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Belgrade, I'm here! So excited to be at @beldocs for tomorrow's talk — and I can't wait to meet the documentary filmmakers in the room.

We need to talk: About your projects. Your audiences. Your communication. Your impact. Because too many great documentaries don't reach the people they were made for — not because the films aren't good enough, but because the audience strategy came too late, or not at all.

Audience design is not a marketing task. It's a creative tool — one that helps you sharpen your story, find your community, and build real connections long before the film is finished.

Tomorrow's session is going to be hands-on. I'll be sharing real tools and frameworks you can implement yourself — and start using immediately. No theory for theory's sake. Just practical approaches that work.

If you're a documentary filmmaker, producer, or industry professional at Beldocs — come find me. Let's talk about your film.

#AudienceDesign #Documentary #Beldocs #Belgrade #GetYourCrowd #DocFilm #FilmMarketing #Impact #NonFiction #Filmmakers

Wykład poświęcony strategiom budowania widowni dla projektów filmowych, pokazujący jak już na etapie developmentu planować komunikację, identyfikować grupy odbiorców i świadomie prowadzić film przez kolejne etapy obecności na rynku. 💙 Widzimy się jutro!

A lecture on strategies for building an audience for film projects, demonstrating how to plan communication, identify target audiences, and strategically guide a film through the various stages of its market presence—all starting at the development stage. 💙 See you tomorrow! #MalopolskaPROINDUSTRY #FunduszeUE

Who are we actually making films for? 🎬

Last week at @achtungberlin I got to have one of those conversations I genuinely look forward to — with filmmaker Ira Tondowski and moderator Roshak Ahmad (AG DOK) — about something I think about a lot: how documentaries find the people they're meant for.

What kept coming up — and what I always come back to in my work — is this: before any strategy, you have to start with yourself.

Ask:
* Why am I making this film?
* What drives me intrinsically?
* Why can only I tell this story?
* What do I want to achieve with it?

I've seen these questions transform how filmmakers think about their work. Not as marketing prep — but as clarity. As a north star. Once you have honest answers, every strategic decision has something to anchor to. Audience design, impact planning, outreach — it all flows from there. → Without it, strategy is just noise.

Thanks for the invitation and the room full of people who care about this as much as I do. 🙏

#AudienceDesign #Documentary #GetYourCrowd #achtungberlin #ImpactStrategy #DocFilm #paulrieth

Kreativer Kopf wird Unternehmer*in

Mein Online-Workshop mit Bildhauer*innen, Soundkünstler*innen, Modedesigner*innen – letzte Woche durfte ich mit Menschen arbeiten, die Ästhetik und Haltung nicht trennen. Und genau das macht den Unterschied. Ein Workshop für das @designhaus_halle and der @burg_halle

Unser Rahmen: Effectuation – ein Ansatz, der nicht fragt „Was ist mein Ziel?" sondern „Was habe ich, was kann ich tun, und mit wem?" mit 5 Schritten:

1) 🐦 Bird in Hand – Starte mit dem, was du hast. 2) 💸 Affordable Loss – Was kannst du riskieren? 3) 🍋 Lemonade – Zufälle als Chancen begreifen. 4) 🧩 Crazy Quilt – Mit anderen gestalten, nicht gegen sie. 5) ✈️ Pilot in the Plane – Zukunft entsteht durch Handeln, nicht durch Warten.

Danke für den offenen Austausch und die ehrlichen Fragen - Viel Kraft für eure Vorhaben!

—

Sculptors, sound artists, fashion designers – last week I had the pleasure of hosting a workshop for @designhaus_halle working with people who don't separate aesthetics from attitude. That's where it starts.

Our framework: Effectuation – creative approach that does not only ask "what's my goal?" but "what do I have, what can I do, and who's with me?" - with 5 clear steps:

1) 🐦 Bird in Hand – Start with what you have. 2) 💸 Affordable Loss – What can you afford to risk? 3) 🍋 Lemonade – Turn the unexpected into opportunity. 4) 🧩 Crazy Quilt – Build with others, not against them. 5) ✈️ Pilot in the Plane – Shape the future by acting, not waiting.

