Revolt TV Distribution Deal
In 2023, Milwaukee filmmaker Santana Coleman was a recipient of Milwaukee Film’s Foward Fund to produce her narrative film, “The Last Week“. Coleman received $15,000 in cash, $5,000 for a North American camera, and $10,000 to put towards legal services and post-production consultation.
The Last Week, a love story that explores how mass incarceration affects Black men and their communities, premiered at the 2024 Milwaukee Film Festival and has since then been accepted into 11 film festivals, including the ESSENCE Film Festival, with six pending submissions.
“I know this film was meant for me to do in order for people to see my work,” said Coleman.
In the pre-production stage, Coleman knew she wanted this film to not only show in film festivals but possibly be picked up for distribution. Coleman found her chance by scrolling on social media. Revolt TV made an open call for submissions for its Short and Fresh Series. She applied and was notified within a few months. After multiple phone meetings and speaking with her lawyer, Coleman signed a three-year distribution deal with Revolt TV.
“It’s in God’s hands. If it’s for you, it will come to you,” said Coleman. “I submitted and walked away.”
Included in the three-year deal, The Last Week aired on cable television on November 22, 2024. In the next few months, Coleman’s film will air again and it will eventually make it to the Revolt TV app.
Putting Milwaukee On
A big part of Coleman’s film work highlights her hometown of Milwaukee, which is why her films are produced in the city and feature actors, creatives, and other Milwaukee talent. She’s committed herself to connecting and supporting other Black women in the city who are in the film industry.
“We’re all in different lanes,” she said. “Don’t feel like we have to be in competition.”
Coleman won an Emmy for her work on the documentary, “When Claude Got Shot”. As she continues growing in her film career, she said it’s not easy but it’s worth it.
“It’s going to have its trials and tribulations and you just have to be ready for the ride,” said Coleman. “…everything happens in due time.”