Paying a REP a retainer ...

Alphie

Alphie

I know I know ... never pay a rep a retainer (especially one that is over $10,000). All the advice I've been given is that you should never pay a Producer's Rep a retainer. Having been "rejected" by two already for our release, I was wondering what this board thought about the one rep who says, ‘I think we can sell this... get it in the hands of 100 distribution companies ... etc." All for $10,500.

Is this always a scam? Are these companies every reputable? We don't HAVE $10,500 so it really makes no difference but I wanted to see if anyone who reads these boards has actually had experience (good or bad) with some of these companies.

We are still sending it out and it's been submitted to all the right festivals so we're doing everything right (so far).
 
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Really, really bad idea.

I'd be willing to put my credibility on the line and say an offer like that is always a scam. If the rep already has ten large from you what's the incentive, the REAL incentive, for him to work hiss ass off to get your film a distribution deal?

I mean, do the numbers: all he has to do is "rep" 10 films a year to hit $105,000. If he gets distribution for ONE little horror film every two years (the easiest genre to get a DTV deal with) then he can advertise that he has a proven track record. He sells the movie for $30,000 and pockets a piddly six large.

Five years of this he has two, maybe three films, in distribution and has earned a whopping half a million bucks. Hell even if he gets one film a year into the hands of Wizard, or Maverick, or York or Brain Damage he can crow about a stellar track record.

I recently had a screening in LA of my movie. We sent out 45 blind invitations to distributors. We got eight to actually show up and 19 to request screeners. Distributors are ACHING for good, sellable movies.

You want to reach 100 distributors, including 40 that wouldn't even be interested in your genre of movie? Pick up the Hollywood Distributors Directory for sixty bucks and send your info to 1,000.
 
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No distributor wants to be the guy who missed the next big thing. Which means that there are many, many people out there who will look at the film and therefore will be far better options for you.

Getting a film infront of people is easy. All you nede to to know who. Look at the American Film Market website, they will list all the companies attending inclduing sales agents, buyers, distributors etc.

But NEVER, NEVER pay!

Out of interest whats the movie/genre etc? I may know a few people...

Phil Hobden
--Modern Life?--
RIP Michael Pillar
 
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The movie's "genre" is drama but people laugh 2/3 of the way through it! Most of the reps we're dealing with LOVE the movie but are having a hard time categorizing it (which is why our NEXT movie is going to be a horror flick ... complete with nudity). As it is, four reps have "passed" but have been very supportive. We are waiting on two more and, more importantly, waiting on the festival response. You can find out more about the movie from www.waitingonalphie.com.

Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated. If we had to envision a home for this movie it would fit into the HBO/Sopranos category.
 
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Hmmm....

See if it was an action film... then I wouldn't have an issue, on teh comedy front that's harder.

Can I suggest you PM me with yoru email address and I may be able to throw a few contacts your way!

Phil Hobden
-- Modern Life?--
 
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