DIY! - Distribution

Doing most of the aspects of film production and distribution is quite a bit of work.  It’s similar to pushing a large rock up a very large mountain every day.  As I look around, I see that there are others doing similar things and creating really fabulous films.  This makes the process somehow more fun and less tedious.  As a filmmaker in the digital age, it’s advantageous to learn to wear different hats.  Keep in mind that no one else in the world will love and hate your film as much as you do.  I think that it is a natural progression to self-distribute your film.  Why give universal rights to a distribution company when they have every right (because you signed it over to them) to shelve and forget about your project? Negotiation is important, but if a distribution company wants all universal rights for 21 years, do some research and talk to other filmmakers to see if it’s worth it.  I have actually heard of an actual 14 dollar annual check payout given to a filmmaker from a distributor.  There are some good cooperatives and distribution methods out there, but do your research first. 

If you can figure out how to make a film by working a camera and editing a film, then you can figure out how to distribute your film.  You can figure out how to author a DVD and get a website up.  (See website map to the left.) If you need a break, take a bath or go outside for a few minutes.  When going outside, yes, it’s blinding, but do try to go outside during the daylight hours at least every other day – for at least 15 minutes.  If you can’t get away from the computer, at least look away and let your eyes to focus on an object that is further than 1-2 feet away.

Set a timeline and have an idea of what you would like to do with distribution.  As I began arranging the screening and discussion tour, I started out with my usual 450 minute cell phone plan.  It quickly went over 950, surpassed 1350 minutes, and I soon found myself with the unlimited minutes phone plan. I spent a large portion of the day on the phone arranging and promoting screenings.  This process typically took 5 to 12 phone calls or emails per location.   I usually went to the post office once a day to send DVDs and press kits.   It's quite a humbling and amazing process.

There was never enough time in the day to get everything done.  I planned a nationwide screening tour, starting with the east coast, then drove back toward the west coast.  I was still in the process of trying to book screenings while the tour to the east coast started.  I didn’t have the time or the energy to book screenings in the central and western states.  I spent about seven weeks on the road.  The screenings did drive DVD sales from the internet, which complicated things since it added the need to find a post office in addition to the next screening venue.   In addition, I was trying to do my own publicity and did newspaper and radio interviews along the way.  I vastly underestimated driving times as I planned the tour.  There were more than a few really long 9 hour drives.  I sometimes made it 10 minutes before the screening ended.  It was a very humbling experience.   I'm still in totally uncharted waters in regard to continuing distribution, but I'm learning, and it's continuing... For now, there's more info about the tour on the blog.