Film is committed to helping independent filmmakers distribute their film and make money doing it. Many independent filmmakers are surprised at the amount of effort and skill required to secure an equitable distribution agreement. If the first two routes fail you can always self distribute. The insiders guide to independent film distribution. A presale is a limited distribution agreement for a particular country entered into prior to completion, and often even prior to commencement of production, of the film. The encoding house processes the content in the applespecific encode that is required for distribution on itunes. Aug 11, 2017 rebecca norris gives indie filmmakers 5 reasons to self distribute your film on amazon video direct, for international distribution without the middleman. Unique case studies and exclusive commentary from the top names in independent cinema including mark cuban, hal hartley, bill plympton, liz garbus, and arthur dong help provide a. Youve made an independent film and youd like to get it out into the world. For an independent film, a common scenario is one where the distributor takes a distribution fee off the top of the incoming revenue, followed by recoupment of their advance and marketing expenses, followed by a split of any remaining net profit. It used to be that film selfdistribution meant getting a van, a bunch of fly posters, and hitting the road.
Enter your name and email to get instant access to the training. Regardless of whether you choose to use an aggregator, all content must be encoded and delivered by an appleapproved encoding house. But if you have made a movie, you have probably experienced the rollercoaster ride of emotions that comes from being a filmmaker. Dec 03, 2016 self distributing a feature film by pascal payant film courage. With the dramatic increase in independent production, it is apparent that many filmmakers have mastered the skills needed. Unfortunately, unless youre already a name director with an established track record or your film has played at top festivals, theres no. Diy theatrical distribution if no distributor wishes to pick up your movie or documentary for theatrical release, should you do this on your own.
Selfdistribution intensive indie producer giulia caruso spa night, columbus breaks down the elements of a selfdistribution strategy. How independent film gets to itunes, amazon, and hulu. Burn, distribution, drafthouse films, james shapiro, portland film festival, self distribution, suzanne mitchell youve made an independent film and youd like to get it out into the world. You will have to plan out a solid strategy for this to be profitable. I really wish i would have budgeted for a selfdistribution film campaign. Independent films are sometimes distinguishable by their content and style and the way in which the filmmakers personal artistic vision is realized. Indie film distribution home of indie rights indie rights.
Rebecca norris gives indie filmmakers 5 reasons to selfdistribute your film on amazon video direct, for international distribution without the middleman. The theatrical selfdistribution of northern lights. Self distribution and other alternatives to traditional distribution are also considered. See more ideas about film distribution, film and filmmaking. A film s trailer and key art shape how audiences perceive a film. Rebecca norris is a writer and filmmaker with her production company freebird entertainment. Unfortunately, unless youre already a name director with an established track record or your film has played at top festivals, theres no clear route to getting distribution. In addition, youll hear some success stories from producers and hear exactly what buyers are seeking. Dec, 20 before the internet paved the way for online film distribution platforms like netflix, amazon, itunes, etc. How to sell a film online using streaming distribution.
Apr 22, 2019 find a list of film distribution companies here. For most indie films up until the last 5 years or so, the most realistic outcome would be for a. Apr 09, 2018 as an independent filmmaker, if you were lucky enough to garner a distribution deal, odds were good the deal was less than satisfying. It achieved a 100screen release in germany, dvd distribution in the us and australia and was even picked up by an iranian tv company as recently as last november. How to sell a film online using streaming distribution services.
Unique case studies and exclusive commentary from the top names in independent cinema including mark cuban, hal hartley, bill plympton, liz garbus, and arthur dong help provide a handson approach to the subject. Release wide on filmhubs fast growing channel partner network. An independent film, independent movie, indie film or indie movie is a feature film or short film that is produced outside the major film studio system, in addition to being produced and distributed by independent entertainment companies. Aug 09, 2017 self distribution is an empowering and costeffective choice for indie filmmakers, as it cuts down on overhead and offers them more creative and financial direction over the entire process. The insiders guide to independent film distribution is a must for anyone who hopes to make and sell a film with good results. Wed all love to open our inboxes one morning to find a message from a24 looking to distribute our buzzing indie features. Making a batch of 1,000 dvds or blurays isnt always costeffective for low budget documentaries unless youre sure that you can sell them all. You might do film festivals or use tugg for your theatrical release. Seattle indie filmmakers explain why amazon video direct.
