Think Outside the Box Office Workshop- Presented by Jon Reiss

On October 20–21, 2011, the Flyway Film Festival will welcome director/author Jon Reiss, who will present his widely-acclaimed two-day workshop for filmmakers. This workshop, focused on introducing participants to the world of hybrid distribution and marketing, will cover a spectrum of topics from state of the industry to creating a comprehensive plan and unique marketing strategy for your film.

Reiss, named one of “10 Digital Directors to Watch” by Daily Variety, will also deliver the Flyway Film Festival Keynote Address during opening night celebrations at the Lake Pepin Art & Design Center on the evening of October 20.

Reiss’s past feature credits include Cleopatra’s Second Husband, a dark psychological drama, which won Best First Feature at Cinequest and a documentary, Better Living Through Circuitry, a startling, humorous and entertaining glimpse into rave culture, which had numerous screenings on Showtime and Sundance Channel, as well as a worldwide DVD/VHS release.

His most recent feature, Bomb It, is about graffiti and the battle over visual public space throughout the world. Based on his experience releasing this film with a hybrid strategy, he authored the book Think Outside the Box Office: The Ultimate Guide to Film Distribution in the Digital Era. He speaks around the world at film festivals, schools and organizations on this topic.

Reiss has directed music videos many nationally-recognized acts. His video for Nine Inch Nails, “Happiness in Slavery,” won awards at the Chicago and San Francisco film festivals and was voted Top Ten by the Village Voice Critics Poll for Best Music Video. In 1995, the Toronto Film Festival curated a retrospective of Reiss’ music videos.

Reiss received his MFA from the UCLA Film School and currently teaches film at the California Institute for the Arts.

“Jon’s workshop is an excellent starting point for any filmmaker preparing to launch their project into today’s complicated distribution landscape” says Flyway Executive Director Rick Vaicius. “We are pleased to offer this deep dive into alternate marketing and distribution for all interested filmmakers and industry professionals.”