FILMMAKING STUFF Filmmaking Stuff provides resources for independent filmmakers. The website includes articles on how to take a story idea from script to screen, including articles on scriptwriting, producing, finance, shooting, editing, directing, marketing, distribution and how to build an audience. Filmmaking Stuff also has articles detailing how to make money making movies – including interviews with Hollywood Producers, Directors, writers and other filmmaking professionals.

LA Based Indie Producer Jason Brubaker

If you’re a filmmaker, I don’t need to tell you that the world of filmmaking is changing. And if you’re one of the many filmmakers with a feature film, but no ROI, then you probably already figured out that traditional distribution is no longer profitable.

My questions:

1. Do you have a feature collecting dust?
2. Or do you know someone who failed to garner a traditional distribution deal?

If so, then I want to help.

For those of you visiting Filmmaking Stuff for the first time, my name is Jason Brubaker. I’m an LA based indie producer and an expert in modern VOD distribution. In a nut-shell, I help filmmakers get their movies listed, seen (and selling) through popular VOD outlets, like iTunes.

To find out more about me, pick up this month’s Movie Maker Magazine. “The future of Movie Making 2010.” On page 38, you’ll see my article on how to market and sell your movie on the internet. You can also check out my other movie distribution articles here.

If you are interested in discussing ways I might help YOU get your movie seen and sold through various Video On Demand channels, please feel free to email me here: Jason(at)FilmmakingStuff.com

Happy Filmmaking!

Sincerely,
Jason Brubaker
Filmmaking Stuff

Posted under Distribution

Read Jason Brubaker's article on Self Distribution in Movie Maker Magazine, The Future of Movie Making 2010

If you get by a news stand, make sure you check out the latest issue of MovieMaker magazine. It’s The Future Of Movie Making 2010.

In the issue, you’ll get a whole bunch of useful movie making information, including the 25 Must-Have Movie Making Apps, information on HDSLR camera as well as a great interview with Roger Corman.

But if you want my humble opinion, one of most informative articles can be found on page 38.  There you’ll find some great tips on Self Distribution Solutions. You’ll get a step by step guide for taking your feature film from festival failure to self distribution success. And the best part?

I wrote it.

Ok. At the fear of sounding a little too self promotional, I’ve read the entire issue from cover to cover. And every article is useful. If you’re not near a news stand, you can read some of the articles and order an issue of the magazine by going here.

And if you have read my article, let me know if you have questions or comments.

Posted under Distribution

Filmmakers can now sell their movies on iTunes - Image via Wikipedia

As a filmmaker, uploading your movie to iTunes is a pain in the butt.

And if you’re new to feature filmmaking, let me explain a few things. One of the biggest challenges you have is getting your movie seen and sold.

Assuming you’ve traveled the festivals, you probably know that the distribution deals that once fueled your filmmaking dreams have dried up. And these days, even if you get a deal, one of the selling points of the deal will probably involve some distributor touting the wonders of iTunes.

Now before you protest, I’m not saying that better deals aren’t out there. They are. And I’m also not saying that you can’t get a dream distribution deal – you can. And great job if you land one!

But for the other 98% of filmmakers, if getting a return on your movie is a goal,  some choices will have to be made. Typically your choices are:

1. Do I take the crappy deal with the shady distributor? (If you have one.)
2. Or do I just market my movie myself?

If you’ve been reading this Filmmaking Stuff long enough, you probably know where I’m going with this. So let me take you there… If your deal does not pencil, it is NOT a deal! Period.

It simply comes down to this: do you want 3rd party validation? Or do you want cash without the middle man?

If you picked the ladder (and I hope you did), then your next order of business is to focus on a marketplace. And if you haven’t gone down this road before, let me tell you that there are only 3 TOP markets for your movie.

1. Amazon – They own a company called CreateSpace that will assist you in getting your movie into the Amazon marketplace as both a DVD and a VOD streaming option.
2. Netflix- This is a mail order movie rental house that also offers VOD streaming.
3. iTunes -I probably don’t need to tell you what iTunes is. In fact, I saved the best for last (and it is the focus of this article). But did you know you can now sell your movie through iTunes?

When attempting to get your movie seen and sold, if you do not get a deal, and you are not on those sites – then as a filmmaker, y you have cut your potential for revenue significantly. This is because the big 3 provide a marketplace full of hungry customers ready to buy movies.

“OK, Jason Brubaker – That’s great. But how do I get my independent movies on iTunes?”

Great question.

I am pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Distribber. They are owned by IndieGoGo and as a company, the service provides a one stop shop for filmmakers working to get their movies on iTunes, Amazon and Netflix. You simply pay a 1 time fee (which is reasonable, especially if your production team decides to buck up and each pay a little.)

Then assuming your movie makes the cut (there is a screening process), you get your movie on the Big 3. And unlike traditional distribution deals, this movie sales tool offers 24-hour access to your sales stats and your money. So once you’re set up, all you gotta do is log in to your account, check out your sales and view your cash balance.

And the cool part? No waiting for checks. No more “creative Hollywood accounting.” With this movie sales tool, you may withdraw your funds at any time via Paypal. To learn more, check out the site at: www.MovieSalesTool.com

If you have questions about this service, you’re welcome to email me. jason(at)filmmakingstuff.com

Posted under Distribution

For those of you who have completed your feature film, one of the biggest challenges you have is finding a movie distribution company and a great deal.

I am currently working on the release of our first feature documentary called Toxic Soup and I can tell you that things are changing daily out there. The world of distribution as we once knew it – well, it’s gone. Fortuantly, I know a thing or two about getting some ROI on movies via internet self distribution.

I am working with some folks to create a one-stop-shop for those of you who wish to market and sell your movie so you don’t have to settle for a crappy deal. There is enormous need for it. I forget some times that most filmmakers would rather focus on making movies and let someone else handle the marketing and sales. Anyway, stay tuned – I’ll have a solution in a few short weeks.

And for those of you who can’t wait, my article on digital self distribution will hit the stands in an issue of Movie Maker Magazine. Hopefully this will be a good starting point for you.

If you are in a situation where you have a movie, but no deal – please feel free to leave a comment on this site, or email me directly. It will help me address your concerns.

And as always, if you want to stay up to date with the ever changing climate of filmmaking stuff, please feel free to sign up for my newsletter and also get a free copy of my book. Go here: www.FreeFilmmakingBook.com

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Related articles (things are changing in movie distribution):

• Distribution pact brings better streams to Netflix users (arstechnica.com)
• Netflix, Relativity Media Partner On Streaming Movie Service (informationweek.com)

Posted under Distribution