UPDATE:
Most indie filmmakers come to the realization that the hardest part of making a film is deciding how to distribute the film.The big studios have a quick solution: spend millions booking the film around the world and more millions in advertising and publicity.
Obviously, this kind of commitment is beyond the reach of most indie filmmakers. Instead, they must find ways to distribute their films both successfully and inexpensively. Here's my list of your options:
1. Hook up with a distributor willing to give you a substantial advance. Put the check in your pocket and go on making your next film.
2. Pay a hefty upfront fee (plus expenses) and put your films in the hands of an experienced Sales Agent. He or she may or may not come through. It's an expensive way to go, but at least you tried.
3. Do it yourself (DIY). Be prepared to endure months (or maybe years) trying to make all theatrical, video, cable, and DVD arrangements on your own. It will give new meaning to the word madness.
4. Do nothing more than show the film around at festivals and to anyone expressing the least bit of interest (like friends and relatives). And then hope for a miracle.
5. For a modest fee, let a company like CINEMAflix DISTRIBUTION do it all for you. At least you'll know for sure that your film will have a minimum one-week run in a highly regarded art house theater in New York or Los Angeles, a professional publicist will be pushing your film in the media, and that it will be submitted to the major digital platforms and DVD wholesalers.
AMC, Americas biggest movie chain, is putting $20 million behind a Hollywood virtual-reality startup and plans to begin installing its technology at cinemas next year. The startup company providing content is Dreamscape, backed by Steven Spielberg. AMC considers it an investment similar to the ones made for IMAX, Dolby sound, digital projection, and reclining seats. The VR locations may be in theater lobbies or auditoriums, or locations adjacent to the cinemas.---Ben Fritz, The Wall Street Journal.
CORD CUTTING:
AT&T stock took a hit last month when it announced it lost 190,000 subscribers in the first quarter. Most of these subscribers opted to cut the cord, complaining about paying a high monthly cable fee that includes channels they never watch. So now they are opting to save money and go with a few internet providers offering only the channels they want. Cable companies like Time Warner, Cablevision, and Comcast will not be able to stop the defections. Inevitably, they will begin to offer stripped down packages at a much lower monthly fee. Hopefully!
FILM EXCHANGE:
Many frustrated filmmakers have contacted me about their plans to bypass a theatrical run and go right to the digital platforms like Amazon and iTunes. What they must realize is that each platform lists hundreds of indie films. I always ask these filmmakers the same two questions: What will motivate the viewer to click on your film? and How will your film stand out from the herd? It's the reason why I feel it's still so vital to give the film a theatrical run and to get a publicist so the film will reviewed and publicized.