Five principles that fit creative entrepreneurs surprisingly well – and sparked some of the most honest conversations I've had in a workshop in a while - Thanks for showing up with such openness and curiosity

Good luck with your projects - I'm excited to see where you take them"

✈️ See you in Riga on May 7th 2026!

„Who Is Your Film For? Audience Design as a Creative Strategy! Lecture at @rigapff

Who`s the audience for your documentary – and when does it matter to know? This lecture introduces audience design as a creative and strategic practice that begins not at the marketing stage, but at the very heart of a film’s development. Drawing on real-world cases and tools, Paul Rieth will explore how filmmakers can identify, define, and actively engage their audiences – from the first pitch to distribution. The lecture covers the role of the audience strategist, practical frameworks for mapping target communities, and how storytelling and marketing can work together to build lasting connections between films and the people they are made for.

Paul Rieth is an audience strategist, consultant, speaker, and author working at the intersection of audience design, marketing, and documentary film based in Berlin. He collaborates with filmmakers, producers, and organisations to develop audience-focused strategies from early development through to release. As co-founder of “Get Your Crowd”, a Berlin-based agency for audience building, crowdfunding, and marketing, he has developed tailored campaigns for creative projects across Europe and beyond. He is a tutor and consultant at the Documentary Campus Masterschool and has served as a trainer for TorinoFilmLab’s FeatureLab since 2019, guiding international documentary projects in the fields of audience design, storytelling, and community building. He has also curated the Industry Training Talks at DOK.fest München and works with institutions including the African-European Distribution Academy (AEDA) and IDFA Consultancy. Paul has delivered over 100 workshops and lectures at universities, film schools, and festivals worldwide. He is the author of “Dok & Crowd”, a practical handbook on funding, distribution, and audience engagement for documentary filmmakers.

Lecture will be held in English. Free entrance.

RPFF 2026 industry sessions sup

See you in the Netherlands 🇳🇱🎬

Heading to Go Short Festival for a few days focusing on short films, new story worlds, and great exchanges.

On Saturday (April 11), I’ll be giving a lecture and running a workshop on audience design for short film projects — and working hands-on with projects from this year’s Producer Campus at @goshort

What I’m especially looking forward to is the context short films create - Short films are such a unique space. They are not just smaller versions of features — they are places to explore. To test story worlds, characters, tone, and ideas. Often (but not always) they are the first step into something bigger, but at the same time they stand on their own.

And they exist in a very different landscape.

No strong sales structures, very few distributors, limited release pathways. After festivals, many simply disappear. But that’s exactly what makes them interesting. Because without fixed paths, short films allow for something rare: freedom to experiment.

Not just creatively — but also in how they reach audiences.

They can move between festivals, online platforms, curated screenings, partnerships, and communities. They can live on big screens, but also in everyday moments — on phones, in between, in very different contexts.

Which raises a different kind of question:

Not just where can this film go —
but where does it actually belong?

That’s what I’m excited to explore in the sessions — together with filmmakers, directly on their projects with @thetravelingstorier and @felixlambot

See you there 👋

#GoShort #ShortFilm #AudienceDesign #Filmmaking #paulrieth #getyourcrowd @emiliamzk

AKTIV WERDEN JETZT! ✊🏾✌🏾✊🏾SPENDENAKTION !

LINK: https://gofund.me/7f1f0c694

Mit unserem Dokumentarfilm IM OSTEN WAS NEUES touren wir schon seit letztem Jahr durch ganz Deutschland. Der Austausch mit euch ist und bleibt eine wunderschöne Erfahrung.
Vielen Dank dafür 🫶🏾🙏🏾

Eichi trainiert den FC Pio, der vornehmlich aus Geflüchteten besteht, ehrenamtlich. Er ist offiziell arbeitslos. Die Frage, die immer wieder kommt , ist - Hat Eichi mittlerweile eine Festanstellung? Die Antwort war bisher immer nein!

