In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with Debra Gilels — a veteran film PR strategist, producer’s rep, and distribution consultant who has helped launch award-winning documentaries and indie features into global release.

With over 20 years of experience guiding films from festivals to streaming platforms, Debra breaks down how distribution really works today, why most filmmakers misunderstand the process, and what creators must do before seeking a distribution deal.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• 🎯 How to use the film festival circuit to build an audience before distribution
• 📣 Why PR and marketing must start long before your release date
• 🧩 How documentaries secure advocacy groups and partner communities
• 💼 What distributors actually look for when acquiring indie films
• 💰 Minimum guarantees, contract terms, and revenue splits explained
• 📊 Why social media presence affects your distribution leverage
• 🚀 How to drive visibility on VOD and streaming platforms
• 🏆 Real-world case studies of documentaries and indie features that succeeded
• 🔍 The difference between self-distribution and professional sales agents

Debra explains why simply uploading a film to Amazon Prime is not a distribution strategy — and how smart filmmakers combine festival exposure, PR outreach, audience-building, and sales representation to maximize both impact and revenue.

If you're a filmmaker, producer, documentary creator, or festival director trying to understand how films get picked up, marketed, and monetized in today’s crowded content landscape — this episode is essential listening.