Funding Your FeatureA panel discussion from Misty Flicks Film Festival 2025 exploring the many pathways filmmakers use to finance and bring their feature films to life.
Misty Flicks Labs
Misty Flicks Labs exists to support filmmakers beyond the festival. Since 2018, we've been creating opportunities to connect, learn, develop skills, and build industry relationships.
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Upcoming events
Masterclasses at Misty Flicks
Know Your Audience - Mark Westerby
You’ve got a poster and a trailer. But is that enough to reach your audience?
In an increasingly crowded marketplace, filmmakers need to think differently about how they get their projects in front of the right people.
And that’s exactly what Mark Westerby will explore in Know Your Audience, a masterclass at this year’s Misty Flicks Film Festival. Mark will share how filmmakers can use behind-the-scenes, EPK and other bespoke marketing content to help their projects connect with their audience.
Drawing on examples from film and television projects he’s worked on, Mark will unpack how different content is conceived, created and used — and why it all starts with understanding exactly who you’re trying to reach.
Every project has a different audience, identity and pathway to market. Define your audience early, and you’re better placed to create content that speaks directly to them, builds interest and gives your project the best chance of being discovered.
Expect plenty of practical examples of BTS and EPK material, along with the thinking and strategy behind them.
Know Your Audience with Mark Westerby
Saturday, 7 November, 2.00pm
The Regent Theatre, Te Awamutu
From Short Film to Sundance - Alix Whittaker
How do you go from making music videos to premiering a feature film at Sundance?
Good question. And Alix Whittaker is going to share her experience with us.
Alix is leading one of our two Masterclasses at this year’s Misty Flicks Film Festival, taking us behind the scenes of the decade+ journey to getting her first feature film off the ground. And nope, it wasn’t a straight line.
There were music videos and 48Hours films. Feature ideas that didn’t become the first feature. Screenplay development. Taking a film to market. Making a short film to prove the concept. Finding partners. Financing. Then actually making the film.
And taking it to Sundance.
Alix will talk candidly about what it really takes to get a funded first feature film made in Aotearoa and help untangle some of the mystery around how you get from "I want to make a feature" to "We’re making a feature".
You’ll get to see the short film Help, I’m Alien Pregnant, and then it’s into the talk.
From Short Film to Sundance with Alix Whittaker
Sunday, 8 November, 9.00am
Regent Theatre, Te Awamutu
Book here