Nun tut sich etwas und Dank @derdaramarc läuft nun eine Spendenaktion, um Gelder für eine Festanstellung für Thomas Eichstädt zu sammeln. Es ist eigentlich nicht die Aufgabe der Zivilgesellschaft aber wir leben in Zeiten, in der die Politik, insbesondere unsere aktuelle Regierung, die Integrationsarbeit von Menschen wie Eichi nicht priorisiert.
Der Rechtsruck ist real. 🤬
Migrant*innen im ländlichen Raum brauchen gerade jetzt die Unterstützung von Menschen, die auf ihrer Seite sind.

Wir freuen uns über jede kleine Spende und sind jetzt schon ganz überwältigt.
Je höher die Einnahmen, desto länger die zeitliche Anstellung.
Einen riesengroßen Dank an aller Spender*innen. Ihr seid großartig! ❤️❤️❤️

AKTIV WERDEN JETZT! ✊🏾✌🏾✊🏾SPENDENAKTION !

LINK: https://gofund.me/7f1f0c694

Mit unserem Dokumentarfilm IM OSTEN WAS NEUES touren wir schon seit letztem Jahr durch ganz Deutschland. Der Austausch mit euch ist und bleibt eine wunderschöne Erfahrung.
Vielen Dank dafür 🫶🏾🙏🏾

Eichi trainiert den FC Pio, der vornehmlich aus Geflüchteten besteht, ehrenamtlich. Er ist offiziell arbeitslos. Die Frage, die immer wieder kommt , ist - Hat Eichi mittlerweile eine Festanstellung? Die Antwort war bisher immer nein!

Nun tut sich etwas und Dank @derdaramarc läuft nun eine Spendenaktion, um Gelder für eine Festanstellung für Thomas Eichstädt zu sammeln. Es ist eigentlich nicht die Aufgabe der Zivilgesellschaft aber wir leben in Zeiten, in der die Politik, insbesondere unsere aktuelle Regierung, die Integrationsarbeit von Menschen wie Eichi nicht priorisiert.
Der Rechtsruck ist real. 🤬
Migrant*innen im ländlichen Raum brauchen gerade jetzt die Unterstützung von Menschen, die auf ihrer Seite sind.

Wir freuen uns über jede kleine Spende und sind jetzt schon ganz überwältigt.
Je höher die Einnahmen, desto länger die zeitliche Anstellung.
Einen riesengroßen Dank an aller Spender*innen. Ihr seid großartig! ❤️❤️❤️

Over the past days at East Doc Platform and Ex Oriente here in Prague, I’ve had the chance to speak with many documentary projects—and I’m genuinely inspired by the energy and mindset of the filmmakers here.

There’s a strong drive towards making films not only visible, but relevant and impactful. What stands out even more is the openness: not just to talk about audiences as a concept, but to really work with them—to understand, connect, and activate.

And that takes more than intention. It requires tools, skills, and a clear pathway that guides filmmakers through the process - That shift feels important and I´m happy to contribute to this conversation in my session, looking at how audience design can support both the creative process and the way films reach the world.

Lecture: Introduction to Audience Design
🕦 11:30–12:15
📍 French Institute in Prague, Kino 35

If you’re around, would be great to see you there.

Thanks to Institute of Documentary Film, Prague for the invitation!

Join us for this panel on such an important questions, or shall we rather say challenge?

🎤 PANEL DISCUSSION: Reaching the Next Generation: Distribution Strategies for Young Audiences
📍19:00-20:00 | French Institute in Prague, @kino35prague

How can filmmakers, producers, and distributors reach young audiences in today’s changing media landscape? This panel explores distribution strategies for children and young adults from festivals and cinemas to digital platforms, schools, and regional initiatives. Through case studies and international experience, speakers will discuss shifting viewing habits and the partnerships that help content reach the next generation. Featuring Paul Rieth, Magdalena Żelasko, Katharina Bergfeld, and Radka Hoffman.

