Of 877 US independent narrative features shot in 2017 received no theatrical release.
Stephen Follows & Bruce Nash, research originally published by American Film Market, 2019THE LAST
FILM MILE
For films. For filmmakers. For what comes next.
Audience insight, creative thinking and practical support to help independent films and the people behind them prepare for opportunities, connect with audiences and move forward.
We don't want films to get lost along the way.
We believe in independent filmmaking. In the ideas worth exploring, the stories worth telling and the people who put so much into bringing them to life.
But getting a film made is only part of the journey. Some projects struggle to get off the ground. Others make it through production only to face another set of challenges: finding partners, securing distribution, reaching audiences or simply keeping momentum alive.
And even when a film gets released, that doesn't guarantee it will be discovered.
We know there are no guarantees in this business. Not every project will find the backing, release or audience its makers hope for.
But we believe more can be done to help filmmakers prepare, explore possibilities, make connections and give their work the strongest chance of finding its way into the world.
The last mile is that final push between getting a film made and getting it released, promoted and seen.
That's why The Last Film Mile has been created.
Getting made.Getting released.Getting seen.
They're not the same thing. The route to an audience brings different challenges, and no single approach works for every film.
Release is not automatic.
Finishing a film does not guarantee a theatrical release, distribution agreement or a clear route to viewers.
Box office is only part of the picture.
Even where cinema is part of a release, theatrical performance varies widely. Success also depends on the film's aims, scale and wider opportunities.
The journey extends beyond cinemas.
Festivals, community screenings, television, streaming and other routes can play different roles, sometimes in combination.
Available doesn't mean watched.
A title appearing on a platform is not the same as an audience discovering, choosing and watching it.
A producer’s perspective
“Out of five films you develop, you might only be able to get one to the screen.”Rebecca O’Brien, evidence to UK Parliament, 2024 (quoted in 2025 committee report)
Thinking beyond the finish line.
Getting a film made is a major achievement. But there are opportunities worth exploring long before it's finished, around its initial release and well beyond its theatrical run.
DON'T PANIC.
We're not trying to put you off making films. Quite the opposite. Need a quick pep talk?
I haven't found my audience yet!
You don't have to reach everyone. Think about who might really connect with your film, and where you might find them. That's a useful place to begin.
Help! Have I left it too late?
You can't rewind, but you can work with where you are now. There may still be a conversation to have, a contact to make or an opportunity to explore.
I keep hitting brick walls.
Pushbacks are exhausting. They don't erase how far you've come. Sometimes a fresh pair of eyes and one manageable next step can help you find momentum again.
I need a little boost.
Remember what excited you about the film in the first place. That matters too. Take a moment, then tackle the next useful thing, not everything at once.
How we can help
Independent filmmaking involves competing priorities, limited resources and a great deal of work beyond the camera. Even when the ideas and ambitions are there, finding time to explore audiences, develop materials or investigate opportunities is not always straightforward.
Project Thinking & Preparation
Exploring ideas, clarifying priorities, considering project readiness and identifying useful questions, possibilities and next steps.
Materials & Communications
Reviewing, developing and improving pitch presentations, film information, publicity materials, promotional content and communications.
Audiences & Opportunities
Exploring potential audiences, communities, partnerships and promotional possibilities, from early development through to opportunities beyond a film's release.
This might involve looking at comparable films, identifying possibilities worth investigating or putting together a short horizon scan to inform future conversations and decisions.
How we work
Sometimes a conversation is enough. Sometimes you need an extra perspective in the room or someone to help get specific work done.
The Power Hour
A focused, paid 60 minute conversation to explore an idea, a question or possibilities worth considering. Light preparation, without a formal presentation or report.
An Extra Brain in the Room
An additional perspective in an existing team meeting, brainstorm or agreed series of discussions. No formal workshop or presentation required.
A Focused Assignment
A defined piece of research, writing, presentation development, communications or practical delivery, with an agreed brief, fee, timeframe and outputs.
About The Last Film Mile
The Last Film Mile builds on hands-on experience delivering film promotional and marketing campaigns for both independent productions and major studios, alongside extensive work directly with independent producers.
That experience brings a practical understanding of the challenges involved in preparing films for market, developing promotional materials, coordinating campaigns and identifying opportunities to reach audiences.
The Last Film Mile puts that experience to work, helping filmmakers think ahead, strengthen their materials and make informed decisions at different stages of their projects.
A few useful questions
When is the right time to get in touch?
At any stage, from early development to after release. Thinking ahead can create more options, but there may also be useful possibilities to explore further down the line.
What if we're already working with a producer, publicist or distributor?
That's fine. We can offer an additional perspective or help with a defined piece of work, rather than replacing the people already involved.
Do we need a specific brief?
Not for a Power Hour or an Extra Brain in the Room session. A question, idea or area you'd like to explore can be enough. Focused Assignments have an agreed brief.
Can we talk about other aspects of filmmaking?
Absolutely. Our three main areas of support reflect where we currently concentrate our practical work, but conversations can extend to financing, festivals, sales and representation, distribution, industry partnerships and release planning. We're happy to explore ideas and questions without claiming specialist services in every area. Some matters need advice from people with the relevant expertise.
Do we have to commit to a bigger project?
No. A conversation or meeting can be valuable on its own. Any further work is discussed and agreed separately.
Have a film project to discuss?
Whether you need a fresh perspective, help with promotional materials or support on a specific piece of work, get in touch.
Contact details to be added before publication.