THE INDEPENDENT FILM
BUSINESS WE KNEW IS GONE.
THERE IS A NEW SYSTEM.
WE CAN HELP YOU NAVIGATE IT.
BUDGETING • PLANNING • PRODUCING • DELIVERY • DISTRIBUTION • CONSULTING
INDEPENDENT FILM PRODUCTION
Every frame starts with a decision.
It is a new world for filmmakers. The old entertainment business is dead and we can no longer continue to follow the old rules. As filmmakers, we need to chart a new path, find out what efforts can secure the best outcomes, then put in the work to get our work out into the world.
WHAT WE DO
PRODUCING & SERVICES
Every filmmaker needs to be able to ask questions and rely on someone who has both experience and the interest of the film in mind. A seasoned producer, either as a member of the crew or as a consultant, can offer resources and solutions that save time and money. Getting the best outcome from the production of a film can mean the difference between a shelved movie or one that gets distribution and offers the filmmaker a step towards their next project.
BUDGETING & PLANNING
From the script stage, you will need a budget and a long-term distribution plan. The budget should be reasonable for your production, but not excessive. It should include the normal production and post-production costs, but should also accommodate a new section... the costs of distribution. Understanding those costs help in raising funds. While those costs may be as much as the cost of production, money for distribution sets up the film for success.
AUDIENCE BUILDING
Independent filmmakers are tasked with building an audience, the first people who will be willing to pay for tickets or rent the film. Most small distributors do not have the ability or the inclination to spend money on marketing. When a film has an audience ready to buy, the film becomes more valuable. With that audience and a little bit of work, self-distribution can free filmmakers from signing over rights and handing over a large portion of potential income.
DELIVERY & DISTRIBUTION
A finished film isn't the end of the work. From the master file, a DCP for theatrical presentation and festivals will need to be created. MPA rating needs to be arranged. Contracts, licenses and all other legal paperwork needs to be organized. Self-distribution involves booking theaters, arranging event screenings, preparing digital and physical releases, marketing and social media engagement and more. Filmmakers can't do it alone. We can help share the burden.
WHAT WE DON'T DO
RAISE FINANCING
There are producers who have financing options, who are looking to invest in films. We are not those people. We work with filmmakers on creating a plan, executing their production, finishing post proaction and delivering a film.
FIND CAST
Casting directors specialize in working with films to find and secure cast. No matter who is in our network, we don't just approach talent to join a project. We follow a protocol that is in place to protect the film and the talent.
SHARE CONTACTS
Over years of work, we have developed a significant set of contacts in the business. We don't sell those contacts. We use our contacts only for projects in which we are working and believe that the film is a match for our resources.
WORK FOR FREE
Independent filmmaking is not easy. Many people sacrifice their time and salaries in order to make a film. We have been those people in the past. Now, we set reasonable rates for our work, so that filmmakers can afford the services.
our bookS
01 / Own your release. Keep your rights.
INDEPENDENT FILM DISTRIBUTION
The distribution landscape has changed forever. Learn from the past and release work directly, using festivals, platforms, and direct sales, without giving away creative control or the majority of revenue. The book overviews the distribution plan from the beginning, prepares filmmakers for their film's release and includes a complete plan for setting up each film before you start production.
INCLUDES THE DISTRIBUTION PLANNING WORKBOOK
The workbook is a printable PDF, with a starter section for planning and checklists for pre-production through distribution.
COMING IN OCTOBER 2026 →
02 / Know your numbers. Make your film.
INDEPENDENT FILM BUDGETING
Every film starts with a budget. This book demystifies the numbers, starting with understanding how to read a budget. It explains how the format can be deconstructed and reconstructed for a new project. It outlines the core requirements, so that filling in the basics takes very little effort. Clear, practical, and written for independent filmmakers who want control over their craft and their finances.
INCLUDES TEMPLATES
The book includes zip file download of formatted templates for MOVIE MAGIC, EXCEL / NUMBERS / GOOGLE SHEETS .
COMING IN LATE 2026 →
With a solid plan, we can control more than ever before.
ABOUT US
SYSTEMS FOR INDUSTRY, SINCE 1972
In January 1972, Harold “Hal” Akers started Systems For Industry. His offering was CREATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR BUSINESSES. Using his training as an architect and years of sales experience, he brought operational options to companies that didn’t have sales divisions. Uniting the consumer to the manufacturers, he built a company that provided smaller businesses an edge.
His son, Harold “Bill” Akers Jr. joined the company later in the 1970s and continued after Hal retired. Bill brought the company into the computer age, then the internet age. In the late 1990s, he closed the Pennsylvania branch upon his own retirement.
Sean Akers, the third generation, restructured the operations to launch Systems for Industry in California, with a different approach. Now, the company offers BUSINESS SOLUTIONS FOR CREATIVES. For over 20 years, Sean has developed operations for writers, musicians, artist and filmmakers to turn their vision into income.
With a team of film experts, Systems for Industry now offers leadership, consulting, and services to independent filmmakers, who need affordable professional support. While other companies attempt to hold on to the past, Systems for Industry has identified the new reality of the post-streaming landscape and builds upon lessons learned from the collapse of the previous indie business.
Systems for Industry has always been solution-driven, but now the goal is to secure financial success for artists. While the focus is filmmakers, any artist is welcome to contact the company for help in building sales, finding their audience, and creating sustainable income.
SEAN AKERS, OWNER
Sean Akers is a producer who has spent two decades supporting the vision of creatives. He has worked with directors including Academy Award Winner Sian Heder, Academy Award Nominee JC Chandor, Emmy Award Winner Seth Green, and Tony Award Winner Joanna Gleason.
He has learned from both success and failure. He is sharing his findings, as well as a new outlook, with other filmmakers.