A few moments from our Fishbowl “Release Me If You Can” at ENCOURAGE during Berlin International Film Festival & European Film Market.

What stayed with me most? Passion!

Listening to Stella Marie Marker, Svenja Vanhoefer, Thorsten Schaumann and Benjamin Cölle talk about connecting with audiences — despite tight budgets and structural hurdles — made one thing very clear:

Nothing beats your motivation to make your film seen: Festivals are testing grounds. World sales open doors. But release is not an afterthought — it’s part of the creative process.

Imagine if producers were structurally supported not only in production, but in building audience pathways early on.

Grateful for this honest exchange.
📸 Photos by Tinett Kähle @tinett.marie . #AudienceDesign #Berlinale #EFM #FilmRelease

A few moments from our Fishbowl “Release Me If You Can” at ENCOURAGE during Berlin International Film Festival & European Film Market.

What stayed with me most? Passion!

Listening to Stella Marie Marker, Svenja Vanhoefer, Thorsten Schaumann and Benjamin Cölle talk about connecting with audiences — despite tight budgets and structural hurdles — made one thing very clear:

Nothing beats your motivation to make your film seen: Festivals are testing grounds. World sales open doors. But release is not an afterthought — it’s part of the creative process.

Imagine if producers were structurally supported not only in production, but in building audience pathways early on.

Grateful for this honest exchange.
📸 Photos by Tinett Kähle @tinett.marie . #AudienceDesign #Berlinale #EFM #FilmRelease

A few moments from our Fishbowl “Release Me If You Can” at ENCOURAGE during Berlin International Film Festival & European Film Market.

What stayed with me most? Passion!

Listening to Stella Marie Marker, Svenja Vanhoefer, Thorsten Schaumann and Benjamin Cölle talk about connecting with audiences — despite tight budgets and structural hurdles — made one thing very clear:

Nothing beats your motivation to make your film seen: Festivals are testing grounds. World sales open doors. But release is not an afterthought — it’s part of the creative process.

Imagine if producers were structurally supported not only in production, but in building audience pathways early on.

Grateful for this honest exchange.
📸 Photos by Tinett Kähle @tinett.marie . #AudienceDesign #Berlinale #EFM #FilmRelease

A few moments from our Fishbowl “Release Me If You Can” at ENCOURAGE during Berlin International Film Festival & European Film Market.

What stayed with me most? Passion!

Listening to Stella Marie Marker, Svenja Vanhoefer, Thorsten Schaumann and Benjamin Cölle talk about connecting with audiences — despite tight budgets and structural hurdles — made one thing very clear:

Nothing beats your motivation to make your film seen: Festivals are testing grounds. World sales open doors. But release is not an afterthought — it’s part of the creative process.

Imagine if producers were structurally supported not only in production, but in building audience pathways early on.

Grateful for this honest exchange.
📸 Photos by Tinett Kähle @tinett.marie . #AudienceDesign #Berlinale #EFM #FilmRelease

A few moments from our Fishbowl “Release Me If You Can” at ENCOURAGE during Berlin International Film Festival & European Film Market.

What stayed with me most? Passion!

Listening to Stella Marie Marker, Svenja Vanhoefer, Thorsten Schaumann and Benjamin Cölle talk about connecting with audiences — despite tight budgets and structural hurdles — made one thing very clear:

Nothing beats your motivation to make your film seen: Festivals are testing grounds. World sales open doors. But release is not an afterthought — it’s part of the creative process.

Imagine if producers were structurally supported not only in production, but in building audience pathways early on.

