ABOUT
HOW WE ARE DIFFERENT.
Every film and filmmaker is different. Your distribution goals are as unique as the film you made. This is what gets us excited – finding the precise methods that will work best for you and your film.
Jon and the team are not just distribution specialists – we are also filmmakers ourselves. We understand firsthand the challenges you face in today’s increasingly cutthroat, ever-changing distribution landscape. We bring a filmmaker’s mindset to our collaborative approach working alongside our filmmakers throughout all stages of a release, fostering an ethic of resourcefulness, empathy and care, adding clarity and lightness to what can otherwise be a daunting and stressful process.
Our emphasis on building and harnessing impactful relationships is central to our work. We work closely with you to get to know your film, your unique goals, and your artistic vision inside and out. We collaborate with you on an actionable plan that will position your film to stand out, resonate deeply with audiences, and create real-world impact – all while remaining faithful to your ethos, aesthetic, and values.
Importantly: 8 Above helps you to distribute your film, but you will always retain all rights to your film.
“There are few consultants, in any field, who are primarily motivated by love — but in Jon’s case, it clearly his love of film that motivates him to do his work. This makes him a passionate, invaluable resource for filmmakers looking to find their audience.”
JEFFREY KUSAMA-HINTE, PRODUCER
The Kids Are All Right, Thirteen, Laurel Canyon
THE TEAM
JON REISS
Founder 8 Above
JON REISS is a critically acclaimed filmmaker, author, and media strategist whose experiences successfully releasing his second documentary feature, “Bomb It” led him to want to help others distribute and market their films.
Jon has led workshops, spoken at conferences, and written a book titled: Think Outside the Box Office, which was the first ever step-by-step guide to independent distribution and marketing in the U.S. He is now thought of as one of the leading foremost experts on the split rights/hybrid distribution and marketing of films both here in the States and globally.
For the last 15 years, under the auspices of banner 8 Above, Jon has helped dozens of filmmakers, companies and organizations successfully connect with audiences and profitably release their films; he has consulted for Paramount Pictures, Screen Australia, Film In-dependent, Creative Scotland, The South Australian Film Corporation and numerous film schools and festivals and was one of the founding creators of the IFP Filmmaker Lab. Jon is a frequent contributor to Filmmaker Magazine, Huffington Post, Indiewire, Screen Daily, and Moviemaker Magazine.
A graduate of UCLA film school, Jon got his start in filmmaking and distribution at the infamous San Francisco documentary collective Target Video. He not only shot seminal bands such as Black Flag, Iggy Pop, Throbbing Gristle, The Cramps, TSOL but was one of the first – if not the first person to conceptualize and execute video tours throughout Europe, carting 500 lbs of video deck and projector in a VW Bus across 15,000 miles.
She recently joined 8 Above where she continues to bring engaging programming to audiences across the country. Cindy lives in Connecticut and enjoys reading, cooking and watching movies.
CINDY BANACH
Theatrical Booker
CHRIS HORTON
Distribution & Strategy
Chris Horton is an accomplished entertainment executive with deep expertise in film distribution, marketing, and acquisitions. He spent nearly a decade at the Sundance Institute, where he led the innovative Creative Distribution Initiative and Artist Services programs.
During his tenure at Sundance, Horton worked with hundreds of filmmakers to market and release their work through a pioneering distribution model, brokering novel deals with partners including Amazon, Apple, Hulu, and Netflix. Notable films released under his leadership include Columbus, BURN, Thunder Road, and Unrest.
Previously, Horton served as Head of Acquisitions and first employee at FilmBuff, and earlier worked in film sales at John Sloss’ Cinetic Media.
He lives in Eugene, Oregon with his wife and two children, and is a graduate of the University of Colorado. Outside of work, he enjoys beer league hockey and listening to the Grateful Dead.
Grace has over a decade of experience in content marketing, SEO, and project management. Currently based in Nairobi, Kenya, she thrives in remote environments, providing exceptional support to businesses around the globe.
Grace currently serves as a Distribution and Marketing Assistant at 8 Above, where she supports all of 8 Above’s campaigns, online classes and webinars and creates social content and manages social media accounts. Previously, she held the position of Content Marketing Project Manager for a diverse array of clients in various sectors, from tech startups to social enterprises, leading a remote team to create and optimize content.
With a background in operations and event management, Grace continuously seeks opportunities to innovate and enhance processes, as she is committed to empowering teams and businesses to operate more efficiently.
GRACE KIHUMBA
Distribution & Lab Manager
WHY 8 ABOVE?
WHAT OUR CLIENTS ARE SAYING
“Jon's deep knowledge, commitment, creativity, and encouragement never left me and I seek to pass it on. I felt seen and appreciated by my Jon in a way that fueled my courage to stick with the field, no matter how challenging or daunting. And, when I think of him, I never feel alone. No matter how many years go by, I know with confidence that I can call on him for counsel. Jon's course had a tremendous impact on me -- both reaffirming and enlightening.”
NEYDA MARTINEZ
Producer, Lucky, Decade of Fire
"Working with Jon Reiss and 8 Above was an amazing experience. I learned so much from working with them that it has changed my entire thought process about film distribution."
BOB HERCULES
Director, Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise
“Jon Reiss is a walking encyclopedia of Everything You Ever Needed to Know About Independent Filmmaking. He understands the increasingly complicated worlds of DIY and traditional distribution so that you don’t have to. He teaches you how to strategize successful campaigns and maximizes the impact of your film. He's smart and generous with what he knows and is worth every penny.”
SARA TERRY
Folk, Fambul Tok, A Decent Home
“ When you believe in your film, work hard and have a partner like Jon with theatrical experience and vision, great things can happen.”
SADHVI SIDDHALI SHREE
Director, Surviving Sex Trafficking
ABOUT THE BOOK
“This book is essential reading for anyone making an independent film today."
SCOTT MACAULAY
Editor, Filmmaker Magazine;
Producer, Forensic Films
“Reiss is a delicious combination of born teacher, compulsive anti-authoritarian and thorough scholar, whose nature is to measure, analyze and, most importantly, share his discoveries. Think Outside the Box Office is absolutely required reading for everyone making any kind of media with hopes to meaningfully connect with an audience.”
DOCUMENTARY MAGAZINE
