Independent filmmakers face challenges in distributing their work, reaching audiences and generating revenue. Khoa Le, founder and CEO of Sutudu Pictures, is working to address those challenges through an approach that combines marketing, distribution, streaming and theatrical releases.

On the latest episode of Garden State Greenlight, Le discusses why he created Sutudu Pictures, the company’s approach to independent film distribution and the launch of Sutudu Cinema, a network designed to expand theatrical opportunities for independent films.

Le explains how his experience as a filmmaker helped him identify gaps in the distribution process, including a lack of transparency, limited marketing resources and difficulty connecting films with audiences. Sutudu Pictures aims to help filmmakers position their projects, build audiences, pursue theatrical releases and reach international markets.

The conversation also explores Sutudu Cinema’s goal of partnering with independent theaters and other venues to create more screens for films that might struggle to secure traditional theatrical distribution. Le discusses why he believes filmmakers should consider theatrical releases before turning to streaming, giving their films more time to build audiences and generate revenue.

Le also shares his perspective on the biggest challenges facing independent filmmakers, including financing, understanding the business side of filmmaking and developing realistic distribution strategies. He discusses opportunities for New Jersey’s film industry, including its tax incentives and production resources, while highlighting concerns about regulations and the costs of filming in the state.

Looking ahead, Le describes his vision for a more sustainable independent film industry in which filmmakers can earn a living from their work, investors can recoup their funding and successful projects can create opportunities for future productions.

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As New Jersey’s film and television industry continues to grow, Montclair Film is expanding its role as a festival, year-round cinema, education organization and connection point for filmmakers and audiences.

On the latest episode of Garden State Greenlight, Tricia Haggerty Wenz, executive director of Montclair Film, and Tom Hall, artistic director, join ROI-NJ Multimedia Journalist Thomas Philip to discuss the upcoming Montclair Film Festival and the organization’s place in New Jersey’s growing entertainment industry.

The Montclair Film Festival, running Oct. 16-25, features films and appearances from filmmakers and talent including Ava DuVernay, Tony Gilroy, Jesse Eisenberg, Paul Giamatti and Julianne Moore. Haggerty Wenz and Hall discuss how the festival has grown into an important destination for filmmakers and audiences, particularly since moving from May to October and becoming part of the fall awards-season circuit.

The conversation also explores Montclair Film’s expanding role in New Jersey’s production ecosystem. The organization is developing education, production assistance and workforce programs designed to help people gain experience and find opportunities on film sets while connecting emerging filmmakers with the state’s growing production infrastructure.

Haggerty Wenz and Hall also discuss the importance of creating career pathways beyond directing and writing, including production assistant, camera, editing and other below-the-line roles. They highlight programs such as Reel Thursdays, which brings more than 100 industry professionals together each month to network, find jobs and develop new collaborations.

Looking ahead, the pair discuss how Montclair Film hopes to deepen its relationships with New Jersey studios, expand education and workforce development programs and help create a more sustainable film industry in the state. They also examine broader industry challenges, including studio consolidation, the availability of work for crews and the future of theatrical exhibition.

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New Jersey filmmaker Alec Palumbo joins ROI-NJ Multimedia Journalist Thomas Philip on the latest episode of Garden State Greenlight to discuss his journey from making short films to producing his first feature-length documentary.

Palumbo discusses the challenges of financing projects independently, the importance of building relationships through film festivals and networking, and the lessons he has learned from producing a feature.

He also discusses his documentary, “I Called Her Mary,” which was filmed in New Jersey, and the process of submitting the project to film festivals.

The conversation also explores Palumbo’s outlook on the future of New Jersey’s film industry, including the expansion of studio infrastructure and new opportunities for independent filmmakers across the state.

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Get all of the latest New Jersey business news on ROI-NJ.com.