Should You Self Distribute?
Self-distribution has become an option for filmmakers seeking an audience and financial return. For some it can be a seeming solution to filmmakers’ distribution angst. The only problem is that self-distribution doesn’t always work in terms of making money. It is generally only those with the proper knowledge such as media administration who can successfully do this process.
Movie Needs to Be of Quality
Quite frankly, self-distribution isn’t all it is cracked up to be. Because in the end, if you don’t have a good and entertaining movie, the whole thing can backfire. Apprenticeship venues such as NYC AIM have distribution as a part of their curriculum
Get Coverage
So what’s a filmmaker to do? One thing is to be sure to start your marketing process from day one. Even as far back as sitting down to write your picture. It is suggested that you have a blog and update it at least once a week. Also, be sure to have a photographer (or someone with a phone) on the set taking useable production stills. This will become useful for your blog as well as if you decide to create a media kit.
Email List
In the old days you could make a decent film and get it picked up by a distributor. This still can happen but it is rare. Therefore another thing you should do is start an email list and blast to your email audience at least once weekly just as those who have knowledge of media administration are able to do..
Blog Entries can Become Newsletter Content
The neat thing is that the internet makes distributing online easy. You can upload your film to Amazon and more. But wait, now that your film is completed, have you done enough marketing that it will actually send viewers to your Amazon page where they will pay for and then watch your flick?
Consider Making a “How To”
I know it’s not glamorous, but if you are still trying to figure out what kind of movie you will make, it is suggested that you do a “How To.” This is a recommendation that comes from NYC AIM. If you make a video that solves a very real problem for a certain demographic, you are upping your chances of it being successful. In fact, the more dire the thing being solved, the better. If your solution solves an urgent problem you will likely get more sales.
Finding the Right Path