When filmmakers talk about a movie release window, they are describing the time between a theatrical run, a TV broadcast and a DVD release. And as a filmmaker, planning a “Release Window” strategy is essential. But what worked in the old days for studio releases is not applicable to small indie films. Why? Because video [...]
Since starting Filmmaking Stuff I have seen the entire independent community get turned up-side-down. Inexpensive production technology coupled with modern forms of video-on-demand distribution has changed the way movies are made, marketed, seen and sold.
When I started participating on film festival panels, filmmakers used to ask how to land a distributor, how to get a good film distribution deal or how to live happily ever after. But over the last two years, the narrative has changed significantly. Filmmakers are now asking questions about how to market and sell their own movies, without the middleman…
Many filmmakers with an independent movie and no deal make the mistake of forking over their VOD rights to bottom-feeding traditional DVD distribution companies, promising to their titles onto iTunes. In some cases, these filmmakers give up their rights for up to seven years.Why?
I HIGHLY recommend that you use a reputable 3rd party email marketing company to manage your audience list. While there are some great companies out there, over the past three years, I have utilized a service called Aweber. This is a reputable email marketing company…
Couple this paradigm shift with the demise of DVD sales channels, and a lot of traditional distributors are now offering VOD deals to unsuspecting filmmakers, in the hopes something sticks. These folks usually promise filmmakers the validation of getting their titles into iTunes.
I believe video on demand distribution represents freedom for filmmakers. While there are many great sales agents and distributors, I am totally bothered by the sales agents and middle-men who have taken a bottom-feeding approach to VOD. These jerks make a living trying to sucker unsuspecting filmmakers into long term video on demand deals that suck. I put together the following video to express my disgust and also provide a new hope. As a modern moviemaker, there has never been a better time to make, market and sell your movies without the middle-man.
