Getting a Distributor to Fund your Micro Budget Film with Joseph Mbah

The Honest Filmmaker

Chapters
0:00
Introduction to Joseph and his career
1:30
How Joseph got into filmmaking
3:32
What was the first serious production Joseph worked on?
9:52
Big up your previous films!
10:13
Visual effects - how it helps your filmmaking
11:51
How did Joseph afford the Red camera?
14:02
Sticking to a camera type
14:31
How does Joseph fund his films?
26:51
Working with distributors - has Joseph made money? Working with Netflix
31:56
Cutting trailers - making them work for your film
33:39
Getting the title of your film right
35:34
Whats the hardest part of the process?
38:48
What's the best part of filmmaking?
41:11
Film festivals - is it worth it?
43:10
Reboot or remake a film - what would it be?
44:23
Josephs Motto
45:23
Reasons to subscribe for more!
The Honest Filmmaker
Getting a Distributor to Fund your Micro Budget Film with Joseph Mbah
Mar 25, 2025 Episode 73
Jim Eaves

Send us a text

#moviemaking #indiefilm #movieproduction 

How to Get a Distributor to Fund Your Movie – Insights from Filmmaker Joseph Mbah

How do you get a distributor to fund your micro-budget movie? I sat down with filmmaker Joseph Mbah to find out.

Joseph has navigated the ups and downs of independent filmmaking. After a tough experience with sales and distribution on his first feature, he refined his approach. Now, he secures funding from private investors and even gets distributors to finance his films.

In our conversation, Joseph shared his step-by-step process—from where he started to how he built strong relationships with distributors. We also discussed:

  • How he gets his films funded by distributors
  • The role of visual effects in advancing his career
  • The importance of artwork and trailers for streaming platforms
  • How one of his films landed on Netflix (and how much they paid)

If you're an indie filmmaker looking to get your movie funded and distributed, this interview is packed with valuable insights. Let’s dive in—starting with Joseph’s journey into filmmaking.



Check out the re-release of Jim's first solo directing feature The Witches Hammer - out now on amazon 
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B0F235F4T8/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

For regular updates and exclusive content - sign up for The Honest Filmmaker newsletter
https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/e-newsletter/

Join The Honest Filmmaker community on our Facebook Group or Discord
https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/join-the-community/

HONEST, OPEN ADVICE ABOUT YOUR FILMMAKING CAREER

Are you about to leave Uni with a filmmaking degree? Or want to change careers and work in a creative industry? We want to give you the tools you need to enter the real world of production or freelancing. Honest and open career advice from people in the business.

We also talk to those in other creative industries to discuss their careers, the potential cross over with film production and practical tips for a successful and fulfilling career.

Join the community: http://www.thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk