Distribution idea!!

trueindie

trueindie

Hah, you thought I had one. Trouble is that I'm just not that creative and I need input.

So let's say your $10k indie feature is now complete. The color correction is over and you actually like the way it looks. The sound is so spectacular that you would think Alcove, Gpforet or ROC (my apologies if I'm missing other sound guys on here) had been paid big bucks to work on the project (notwithstanding the 10k budget).

Now what do you think you should do with the film to make it live outside your computer?

Any ideas are welcome. I just want to get my brain rolling on the subject.

Thanks
Aveek
 
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Modern Day Myth Prod. LLC said:
Are you going to distribute your film yourself?
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that's what i was thinking

Okay, this is the idea i came up with.

- I think a festival run can waste two years of your life before you know it and maybe you won't get in
- I think youtube won't really help unless you have something like that Annoying Orange character-which I won't have

So my idea is to take a certain amount of money and advertize only in Toronto. Facebook in Toronto. Youtube opening banner in Toronto and a couple of subway stops in Toronto. Have agreements with a few theaters in Toronto.

So the idea is that if I only concentrate in Toronto I'll be able to make people here go see the film. A real distribution company may spend millions advertizing in every town and city in the world. I'm just going to do it in Toronto. And if I'm able to make a profit, then maybe I'd be able to attract the attention of a real distribution company.

That was what I was thinking. I've been thinking about this for some time. I don't see the negatives of this idea. Maybe other people do. So if you think this is a stupid idea please let me know why.
best,
aveek
 
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Self Distribution is alot of work. But there are platforms for Indie Self Distribution surfacing. "Flick Launch" being one of them.

You have to remember, and I say this before I go into the method that "Distribution" is as much about "Exposure" for YOU and your work, as it is about trade and purchase.

So, with that said. I have a problem with Marketing in Toronto. It's not the world. It's not the entire US. It's just Toronto. It's a chance not taken. Every moment is a moment to network.

It could be a good move. Build slow. Work within your means. But it's a risk.

Anyway, if I was speaking about purely Self Distribution. This is what I'd say.

-----

Do I see a negative in purely distributing in Toronto?

Maybe. The question is, will you make a profit?

It depends how many Theatres you have involved, and how well you advertise. That's not how much, but how well. WHERE you do it, WHEN you do it, and WHO to.

There are so many variables.

How much do you make the prices to compete again the other movies that are on show?

- You have to bare in mind that people do not go the cinema as regularly. So what have you offered to have them choose your Indie-flick over the latest blockbuster?

What percentage do you take from the ticket sales?

- Depends on the cinema, depends on the guy.

Do the Theatres come free of charge?

How much do you spend on marketing materials?

- The best advice for "Self Distribution" is EVERYTHING COSTS. Applicable to almost everything. But most are often fooled that because YOU are doing it, it won't cost. It does. The pennies mount up, so keep track.

Big decision to make.

Best of luck!
 
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If you are in Canada, give Black Flag Pictures a shot.

I am looking at what the CBS TV Network just did to promote JJ Abrams' Person Of Interest TV series. They took out full page ads in local newspapers, had Entertainmeent Tonight do a story on them, put up a spot on their web site on the new series. And, had TV spots on the new show.
 
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Modern Day Myth Prod. LLC said:
If you are in Canada, give Black Flag Pictures a shot.

I am looking at what the CBS TV Network just did to promote JJ Abrams' Person Of Interest TV series. They took out full page ads in local newspapers, had Entertainmeent Tonight do a story on them, put up a spot on their web site on the new series. And, had TV spots on the new show.
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Yep. These are the kind of stories I want to hear about really.

I don't have a film right now. I'm just doing some extreme pre planning I suppose. I just think that if I can turn a profit in one spot, some big shot guy will think 'hey, maybe we can replicate it elsewhere' and then become interested.

It's just something I'm thinking about. I don't even know how much this is all going to cost.

Thanks Papertwin for the thoughts also.
best,
aveek
 
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Try cable tv or any movie channel outthere. Contact them see what they have to say. If its horror or scifi go to conventions get a dealers table and talk to the con owners to se if there is any room to have a preview and a q&a afterwards. Try Netfliks and blockbuster, see if they would carry your title. Filmfestivels are ok but the way to get yout film out to the general public is usually through these mediums.
 
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Blade_Jones said:
advantage.amazon.com
ccnow.com (via your own website)
iTunes (via Tunecore.com if the $750 setup fee ever declines)
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To me these are purchase methods. Yes they are distribution methods, but nobody will know about the film and go to download them. I was thinking that if I could make it profitable theatrically in a local market, then bigger distributors will take notice.

I'm not sure that if I make a movie and put it up on Amazon or itunes, more than 5 people will ever download it. But if I spend money on local newspapers and distribute it theatrically in one local market, then maybe others will pick it up.

But Gonzo and Sonnyboo have made money from their films in their own ways I think. I'm not sure how they did it, but maybe somebody could enlighten me.
 
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Self-Distribution should be a last resort (in my opinion). Get ready to network your ass off. In real person, phone calls, email, etc. Go to local hot spots, big events, conventions, etc. I don't think Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, or Vimeo are good ways for getting films seen.

Here's a true story:

I was at the red carpet event for the Fast and the Furious 4 world premiere. I stopped off at the local Hard Rock Cafe for a beer. Some lady buys me a drink so I go talk to her. Turns out she was/is the Vice President of Warner Bros (TV unit). I ended up hanging out with her the rest of the night/weekend. Jumping forward... (I'll spare you the details!) She's now a contact of mine and sends me signed memorabilia through the mail yet! She's gonna be the first person I call when my film is ready.

Basically what I'm saying is that.. you need to get out there... to be seen. Face to face contact is still the best way to get people on board. The internet has created a lot of (i hate to say it... lazy) filmmakers when it comes to marketing, creativity, networking, etc.

However, if you do end up self-distributing, I think the advice that the rest of the IT members have said is really good advice!! Who knows, I may end up going the self-distribution route myself. Only time will tell!!
 
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wheatgrinder said:
why are festivals a waste of two years? Not sure I agree, but i have NO proof. ;)
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Not sure how to answer that. I've done it with a film of mine. ( I don't think it was worthy probably, but at the time I thought it was)

I'm watching somebody else spend time and money going after festivals right now. It's been two years since he started his project. His festival run began a few months ago with TIFF (he didn't get in). I think he's going to spend another year going after festivals. If he gets in, fine. If he doesn't then that entire time will be spent promoting a film with no control of outcome.

I'm not saying it's a bad idea. I think it's an idea that's completely in somebody else's hands and you spend your time waiting for them to get back to you and more than a year can easily pass you by. It did for me.
 
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