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No Film School’s GG Hawkins speaks with Kanopy’s Aaron Spears and Matt Lewis about curation, film discovery, and how independent films find audiences in a streaming landscape shaped by algorithms. The conversation covers Kanopy’s library- and university-based model, the importance of human-led programming, how poster art and social media influence discovery, and why theatrical and festival experiences still matter for the long-term life of a film.
In this episode, No Film School'se GG Hawkins and guests Aaron Spears and Matt Lewis discuss...
What Kanopy is and how it differs from subscription-based streamers like Netflix
Why Kanopy’s free, ad-free model through libraries and universities matters for film access
Aaron’s path from film programming and art house theaters to Kanopy’s content programming team
Matt’s background in entertainment marketing and how he brings that experience to Kanopy
How Kanopy’s programming team curates new titles each week
Why human taste, context, and browsing still matter in an algorithm-driven media landscape
How poster art, title design, and trailers shape audience expectations
What filmmakers should consider when creating key art for their films
How Kanopy uses social media clips and themed collections to help audiences discover films
Why niche programming, rock docs, horror, and repertory-style collections can build loyal audiences
How universities use Kanopy for coursework and casual film discovery
The continued importance of festivals, theatrical screenings, and communal moviegoing
Why libraries may be one of the most important access points for independent cinema
Upcoming Kanopy titles and programming, including I Really Love My Husband, Fright Fest, and The Napa Boys
Advice for emerging filmmakers interested in curation, marketing, and film culture
Memorable Quotes:
“The big headline is, it's free. And also no ads.”
“I really feel like browsing itself, this is probably the librarian in my head too, like browsing itself should be a pleasure.”
“I think if you can represent that with a poster, that really helps too.”
“Do your best to watch one movie a day.”
Guests:
Aaron Spears
Matt Lewis
Resources:
Kanopy
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