What does it really take to finance, package and distribute a profitable independent film?

In this episode of Cut to the Deal, ZB Siwek speaks with producer, director and private-equity professional Garrett Patten about the realities of building film projects from the ground up. Garrett shares lessons from working across roughly 15 films, producing alongside names including Matt Damon, working with Adrian Grenier and helping bring the award-winning Bitcoin thriller Self-Custody to millions of viewers.

They discuss why distributors still ask “Who’s in it?” before anything else, how filmmakers can solve the financing-and-talent chicken-and-egg problem, and what actually motivates wealthy individuals to invest in films.

Garrett also explains how filmmakers without industry connections can build meaningful relationships, why festivals should be approached with a long-term mindset, and how emerging filmmakers can use vertical content, influencers and proof-of-concept projects to create opportunities.

The conversation also explores the difficult economics of modern independent-film distribution, declining streaming revenues, the importance of marketing your own release and how AI could transform production without replacing filmmakers entirely.

WATCH SELF CUSTODY:
https://www.primevideo.com/region/eu/detail/0IHGFJHRXA6ECNMY7UIMPE3OGV




Connect with Garrett Patten:
imdb.com/name/nm11350364
https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrett-patten-913321159/

Connect with ZB Siwek:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/zb-siwek-55938442/

Learn More About Cine Circle:

https://www.cinecircle.co.uk/



Follow us on socials!


https://www.youtube.com/@CineCircleFilms/videos


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CHAPTERS
00:00 – Garrett Patten’s journey from private equity to filmmaking
03:45 – What makes a film marketable?
07:16 – Building connections and meeting film financiers
14:43 – What film investors really want
19:18 – How Self-Custody reached millions of viewers
26:27 – The brutal reality of indie-film distribution
33:00 – Making a low-budget film more marketable
35:20 – AI, vertical content and the future of filmmaking

In this episode ZB Siwek sits down with Film Creator, VC Partner, and New Forest founder Simon David Miller to explore one of the most important questions facing filmmakers today:

How will AI reshape the film industry and what does that mean for creators, jobs, ethics, and storytelling?

Simon shares his unique perspective from a career spanning investment banking, music, startups, and film, including his work at EMI, Abbey Road, and now New Forest an AI-driven film company focused on human-led storytelling.

This is a deep, honest conversation about:

How AI can radically reduce film production costs
Why human authorship still matters (artistically, ethically, and commercially)
The real job risks facing filmmakers—and how to future-proof your career
AI audience simulation and testing content before release
The collision between traditional film, AI filmmaking, and the creator economy
Hyper-personalised content, truth, and the risk of infinite media
Whether AI filmmaking is “lazy” or actually harder than traditional production
Hybrid filmmaking: combining real actors with AI to cut costs
Why distribution power is shifting to YouTube, TikTok, and direct audiences
What skills filmmakers should be learning right now to stay relevant
Simon also breaks down practical AI workflows filmmakers can experiment with today covering writing, visuals, animation, VFX, and distribution—while stressing the importance of authenticity, responsibility, and audience connection.

If you’re a filmmaker worried about the future, curious about AI, or trying to build sustainable, profitable projects in a changing industry, this episode is essential listening

Learn more about Simon David Miller:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/simondavidmiller/
New Forest Film:
http://www.newforestfilm.com

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to AI in Filmmaking
03:17 The Role of AI in Film Production
05:54 Audience Simulation Technology
08:57 Job Security in the Age of AI
12:47 The Human Element in AI-Driven Content
13:51 AI as a Creative Tool
18:06 The Future of Human-Led Content
20:44 The Impact of AI Influencers
23:35 The Need for Regulation in AI
26:17 Hyper-Personalization and Truth in Content
29:57 The Future of Content Creation
36:55 The Desire for Authenticity in Content Creation
38:51 Wants vs. Needs: The Essence of Storytelling
42:00 Ethics in Storytelling and AI
48:16 Environmental Impact of AI in Filmmaking
55:22 Practical AI Tools for Filmmakers
01:00:51 Hybrid Filmmaking: Blending AI and Real Actors
01:07:06 Building a Personal Brand in the New Era

Connect with ZB Siwek:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zb-siwek-55938442/

Learn More About Cine Circle:
https://www.cinecircle.co.uk/

Explore our live in person and virtual events:
https://www.eventbrite.com/o/cine-circle-uk-17697994790

Follow us on social!
https://www.youtube.com/@CineCircleFilms/videos
https://www.tiktok.com/@cinecircle
https://instagram.com/cinecircleuk
https://x.com/cinecircle_uk

In this conversation, Terry Winnan shares his unique journey from engineering to filmmaking, detailing how he transitioned into the film industry while still managing his engineering business. He discusses the challenges of funding and producing his feature film, which was developed from three short films, and the strategies he employed for distribution and marketing. Terry emphasizes the importance of understanding audience expectations and the impact of social media on film promotion. He also reflects on the lessons learned from viewer feedback and his plans for future projects.


Takeaways
Terry transitioned from engineering to filmmaking due to a passion for creative writing and video editing.
His feature film was funded by his engineering company, allowing him creative freedom.
Managing a film project is similar to running a business, which helped him navigate the filmmaking process.
The feature film was developed from three short films, creating a cohesive anthology.
Terry chose to bypass film festivals for his second and third films to expedite the release.
He opted for IndieRights as a distributor due to their favorable terms and support.
Quality control is crucial for film submission; proper file naming and formats are essential.
A strong marketing strategy, including a well-designed poster, can significantly impact viewer engagement.
Social media plays a vital role in promoting films; consistency in posting is key.
Viewer expectations can greatly influence reviews; positive feedback often comes from unexpected sources.

Watch Terry Winnan's Film: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt36914087/

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Filmmaking Journey
02:51 Transitioning from Engineering to Filmmaking
05:51 Funding and Producing the Feature Film
09:04 Creating a Film Anthology
12:02 Distribution Strategies and Film Festivals
15:13 Choosing the Right Distributor
18:01 Film Release Timeline and Quality Control
20:55 Marketing and Poster Design
23:56 Social Media Strategy and Engagement
27:05 Understanding Viewer Expectations and Reviews
29:58 Future Plans and Lessons Learned

Connect with ZB Siwek:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zb-siwek-55938442/

Learn More About Cine Circle:
https://www.cinecircle.co.uk/

Explore our live in person and virtual events:
https://www.eventbrite.com/o/cine-circle-uk-17697994790

Follow us on social!
https://www.youtube.com/@CineCircleFilms/videos
https://www.tiktok.com/@cinecircle
https://instagram.com/cinecircleuk
https://x.com/cinecircle_uk