Distribution

Do you have any figures on self-distribution. I am interested!

Yes we do but, since this is our first year in operation, it's kinda all over the place. Financials cycle out for a year in March and by then we'll have a more stable track record.

One of my feature films! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NofhPiPP_Ys&t=29s

One would have to have enough of a following / fanbase to benefit from self-distribution. Most do not. Key is to not get screwed by the big fish.

Flagging for my network in case anyone has a finished film looking for distribution.

This is a hidden gem!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiXjkWee__k

This is huge for Disney, Sam Sokolow!

Disney is desperate for content, I think. I cancelled my subscription because there just wasn't enough there for the value. Sam Sokolow It may piss off a few people looking forward to watching it on cable. I suspect if it isn't available on cable, the viewership will go down.

One of the tests we can look to is the results of the National Hockey League and Monday night Prime Video games. These games are not on cable to accompany the NHL's infinite wisdom of blacked out Canadian team TSN games in Canada (thank God for Sportsnet). To see the results of viewership. I be surprised if it isn't significantly lower -- although Oilers fans may buy Prime for just one game.

The viewership results will tell the story. I think it will be significantly less.

Sucks because free tv is going away. Wont be long until the Oscars show will be paid tv

I haven't seen any of Lionsgate's films this year, Sam Sokolow, but I'm looking forward to watching some of them, especially Borderlands and Never Let Go. I might do a double feature (Borderlands and another Action movie). I'm waiting for the price to drop before I watch Never Let Go on streaming.

Lionsgate used to be all magic—now I’m falling asleep halfway through their movies. Predictable plots, cringey casting choices… they are so busy ‘forcing diversity’ they forgot to cast actors who actually fit the characters. So, color me shocked that they’re sinking faster than the Titanic. They do understand their audience.

Sam Sokolow hmm, Lionsgate were showing an interest in Seeing Rachel. I’m not sure what to think, now?

Nobody bats 1.000, Geoff Hall - and they aren't losing money. And their turnaround in terms of hits is inevitable. They are a major and respected distributor. If they're real on Seeing Rachel, I'd stay at the table.

Sam Sokolow thanks for your wisdom, Sam. Will keep you appraised of the ongoing development of Seeing Rachel.

Philip David Lee This post reflects the full dance program of navigating marketing via different platforms and countries. The nudity aspect is interesting for sure. In North America, it is nowhere as open as Europe. Also just a tame video can offend one person who can report it for a content violation. The struggle is real. Great share.

Debbie Elicksen I never try and worry about people that get "offended" over watching something mainly because they don't have to watch it. If you build your house at the base of an active volcano, you can't blame the people that sold you the building material. Some of the lessons I have learned in this life might not jell with how others have come to their conclusions through their perceptions. Censorship is always wrong. It ultimately comes down to what people choose, age appropriate guidelines taken into considerations.

The variations of all of the different platforms out there is why distribution companies demand so many "deliverables." You can't just make a film anymore. They want it in different frame speeds, a separate sound track, a separate music track... I saw a list and it got me dizzy. I am on the side of distribution companies. They just can't show low quality films and expect people to watch it, but they have to give any film they choose to distribute a fair chance. It's a very delicate balance but it will still boil down to the film project itself. It doesn't have to be world changing or a message film. It just has to be entertaining and rewatchable. You hit those two qualities and a distribution company will bend over backwards to get viewership for your art.

I love the art of filmmaking, but the business side needs some more integrity and honest accounting.

Philip David Lee Excellent points. Love the volcano scenario.

WOOHOOOO!!

Ashley Renee Smith I am adding all these WC prompts you list on Instagram in my calendar.

I think it's great for indie creatives, Sam Sokolow! The article says, "The first-of-their-kind output agreements will make it easier for festival favorites to reach wider audiences. And the deals create important revenue structures for independent films."

Sam Sokolow I think Tribeca announced their intent to expand their distribution reach a while ago, Sam and now we have some of the details.

Sam Sokolow I think this is where the film and TV industry will continue to rule. Studios seem so outdated. It's like dial-up Internet versus gaming speed on your smartwatch.

Debbie Elicksen I like that analogy, Debbie.

Thanks for this share Sam Sokolow. I absolutely love foreign films (foreign to North America). It's fantastic to see more support for these markets and independent producers.

Hire someone who can help you - to get your novels reviewed and promote - to expand the outreach of your podcast - you don't have to hire a full on PR person, you can utilize an assistant or intern to do this outreach.

Hi Deborah Gilels , nice meeting you and sharing your expertise in this AMA. Have you worked with composers and their need for marketing ? If you're over 6o, is it better to outsource for an Agent ? ha ha. - not really laughing. I'm in the Music world performing and writing mode most of my days, though have been doing short samples here and there. Some success with making perc. with an engineer to HBO show and a lady wanting to use one of my perc. samples in her movie short. New guy looking for Marketing help and anything else you may know this side of the creative world. Thanks again for your willingness to share this week's AMA.

K. Kennard

A few years ago I hooked someone up with a friend who is a music supervisor and he game the advice to go after the job that you want - if there's an agent sending out your work, I would welcome it- you should also announce when your work is presented on any media - and use to help market yourself.

Don't really worry about your age - I know its hard in this business - but your work is what is really important.

Thank you Deborah Gilels . Appreciate the advice ! KK

Deborah Gilels I was late to the table, but I thank you so much for sharing your insight. PR and marketing is so important for content, especially when there are so many options. A what not to do list, like David Letterman's top 10 lists in a book form or blog is something that way too many could use. :)

Thanks for sharing this, Daniel J. Pico. Glad to hear indie filmmakers can go directly to the theater chains to get their movies out, seen by an audience, and make money!

"A film doesn’t turn out, just shelve it and write it off or you need a write off, just shelve a film." That reminds me of the Coyote vs. Acme situation. I think the government needs to step in and pass a law that prevents studios and companies from doing those things.

The mergers should have never been allowed in the first place. I'm tired of getting screwed over from dollar one by a distributor. It's time we take the power back and start getting money for our work and for our investors so we can build wealth for ourselves. Not every movie is going to be successful and some of it will come down to the individual marketing prowess of producers, but all we have been asking for is a fair shot, and since the corruption and greed in the industry has made it clear they intend to keep it all, it's time we pick up the money they are leaving on the table.

Hi Debbie! Fellow K-drama addict here. Thanks for sharing this info.