MAXIMIZING AUDIENCE & REVENUE

PBS: reach a massive audience & find underwriters

I’ve helped filmmakers raise over $2 million by securing a PBS broadcast and pitching niche foundations and companies that will sponsor your broadcast.

TAKE THE FREE COURSE

I’ll introduce you to how PBS and underwriting works

My approach has helped filmmakers secure their broadcast then raise underwriting support from companies, foundations, and nonprofits.

This mini course will is both an introduction to the PBS system and an actionable outline of how you can reach a large national audience and raise significant funding for your film.

Here’s what we cover:

  • Part 1: Intro to PBS & Underwriting
  • Part 2: Securing a Broadcast
  • Part 4: Pro Tips & Success Stories
  • Part 5: Sample PBS Pitch Decks

About Your Instructor

Keith Ochwat

Keith is the founder of the Show&Tell virtual screening platform and leads the Show&Tell educational course.

After producing his own documentaries for 12 years, he’s advised hundreds of filmmakers on their distribution fundraising strategy.

He's delivered keynote presentations on distribution at filmmaking organizations like IDA and IFP and his work has appeared in IndieWire and Documentary Magazine.

“After many years of producing my own films and working with other filmmakers, it’s become clear that longevity in this industry is about understanding and creating direct connections with your audience. My goal with Show&Tell is to empower filmmakers with the knowledge, tools and community they need to succeed in today’s ever-changing distribution landscape.”
My approach to fundraising and distribution has been featured in:

Production & Post

Success stories from Show&Tell members and a look at our Virtual Screening Platform in use

  • While in post, the team booked 3 virtual events

  • Virtual event sponsorship fees totalled $9,000

  • Helped cash-flow final edits & deliverables for PBS

  • Work-in-progress virtual event to raise funds

  • Promoted by Opera League of LA

  • Sponsored by Italian food company Eataly

Distribution

Success stories from Show&Tell members and a look at our Virtual Screening Platform in use

  • First event: $7,000 in ticket sales

  • To date: $100,000+ during first 14 events

  • Launched a national virtual tour partnering with symphony orchestras across the country

  • Hosted 37 events generating $110,000

  • Partnered with top universities like the University of Georgia and advocacy groups like Best Buddies

  • Some event hosts also sponsored PBS broadcast

  • Hosted 70 virtual events to date and plan to do 250

  • Generated $46,000+ in ticket sales and donations

  • Shared $10,000+ in donations with the film’s subject

  • First virtual event raised over $20,000 

  • Event supported rare disease research

  • Coverage on CBS Morning News drove traffic

  • Virtual event raised over $21,000 

  • Event supported hostels along the Spanish Camino 

  • Team is planning a virtual event to raise $1 million

  • First virtual event raised over $14,000

  • Coverage in Forbes Magazine drove traffic

  • Led to sponsorships & events totaling $50,000+

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