Grateful for this honest exchange.
📸 Photos by Tinett Kähle @tinett.marie . #AudienceDesign #Berlinale #EFM #FilmRelease

A few moments from our Fishbowl “Release Me If You Can” at ENCOURAGE during Berlin International Film Festival & European Film Market.

What stayed with me most? Passion!

Listening to Stella Marie Marker, Svenja Vanhoefer, Thorsten Schaumann and Benjamin Cölle talk about connecting with audiences — despite tight budgets and structural hurdles — made one thing very clear:

Nothing beats your motivation to make your film seen: Festivals are testing grounds. World sales open doors. But release is not an afterthought — it’s part of the creative process.

Imagine if producers were structurally supported not only in production, but in building audience pathways early on.

Grateful for this honest exchange.
📸 Photos by Tinett Kähle @tinett.marie . #AudienceDesign #Berlinale #EFM #FilmRelease

🎬 The Audience Design Award 🎬

We believe in talents, in new voices, and in fresh perspectives — in the storytellers who will help shape the future of the film industry.

The Audience Design Award, sponsored by GET YOUR CROWD, supports film projects in understanding their audiences, reaching them strategically, and increasing their visibility. Winners receive a workshop on audience design, marketing & communication valued at €1,500.

We also believe that understanding who you make your films for leads to better stories, stronger connections, and more meaningful impact. That’s why we are proud to be part of ENCOURAGE and sponsor the Audience Design Award — helping filmmakers not only create, but also reach and resonate with their audiences. 🚀

#AudienceDesign #FilmMarketing #FilmVisibility #EFM2026 #filmtalents #EuropeanFilmMarket #getyourcrowd #encouragefilmtalents @encouragefilmtalents @medienboard @moinfilmfoerderung @nordmedia_ @hessenfilmundmedien @mdmedienfoerderung @mv.filmfoerderung @fffbayern @studio_zentral

🎬 The Audience Design Award 🎬

We believe in talents, in new voices, and in fresh perspectives — in the storytellers who will help shape the future of the film industry.

The Audience Design Award, sponsored by GET YOUR CROWD, supports film projects in understanding their audiences, reaching them strategically, and increasing their visibility. Winners receive a workshop on audience design, marketing & communication valued at €1,500.

We also believe that understanding who you make your films for leads to better stories, stronger connections, and more meaningful impact. That’s why we are proud to be part of ENCOURAGE and sponsor the Audience Design Award — helping filmmakers not only create, but also reach and resonate with their audiences. 🚀

#AudienceDesign #FilmMarketing #FilmVisibility #EFM2026 #filmtalents #EuropeanFilmMarket #getyourcrowd #encouragefilmtalents @encouragefilmtalents @medienboard @moinfilmfoerderung @nordmedia_ @hessenfilmundmedien @mdmedienfoerderung @mv.filmfoerderung @fffbayern @studio_zentral

🎬 The Audience Design Award 🎬

We believe in talents, in new voices, and in fresh perspectives — in the storytellers who will help shape the future of the film industry.

The Audience Design Award, sponsored by GET YOUR CROWD, supports film projects in understanding their audiences, reaching them strategically, and increasing their visibility. Winners receive a workshop on audience design, marketing & communication valued at €1,500.

We also believe that understanding who you make your films for leads to better stories, stronger connections, and more meaningful impact. That’s why we are proud to be part of ENCOURAGE and sponsor the Audience Design Award — helping filmmakers not only create, but also reach and resonate with their audiences. 🚀

#AudienceDesign #FilmMarketing #FilmVisibility #EFM2026 #filmtalents #EuropeanFilmMarket #getyourcrowd #encouragefilmtalents @encouragefilmtalents @medienboard @moinfilmfoerderung @nordmedia_ @hessenfilmundmedien @mdmedienfoerderung @mv.filmfoerderung @fffbayern @studio_zentral

Tuesday | 17.02.26 at the European Film Market 🎬

EFM is slowly coming to its end, but today is packed with exchange, insight, and connection — from panels to decolonial perspectives and audience-driven strategies.

