Welcome back to the Film Finance & Distribution Podcast.

Today’s episode is a special follow-up conversation with filmmaker Derry Shillitto, the writer and director behind the feature film The Correction Unit.

The Correction Unit is a psychologically charged, cinematic thriller that asks a chilling question: what happens to the most vulnerable in society when the most powerful fully embrace AI? With intense characters and a bold, thought-provoking premise, the film manages to be both gripping entertainment and a timely social commentary.

This is Derry’s second time on the podcast - his first appearance back in August 2024 covered the early stages of developing The Correction Unit. Today’s episode picks up where that conversation left off, following the film through completion, marketing, and international distribution.

Since we last spoke, Derry has successfully navigated the full indie filmmaking journey - securing funding, executing a zero-budget marketing campaign, achieving sold-out screenings, and distributing the film worldwide, including screenings in Taiwan and Malaysia. He also shares his experience using Greenlit as a crowdfunding platform, and leveraging social media.

Alongside his work as a director, producer, and editor, Derry is also an experienced film educator, teaching both practical and theoretical filmmaking remotely and in person - making him uniquely placed to break down what actually works for independent filmmakers.

If you’re interested in real, practical advice on financing, marketing, and distributing an indie feature - this episode is essential listening.

Foyle River Films Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/866033460

The Correction Unit Homepage: https://thecorrectionunit.com/the-correction-unit

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foyle_river_films/

Follow the Film Finance & Distribution Podcast / Amber Williams:

Podcast: https://www.whirleybirdproductions.com/podcast-1

LinkedIn: Amber Williams

The Film Finance & Distribution Podcast has grown worldwide, becoming a trusted resource for filmmakers who want practical knowledge on raising finance, closing deals, and reaching audiences. It’s designed to share insights you won’t easily find elsewhere, helping the filmmaking community access the tools needed to succeed.

🎬 In this episode of the Film Finance & Distribution Podcast, I sit down with Matt Borlenghi — an award-winning producer, writer, and actor best known as Lyle, the Pawnshop Guy in Netflix’s Cobra Kai.

Matt’s career spans decades, beginning with his breakout role on All My Children opposite Kelly Ripa, which earned him a Daytime Emmy nomination and a Soap Opera Digest Award. He went on to star in primetime shows including The Jeff Foxworthy Show, Pig Sty, Party Girl, and Police Academy: The Series, before later becoming a fan-favourite on Cobra Kai.

But Matt’s work goes far beyond acting. He is a multiple award-winning producer who has developed TV shows with and for major production companies and networks. His true-crime investigation Postmortem in Vegas aired on LMN through NorthSouth Productions and A&E, and he continues to develop new series — including ATF, a drama based on the real-life undercover work of a longtime ATF agent. Matt also recently produced and starred in the pilot Townsend, and appears in Letters to Addy and Daddy’s Place. On the film side, his credits include The Bobby DeBarge Story, Divine Influencer, 90 Days Past Due, and Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story.

In this conversation, the first half of the episode focuses on Matt’s acting career — his breakout roles, his experience on Cobra Kai, and what makes a supporting character like Lyle resonate so deeply with audiences. In the second half, we turn to his work as a writer and producer, diving into the realities of developing projects, the challenges of getting a TV show made, and what it really takes to balance creative vision with industry demands.

🔗 Stay connected with Matt Borlenghi:

• Instagram: @cobrakaipawnguy

• IMDb: Matt Borlenghi on IMDb

• ActorCV: Matt Borlenghi Profile

• Read more: Matt Borlenghi on the 5 Things You Need to Create a Highly Successful Career in TV and Film – Authority Magazine / Medium

🔗 Follow the Film Finance & Distribution Podcast / Amber Williams:

• Podcast: filmfinance.podbean.com

• LinkedIn: Amber Williams

The Film Finance & Distribution Podcast has grown worldwide, becoming a trusted resource for filmmakers who want practical knowledge on raising finance, closing deals, and reaching audiences. It’s designed to share insights you won’t easily find elsewhere, helping the filmmaking community access the tools needed to succeed.

My guest today is Chris Maher, an actor, producer, and investor with a background in economics and policy. After travelling the world working with major organisations, he returned to Chicago where he balanced a trading career with building his film craft. In 2020 he co-founded MC Films, and since then has produced and appeared in more than 20 films, including Blowback, Mojave Diamonds, and the upcoming Canyon of the Dead and Boardwalk Winter. His projects have also been recognised at festivals like Cannes and the American Film Market.

In this episode, Chris shares insights on what separates a producer from an executive producer, how concept trailers and screenings can help bring in investors, what goes into a great pitch, how indie filmmakers can attract talent, the role of AI in the industry, and even new approaches to crowdfunding and film financing.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-maher-3718bb50/

Inst: https://www.instagram.com/chrisfredma/

IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6681923/