DIY! - Distribution

Doing a lot 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.  And fortunately when I look around, I see that there are others doing the same thing and creating really fabulous work, it somehow becomes more fun and less tedious.  As a filmmaker in the current 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.  Therefore, I believe that it’s a natural next step 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.  Or just tell them to piss off.  I have heard of huge 14 dollar checks getting cut to filmmakers.  There are some good cooperatives and distribution methods out there, but just 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.  Step away from the computer.  At least look away and get your eyes to focus on an object that is further than 1-2 feet away.

Set a timeline and have an idea of where you’re going with distribution.  I’m constantly behind schedule, but I do have one and really try to stick with it. 

Spend time at the end of your project to finalize things to your liking.  I thought the project was first done two years ago, running at 90 minutes.  It is now under 58 minutes, and I’ve probably edited at least 100 exported versions.  (It probably would have helped to have gone to film school instead of getting a degree in history!)    But remember.  It can be done.

While I’ve talked about how one person (DIY!) can do a lot, I’ve had a lot of help and am really thankful for the people who have helped me along the way.  I also have a lot of respect for finished films.  I may not like all the films that I see, but I do have respect for the process.  Filmmaking is a team effort and I do want to thank the people that have worked with me, and the people who have provided feedback.  Getting a project done and through distribution deals with groups and people.  Find and work with all the good people that you can.

As I am arranging the screening and discussion tour, as a person who didn't talk over 450 mintues on the phone, after surpassing 1350 minutes, I now have unlimited minutes. I spend my days on the phone talking to programmers, (I've called one more than 10 times) tracking down the potential reviewers at newspapers, and I usually go to the post office once a day to send off DVDs and press kits. I still sit in front of a computer, but now working email and the internet as I look for potential venues. It's quite a humbling and amazing process.