I thought this was worth sharing, especially as discussions continue about non-traditional ways that filmmakers can take the production and distribution of their projects into their own hands, and reach their audiences directly (existing companies/organizations/initiatives aside – and there are several; consider this a continuation of the conversation, as well as a short history lesson).

Courtesy of the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival, recorded during this year's event, as part of the festival's A&E IndieFilms Speakeasy panel conversations that are free and open to the public.

This groundbreaking distribution company is democratically operated by over 100 filmmakers. Forty years ago, its four founding filmmakers were prescient in realizing filmmakers could empower themselves and take the process of reaching their audience into their own hands. In this conversation, the founders describe their successful business model. How has it responded to market changes over the years — 16mm to VHS to DVD and now streaming? And as membership has grown, how has New Day Films continued to keep its unprecedented democratic process intact? Panelists include New Day Films founders and filmmakers: Liane Brandon, Jim Klein, Julia Reichert, and Amalie R. Rothschild.

New Day delivers claims over 150 titles in its library. Collectively, New Day titles have won an Academy Award, 9 Academy Award nominations, 4 Emmys, and hundreds of awards at prestigious film festivals.