How i created the most successful selfdistributed film at the us box. It used to be that film selfdistribution meant getting a van, a bunch of. What filmmakers need to know about indie film distribution in. Independent films are sometimes distinguishable by their content and style and the way in which the. Nine lessons for selfdistributing filmmakers with no. Quiver is a preferred aggregator for itunes due to our long track record of highquality, ontime delivery of movies to the itunes platform. Dec 17, 2014 a year ago, we found ourselves in a situation most indie filmmakers will face.
If you have a great independent film or tv series that youd like us to consider for distribution, submit your film or tv series here. Quiver can deliver your film to itunes for sale or rental to audiences around the world. Theatrical self distribution of indie films made easy with. With premium options, the film can also play at quad cinema in new york for a week, get publicity and advertising, find domestic and foreign distribution, and have an oscarqualifying run. The summer passed with no reasonable distribution offer, and our agents lost interest, mumbling something about selfdistribution as they wandered off. There was a time, sure, that sundance was an independent film festival. A few days before you pulled up into a town, an advance person would leaflet the place, and when you arrived you would do some local radio, screen your film at the local rep cinema, collect the box office minus the venues share, sell tshirts, posters, cds and whatever else you. It used to be that film self distribution meant getting a van, a bunch of fly posters, and hitting the road.
Of course, one of the major benefits of selfdistribution and directto. The entrepreneurial filmmakers guide to self distribution. Staceys book was the one i kept, carried, and continue to. This is a common topic of conversation among directors and producers today.
We offer educational webinars, effective selfdistribution options and professional advice. Based on the experience of its founders, linda nelson and michael madison, the need for a new type of distribution for truly independent films is evident. How i selfdistributed my feature film media network the guardian. In fact, the more youve done on your own to build an email distribution list or cultivate an audience on social media, the more attractive your piece will be to distributors, says andrew mer, vice president of content partnerships at snagfilms, an independent film distributor and streaming service. There was a time that films like brothers mcmullen and clerks could be made outside the studio system and find audiences and buyers on the film festival circuit. The film points towards a future an afterward that attempts to live with the truths of history in order to make sense of the present. Self distribution becomes a more viable option for smaller films with tools that allow filmmakers to control the process. One key reason filmmakers choose to self distribute as a form of independent film marketing, is that theatrical release status will allow for press to attend the theater.
Selfdistribution is an empowering and costeffective choice for indie filmmakers, as it cuts down on overhead and offers them more creative and financial direction over the entire process. The traditional way for independent filmmakers to find a film distributor is through film festivals. Selfdistributing a feature film by pascal payant film courage. There are so many books available for the independent filmmaker and producer. They are usually created first, and become the cornerstones for a film s marketing campaign. Whether youre an indie filmmaker or producer, this guide will help you release. Their online distribution mission is give viewers more power to support and find new and upandcoming films, filmmakers, and genres. At first we did not understand the power of modern selfdistribution. Even if you are seeking a traditional deal, you should simultaneously plan your release strategy as if you do not have a deal. The case for selfdistributing your microbudget feature. Distribution and the indie filmmaker entertainment law. How i created the most successful selfdistributed film at the us boxoffice. Before the internet paved the way for online film distribution platforms like netflix, amazon, itunes, etc.
