Shaula Evans at 2013-05-06 18:21:39:

What an inspiring story. Scott, it sounds like you are doing most of this already *without* the $30 million! (I truly hope you get a payoff for all the great things you're doing.) Re: microbudget movies - I know you and Tom have a new course on budget screenwriting which I'm really excited about. Without cannibalizing your class content, what would you think about writing more about that topic at GITS? It's hard to find good information and with so many screenwriters making their own movies it would be really helpful. If I won a lottery and I was putting together a production company, my first smart move would be to hire you! (Or at least get you on board as a consultant.) After that, in terms of a business model, I'd look for sources of good data on underserved niche communities (yup, starting with Boomers) and analyze how to make and deliver those movies for a good ROI. Why compete with the big studios for 18-35 year old males when there's a whole world of people out there no one's catering to? And I can't tell you how thrilled I would be to see an annual online Quest microbudget film festival!

larry_barker@btinternet.com at 2013-05-07 05:14:07:

I think distribution is the key. With my winning I'd create (here in the UK) and Indy cinema chain along the Alamo Drafthouse model, showing Indy & UK releases along with themed nights of classics. Link that in with an on-line distribution channel and in-cinema DVD store. As costs of production come down, distribution will increasingly be the barrier to independent success - I'd like to do my bit to crack that particular nut. Now, wher'e' that Lottery ticket.....