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The other night, I was out at a filmmaking event focused on Horror Filmmakers. This is an arena I am interested in because I totally enjoy making zombie movies. And in my conversations, I can’t tell you how many other filmmakers talked about DIY and Self Distribution as if it was a new concept or a last resort.
Personally, I can’t stand it when I hear the terms self distribution, and DIY.
To explan why, let me use my frozen yogurt analogy. I happen to love frozen yogurt – I’m addicted. But anyway, let’s say I someday decide to realize my dream of owning my own frozen yogurt shop. Part of making my shop a success would involve marketing and sales.
Let me ask you this – In the yogurt shop context, would I hire some other company to handle my sales and marketing? In exchange, would I pay their expenses and give them more than 40% of my margins? And if I decided not to go that idiotic route, would I then describe my activity as Do It Yourself?
“Well, I opened this yogurt shop and decided to do all the sales and marketing myself…“
Why should your movie business be any different than a yogurt shop? You created your movie. Thanks to the internet, you can now access the same VOD marketplaces as the BIG distributors (iTunes and Amazon) – so why on earth would you lock up your VOD rights for 7 years or more?
I don’ t get it. If you do, please comment.
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About Jason Brubaker
Jason Brubaker is a Hollywood based Independent Motion Picture Producer and an expert in Video On Demand distribution. He is focused on helping YOU make, market and sell movies more easily by growing your fan base, building buzz and creating community around your title. He is also available for speaking engagements.