Industry Insights – The EFM Podcast is presented by the European Film Market of the Berlinale.

In this episode of Industry Insights, Alex Stolz (head of Audience, Usheru) is joined by Jen Davies, Co-Founder of UK and Ireland distributor Conic, for a conversation on audience engagement, film distribution, and the findings of the newly released Resilient Film Marketing Playbook. Drawing on research with distributors across Europe as well as hands-on experience from recent film releases, the discussion explores how independent films can cut through an increasingly crowded marketplace, build momentum, and turn audience awareness into cinema attendance. Topics include event-driven marketing, audience communities, strategic partnerships, campaign data, and the challenge of converting online engagement into real-world action. The episode also looks ahead at how artificial intelligence is beginning to shape film discovery and what distributors can do to ensure their films remain visible and relevant in a rapidly evolving media landscape. A practical and forward-looking conversation for distributors, marketers, exhibitors, and anyone interested in the future of film audiences.

Alex Stolz is head of Audience for technology company usheru, delivering marketing solutions to the global film industry He is also Founder and CEO of Future of Film, the platform and incubator dedicated to transforming how screen IP is developed, financed and shared worldwide. He is also host of the Future of Film and Marketing and Distribution podcasts.

Jen Davies is co-founder and co-director of Conic, an independent UK/Irish distributor of bold and original films. Conic releases a mix of narrative and documentary titles, bringing great cinema to audiences across the UK and Ireland. Previously, Jen spent a decade as Creative Director at Park Circus, overseeing international campaigns for classic reissues and new releases. Before that, she was Head of Communications and Marketing at Glasgow Film.

The Berlinale’s European Film Market is the first international film market of the year, where the film industry starts its business. Industry Insights - The EFM Podcast puts a spotlight on highly topical and trendsetting industry issues, thereby creating a compass for the forthcoming film year. The year-round podcast co-funded by Creative Europe MEDIA.