Sending Short Indie Videos

It is common among new indie filmmakers to worry last about movie distributions. When I started, I was also like this. I was more inclined to consider pre-production and production. Thinking of hammering a out a distribution deal down the road was the last thing on my mind.

The way it often plays out is a indie filmmaker makes a smaller budget movie without name actors. Mini-major and Hollywood studios pass on releasing the movie because there are no bankable names attached. Small and non-affiliated distributors are usually more supportive of new film makers. To pitch your film, retails outlets like Blockbuster and Best Buy are often tapped.

For an indie filmmaker, being seen is the same thing as getting money form the film that you made. Then the distribution pitch continues how you'll make money from both domestic and foreign sales.

Prior to being sold and distributed, you need to sign a distribution agreement first. It includes worldwide rights and can be for as long as 25 years. Following the signing of agreement, your movie will now be directly sold in video stores. People will now have the chance to see your film upon their visit to retail video stores.

Fast forward a year later. Your revenue starts to fall. Every quarterly royalty statement you've received so far shows your movie is in the red after the distributor takes their cut off the top, then deducts distribution expenses, marketing fees, and manufacturing fees. This is the part where an indie filmmakers nightmare starts. If it was a fight it would be stopped.

It wont matter now if your movie is still selling. Distributors are capitalizing on your movie and you wont get any of it. If you try to ask them, they will say that your movie is falling in sales. Simply put, they will reap what you sow. Distribution films signed you up for their own interest: profit.

This is not a general conclusions though. Few companies actually offers a fair and just agreement. One good example is the Venture Distribution. The company never fails to inform us of quarterly sales. They offered a fair distribution charges. Checks and revenue were regularly sent. It is definitely unfair for companies to get all the revenues. Be smart and study every distribution deal tooth and nail.