggest advice for anyone working on their debut feature. He talks about the importance of confidence, preparation, and having clear answers as a director. Whether you’re shooting in your hometown or across the globe, Marc’s insights are essential listening for indie filmmakers navigating their first big project.

Interested in Drama/Comedy?

Want to hear from another filmmaker that released her debut film on streaming platforms? Check out my chat with Tiffany Kim Stevens in How to release your film on Apple TV

Want to know more about Marc? Check out his IMDB page