Highlights:
• Afro Berlin – Day 3 @ The Tunnel – visibility & momentum for Black creatives
• ENCOURAGE / Berlinale @ ZK/U – Fishbowl Talk „Release Me If You Can“ with film industry pros including Paul Rieth (GET YOUR CROWD)
• Eurodoc Decolonial Archive Roadmap 13:00–14:00 @ Café Connect – exploring archives & narratives
• World Cinema Fund Day x Berlinale Talents 11:15–18:00 @ Radialsystem – connecting festivals, sales & creators
• Archive Market Closing Apéro 18:30–19:30 @ Café Connect – networking & reflections

I’ll be around ZK/U, Café Connect & Radialsystem — happy to discuss:
• Audience Design & Strategy
• Film Distribution & Alternative Marketing Models
• Archival & Decolonial Approaches
• Festival & World Sales Networking

If you’re around, let’s connect 👋

#EFM2026 #EuropeanFilmMarket #Berlinale #AudienceDesign #getyourcrowd
@paulrieth @getyourcrowd @afroberlinxyanibes @worldcinemafund @afrocannesxafroberlin @encouragefilmtalents

Tuesday | 17.02.26 at the European Film Market 🎬

EFM is slowly coming to its end, but today is packed with exchange, insight, and connection — from panels to decolonial perspectives and audience-driven strategies.

Highlights:
• Afro Berlin – Day 3 @ The Tunnel – visibility & momentum for Black creatives
• ENCOURAGE / Berlinale @ ZK/U – Fishbowl Talk „Release Me If You Can“ with film industry pros including Paul Rieth (GET YOUR CROWD)
• Eurodoc Decolonial Archive Roadmap 13:00–14:00 @ Café Connect – exploring archives & narratives
• World Cinema Fund Day x Berlinale Talents 11:15–18:00 @ Radialsystem – connecting festivals, sales & creators
• Archive Market Closing Apéro 18:30–19:30 @ Café Connect – networking & reflections

I’ll be around ZK/U, Café Connect & Radialsystem — happy to discuss:
• Audience Design & Strategy
• Film Distribution & Alternative Marketing Models
• Archival & Decolonial Approaches
• Festival & World Sales Networking

If you’re around, let’s connect 👋

#EFM2026 #EuropeanFilmMarket #Berlinale #AudienceDesign #getyourcrowd
@paulrieth @getyourcrowd @afroberlinxyanibes @worldcinemafund @afrocannesxafroberlin @encouragefilmtalents

Tuesday | 17.02.26 at the European Film Market 🎬

EFM is slowly coming to its end, but today is packed with exchange, insight, and connection — from panels to decolonial perspectives and audience-driven strategies.

Highlights:
• Afro Berlin – Day 3 @ The Tunnel – visibility & momentum for Black creatives
• ENCOURAGE / Berlinale @ ZK/U – Fishbowl Talk „Release Me If You Can“ with film industry pros including Paul Rieth (GET YOUR CROWD)
• Eurodoc Decolonial Archive Roadmap 13:00–14:00 @ Café Connect – exploring archives & narratives
• World Cinema Fund Day x Berlinale Talents 11:15–18:00 @ Radialsystem – connecting festivals, sales & creators
• Archive Market Closing Apéro 18:30–19:30 @ Café Connect – networking & reflections

I’ll be around ZK/U, Café Connect & Radialsystem — happy to discuss:
• Audience Design & Strategy
• Film Distribution & Alternative Marketing Models
• Archival & Decolonial Approaches
• Festival & World Sales Networking

If you’re around, let’s connect 👋

#EFM2026 #EuropeanFilmMarket #Berlinale #AudienceDesign #getyourcrowd
@paulrieth @getyourcrowd @afroberlinxyanibes @worldcinemafund @afrocannesxafroberlin @encouragefilmtalents