Unfortunately, the producer is the last to get paid. Distributors do the fcking and the key to profits lies in being at the top of the moneychain and controlling content and today, with video ondemand viability, it is easy to control content and be in second position normal theatrical distribution has the. Pay one flat fee to distribute your film to major digital video retailers, then keep. Apple pays the aggregator for sales, and the aggregator then pays the content owner. Nov 23, 2015 theatrical self distribution of indie films made easy with tugg ifh 025. The following is an abridged version of a report on the selfdistribution of the 1978 u. Best of all, if you do end up securing vod distribution, you will retain ownership over your film rather than splitting ownership with a thirdparty aggregator. Quiver digital digital distribution to worlds largest. Having your film picked up for distribution is never easy. Sep 07, 2005 paramount pictures and universal pictures to begin self distribution of films in 15 key countries beginning in january 2007 companies extend and restructure united international pictures uip joint venture to handle distribution in remaining international remaining countries. Sure, and there was a time it was in 2000, at the iffm in new york that these wacky guys were holding seminars. After receiving phone calls from wouldbe distributors full of empty promises, i started to dislike the predatory nature of traditional film distribution. The insiders guide to independent film distribution, second.
Breakdown of the major online indie film distribution platforms. Selfdistribution and other alternatives to traditional distribution are also considered. Stacey parks has worked with hundreds of hungry filmmakers to get their films a distribution deal and knows how frustrating the whole process can be. Filmhub allows filmmakers to upload your film for free, while streaming channels discover, order, and stream your work worldwide. Many filmmakers are now turning to selfdistribution. Selfdistribution is an important conversation to be having. And the idea of figuring out how to create a self distribution film campaign might feel daunting. This intensive, twoday class will cover the basics from festivals to theatrical, windowing your release, marketing, splitting rights, delivery, recouping, residuals and more. The films sales agents started to take an interest, and everyone felt poised for the next big step. Out grossing established independent films like cannes winner i.
Good samaritans risk hostility, political persecution, and legal prosecution to care for feral cats living in colonies. A year ago, we found ourselves in a situation most indie filmmakers will face. The answer is yes but it also depends upon your film. Through this process, it allows funding to come from people who are interested and invested in these films to bring the stories. In otherwords, film distributors seek projects that dont actually need a distributor. How film distribution works in this century amy clarke films.
We offer a full range of affordable distribution, educational, and marketing education to independent filmmakers looking to reach out to traditionally underserved audiences. As well, youll hear some success stories from producers and hear exactly what buyers are seeking. The film collaborative is the first nonprofit, fullservice provider dedicated to the distribution of independent film, including narrative features, documentaries and shorts. The process begins with crowdsource funding, where filmmakers use kickstarter or indiegogo to raise money for their film. Jul 09, 20 create your own power thats one key piece of advice from filmmaker and now self distributor marcus markou. To this end, they do not take a cut from filmmakers. Quiver digital digital distribution to worlds largest vod. Weve outlined the top 6 steps to consider for film distribution. Selfdistribution for filmmakers raindance film festival. The film was quickly picked up by the bbc, arte and netflix.
Breakdown of the major online indie film distribution. Theatrical self distribution of indie films made easy with tugg ifh 025. We offer educational webinars, effective self distribution options and professional advice. Independent film distribution takes the reader deep into the process of positioning a film for distribution. Quiver is the independent distribution division of premiere digital. How to release and selfdistribute an independent film rev. Quiver provides worldwide distribution of film and television content across major digital download and streaming retailers. How to sell a film online using streaming distribution services share this article. In response, smart distributors are keen to work with filmmakers who, aside from having a great movie, can also demonstrate an ironclad digital self distribution plan. Based on the experience of its founders, linda nelson and. Staceys book was the one i kept, carried, and continue to use as my primary resource to this day. Indie rights, a subsidiary of nelson madison films, is a full service, global distributor with direct relationships to major distribution outlets. Screening your independent film at cinemas is very expensive and seeing as you dont have a distributor you will have to pay for the film rating. How i selfdistributed my feature film the guardian.
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