The Art of Curation: Inside Kanopy’s Approach to Film Discovery
“Do your best to watch one movie a day.”
True
Credit: Kanopy
In this episode of the No Film School Podcast, GG Hawkins speaks with Kanopy’s Erin Spears and Matt Lewis about curation, film discovery, and how independent films find audiences in a streaming landscape shaped by algorithms.
The conversation covers Kanopy’s library- and university-based model, the importance of human-led programming, how poster art and social media influence discovery, and why theatrical and festival experiences still matter for the long-term life of a film.
In this episode, we discuss:
- What Kanopy is and how it differs from subscription-based streamers like Netflix
- Why Kanopy’s free, ad-free model through libraries and universities matters for film access
- Erin’s path from film programming and art house theaters to Kanopy’s content programming team
- Matt’s background in entertainment marketing and how he brings that experience to Kanopy
- How Kanopy’s programming team curates new titles each week
- Why human taste, context, and browsing still matter in an algorithm-driven media landscape
- How poster art, title design, and trailers shape audience expectations
- What filmmakers should consider when creating key art for their films
- How Kanopy uses social media clips and themed collections to help audiences discover films
- Why niche programming, rock docs, horror, and repertory-style collections can build loyal audiences
- How universities use Kanopy for coursework and casual film discovery
- The continued importance of festivals, theatrical screenings, and communal moviegoing
- Why libraries may be one of the most important access points for independent cinema
- Upcoming Kanopy titles and programming, including I Really Love My Husband, Fright Fest, and The Napa Boys
- Advice for emerging filmmakers interested in curation, marketing, and film culture
Guests:
- Erin Spears
- Matt Lewis
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