u/onegalband

Like the title says, I work for an indie film distribution company (will not specify which one for privacy reasons). A distribution company is in simplest terms, the company that takes the finished movie, and releases it into the world (theaters, streamers, on demand, etc.).

I’ve noticed that a large number of the filmmakers we work with have very little idea what this means, how distribution works, and what to expect. I also know how minimal the education about distribution is in even the top film school programs. Making a film is one thing, but selling it and releasing it is a whole other ballgame. That being said, I hope I can answer some questions you may have about the distro process, whether you’re hoping to sell a project, or are just curious. Here are some details about what I do:

- My work handles indie feature films of a variety of genres (notably horror and romcoms more recently).
- I’m mainly on the distribution (releasing), operations, and marketing sides. But, I started out in the acquisitions department so I am familiar with some things over there.
- We distribute in the US.
- I work with talent anywhere on the spectrum from first time filmmakers and small actors, to A-List names (will not name anyone specific again for privacy).
- I have experience on the filmmaker end as well.

Happy to answer what I’m able to about this side of the business.

Please do not ask for me to name specific titles, talent, or any identifying information that could place where I work!

Please do not pitch to me. While I’m sure it’s great, I will not forward your project!

Contamination and fear of illness are not usually significant in my OCD, but I’m noticing that this cyclospora outbreak is slowly becoming more of a source of anxiety for me, and it’s beginning to trigger my research compulsion.

I’ve been avoiding the obvious foods (lettuce, bagged greens) and have even been avoiding other foods that are common sources (berries, green onions, cilantro, etc.). The fact that we have no concrete list of products that are causing this outbreak is what’s troubling me, since I feel like I can’t guarantee anything is safe. For those who don’t know, Taylor Farms products are considered a highly potential source for one outbreak, but they’re saying there is now a second outbreak, and no one knows anything for sure — they’re suspecting that this one could be from cilantro, parsley, or another green.

I just ate a “garlic and herb cheese spread” and noticed that the ingredients contain parsley flakes (manufactured with heat that would kill cyclospora) and chives (not a common source but close to green onions in my mind, which are common). I found myself growing panicky, searching up the outbreak/recalls, and afraid to eat. Logically, I shouldn’t be worrying about this, especially because I’m nowhere near the state listed in the second outbreak, and neither of these ingredients should be of concern! I’m also stressed about going to a planned brunch tomorrow at a restaurant, since I can’t see the food being made and can’t guarantee everything is “safe” and not contaminated. This isn’t typical of me, but this outbreak has officially gotten under my skin. :/

If this is also affecting you, how are you coping with it? I think it would be helpful to hear that I’m not alone in this, and get some advice from other OCD-havers. Thanks.

(I am diagnosed with OCD.)

As a Mac lover, I was really sad to see that they reformulated one of their very popular shades in their new Lustreglass Lipstick launch.

“Alone Time” used to be a cool toned, mauvey/nude, and grew extremely popular last year due to going viral on TikTok as one of the few great cool toned shades on the market. This shade was a lot of people’s go-to (including mine). They recently reformulated the existing Lustreglass line and the new Alone Time isn’t like the OG at all. It’s now warmer, has an orangey undertone, and a slight gold shimmer. It might as well be a new shade.

Obviously, many people are upset with this. There’s ton of comments, content, posts, etc. where people are asking Mac 1) why not make a new shade??? and 2) can we have our old shade back??

That being said: I’m curious if any of you have a success story about when a brand has changed a beloved product, and consumers’ reactions have actually prompted them to reverse or re-adjust the product to be more like, if not THE, original product?

Are we all begging into the void? Probably. But I’m curious if Alone Time lovers should have any hope here. Thanks!