The Art of Curation: Inside Kanopy’s Approach to Film Discovery

No Film School’s GG Hawkins speaks with Kanopy’s Aaron 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, No Film School'se GG Hawkins and guests Aaron Spears and Matt Lewis discuss...

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What Kanopy is and how it differs from subscription-based streamers like Netflix

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Why Kanopy’s free, ad-free model through libraries and universities matters for film access

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Aaron’s path from film programming and art house theaters to Kanopy’s content programming team

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Matt’s background in entertainment marketing and how he brings that experience to Kanopy

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How Kanopy’s programming team curates new titles each week

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Why human taste, context, and browsing still matter in an algorithm-driven media landscape

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How poster art, title design, and trailers shape audience expectations

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What filmmakers should consider when creating key art for their films

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How Kanopy uses social media clips and themed collections to help audiences discover films

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Why niche programming, rock docs, horror, and repertory-style collections can build loyal audiences

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How universities use Kanopy for coursework and casual film discovery

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The continued importance of festivals, theatrical screenings, and communal moviegoing

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Why libraries may be one of the most important access points for independent cinema

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Upcoming Kanopy titles and programming, including I Really Love My Husband, Fright Fest, and The Napa Boys

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Advice for emerging filmmakers interested in curation, marketing, and film culture

Memorable Quotes:

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“The big headline is, it's free. And also no ads.”

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“I really feel like browsing itself, this is probably the librarian in my head too, like browsing itself should be a pleasure.”

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“I think if you can represent that with a poster, that really helps too.”

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“Do your best to watch one movie a day.”

Guests:

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Aaron Spears

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Matt Lewis

Resources:

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Kanopy (kanopy.com)

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📩 Send us an email with questions or feedback: podcast@nofilmschool.com

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