How one filmmaker considered his film a loss after COVID but went on to secure a national PBS broadcast and over $265,000 in partnerships and sponsors.

‍

Rob Beemer, a veteran producer with over 25 years of experience programming shows for the likes of the History Channel and Discovery, decided he wanted to step into the indie documentary world. Featuring leading mindfulness experts, Deepak Chopra and Jewel, his film The Mindfulness Movement was set for a New York City theatrical premiere in March of 2020.

‍

The original distribution plan was suddenly down the drain due to COVID. Like many filmmakers during the shutdown, Rob was forced to scramble and put the film on TVOD on the website and then Amazon, Apple TV etc in order to recoup some of the funds that he had put towards the theatrical release. Rob found Show&Tell in 2022, and had essentially written his film off as a loss. After hearing Keith and industry guests like leaders in the PBS space, including the VP of NETA, Angee Simmons, he decided to give it a go and secured a PBS broadcast.

‍

“I joined in 2022, and I thought, oh man I would have done things so much differently if I'd known all this”‍

‍

Once he secured a broadcast it was time to find sponsors. Underwriting was a whole new challenge, but one that he was more than ready to accept. He hired Nick Kelso (Outreach Guru and longtime friend of Show&Tell) to help with partner outreach. Using targeted campaigns and reconnecting with individuals he had met during the early stages of his film, he secured a total of $265,000 from 5 partners.

‍‍

The Mindfulness Movement had its PBS broadcast premiere in January of 2024 for Mental Wellness month, and has aired over 600 times. 

‍‍

“I'm just so grateful for Show&Tell. I thought I was done making money off of this film in 2022. The PBS premiere was January 2024 and it became a whole other source of income that I never thought possible.”

‍

Rob is currently working on new projects and will be seeking a PBS broadcast and partner-driven distribution opportunities for his new work. 

‍

Want to learn more about securing PBS underwriting and national broadcasts? Check out our Unlocking PBS Guide

‍

‍

‍