Introducing: Bright Iris Film Co.
Launching a new business in the middle of a pandemic—when the entire film industry has been turned on its head, no less—is either the worst idea ever…or the best. Ever the optimist, let’s go with the latter!
This is Bright Iris Film Co., and it’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.
The agency formerly known as 11th Street Lot Marketing & Publicity has been completely reimagined over the last few months, and I’m beyond thrilled to finally share it with you. Since starting the company in early 2017, my goal has always been to work with people, projects and companies as passionate about the movies as I am. To that end, the last three years have been some of the best of my professional life, helping to bring incredible films and events to eager audiences around the country while growing a network of inspiring colleagues and connections who make this work worth doing.
How did we get to here?
When I started the company, this was all a bit of a flying leap—I knew the kind of work I wanted to do, and I hung out a shingle to be able to do it. That was pretty much the extent of my plan back then. As 2020 began, things were really looking up for the agency! We had more clients on deck than ever and a growing team of associates on board to help deliver on it all. Then, COVID happened and—like the rest of the world—everything changed very quickly. Film festivals were canceled. Theatrical releases were scrapped. As we all adjusted to a “new normal,” it seemed like the perfect time to take a step back, rethink the business and re-emerge stronger than ever.
Which makes this relaunch even more meaningful. We’re going all in, committing to work that serves clients and builds connections. For so long, I thought I’d land a seat on someone else’s rocket ship. And then one day, I wisened up and started to build my own. Today, we’re blasting off to discover galaxies unknown.
And things couldn’t look more exciting. In the last few months, the newly minted Bright Iris Film Co. has had the privilege of working with some of the most exciting independent films of the moment. We’ve spearheaded the virtual theatrical rollout of FLANNERY, garnering national and niche press coverage (The New York Times, National Review, RogerEbert.com, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Chicago SunTimes and many, many more); implementing targeted social media and email marketing campaigns; and booking the film to more than 100 virtual cinemas in the U.S. and Canada. We’ve secured critical acclaim for WORKING MAN starring legends like Peter Gerety and Talia Shire, supporting a home entertainment release that resulted in a Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. We’ve championed indie gems like HOLY TRINITY, MY FIRST AND LAST FILM and WE BELIEVE IN DINOSAURS while repping organizations like Full Spectrum Features and the Chicago Film Critics Association.
With all that going for us and even more exciting work ahead, Bright Iris Film Co. (by the way, how great is that name?!) is as committed as ever to the work of connecting films to audiences. With the new name, a suite of services more robust than ever and a team at the ready in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and beyond, we’ll help you achieve ever grander marquees and ever bolder headlines. Sounds like fun, doesn’t it?
When you’re ready to get started, get in touch. We can’t wait.