Distribution horror stories

[bugzilla]

I am currently producing a feature length computer animated film. The plan is take it to festivals and SF/fantasy conventions to get the word out. I was going to shop it around to distributors, but after reading some of the posts here, I may want to self distribute it. Even if I don't make alot of money back, I don't want to get ripped off and I definitely don't want a distributor to buy the rights to my film and then just sit on it. I want this film out there and it will find an audience if it is marketed correctly.

I have heard several horror stories about distributors by now. Does anyone out there have a good story to tell about them? Is there a distributor out there that you don't have to sue every month just to get a $1,000 check?

 

[knightly]

Keep in mind that online, you don't tend to hear good experiences as people just like to sit back and be happy about their dealings. On the other hand, When things go wrong, people tend to get very vocal about their experiences.

 

[directorik]

I've had both good and bad experiences with distributors. My good ones don't mean all distributors are good and my bad ones don't mean all distributors are bad. I've even had good and bad experiences with the same company.

Of course there are distributors that you don't have to sue. As you shop your finished movie around start checking up on the distributors that are interested. Ask other filmmakers who have worked with them about their experience.

 

[mr-modern-life]

There are good companies out there and a few I would recommend but many more to stear clear of (If you ever meet someone called Andre Nina Davies RUN A MILE and never stop. Or give her my number. That's one person I'd like to have a back alley chat with!)

When looking for a company ask yourself:

1. Are they making me pay upfront?
If so walk away. you should never have topay upfront

2. Have they sold other films like mine?
If not walk away. Find a company expereinced in releasing your kinda films and have the contacts to make sales.

3. Can you find any of their titles at Blockbuster or in retail stores or are they just online?
This is a big factor as you want a company with contacts who can get your film to the largest audience.

4. Do they have producers references or can you contact other filmmakers they have worked with?
If so did they get paid? If the answer is yes then at least you have a chance!

5. Do they like the film?
Seems silly but ask they questions about the film. If they dont know much about it chances are they never really watched it and probably have little interest.

I've worked with a few sales agents and can provide you a list of ones that havent fucked me over (PM me is best). I can also provide you with a list of those, in my opinion, to avoid like a herpes ridden street whore.

Hope that helps!