There’s been lots of discussion out there about the value of a middleman (sales agent and/or distributor) in today’s Distribution 2.0 world. I mean, with all the DIY opportunities right now, you might be asking yourself why you would need a middleman at all?
I think the fact remains that to accomplish all it is you want to accomplish with your film…EVEN with 2.0 platforms, you still need help from middlemen sometimes – people like digital aggregators (there are still certain platforms like iTunes that you cannot get onto without one), and theater bookers (you planning to book your self theatrical release yourself?). And guess what – all these folks are essentially middlemen.
Also, what about for those of you who are going after a more ‘hybrid’ strategy and doing traditional distribution AND distribution 2.0? Remember you can work with a middleman AND without one at the same time. It just takes crafty deal making…. (and creative thinking).
I know one of the complaints I’m hearing about sales agents and distributors these days is that their expenses are just too darn high. And I couldn’t agree more! I think EXPENSES are one of the major obstacles right now between filmmakers and sales agents/distributors, because the numbers just don’t ADD UP. Or should I say….they add up for THEM but not for YOU. And I think it’s important to find a balance in there….to be able to make deals in the traditional world that work for everyone (yep, not just THEM).
And then I know that some filmmakers are saying they actually want to be in charge of their own marketing. I think that’s GREAT! Why not propose that to the middlemen – they agree to lower their expense cap, in exchange for you taking responsibility of your own marketing campaign. The question is….. can you realistically handle that and are you qualified to do so? Maybe you need to go hire help…..which is money out of your pocket but at least you can CONTROL the spend.
These are just a few suggestions, but I’d love to open this up for discussion. What do you all think about working with middlemen in this 2.0 world of ours? Can a healthy balance be struck? Or are most distributors and sales agents doomed for eventual failure except for the ones who can learn to work with filmmakers on THEIR terms?
By the way, if you’re interested in learning about this further join me on my Virtual Seminar entitled SECRETS OF NEGOTIATING A GOOD DEAL WITH YOUR SALES AGENT this Thursday, March 17. Hope to see you then and answer your questions personally!
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
I think you’re right. It’s really a question of how many hats you can effectively wear. The key word being “effectively”. I saw some great promo material at the SXSW festival that was done by the filmmakers themselves and I also saw some crappy promo material that was done by the filmmakers. The deal is that if you can’t be honest with yourself about your strength and your weaknesses and how much time you can realistically spend in each area of production and promotion, you’re going to lose.
This is an interesting thought. I’ve always despised, loathed, and generally hated the “middlemen” with a burning passion. Maybe it’s better business sense to stop worrying and learn to love the people.
Or at least begrudgingly accept?
I just finishing a documentary of 52 minutes… and last week i find a Independent Film Distribution book by Stacy Park for sale at e bay so i buy it…Must of the time the book we buy do not deliver what they want to sell i still waiting for the post man.
I think the festival route is a to much expensive way for Documentary because with a selling agent the expense versus the sales price is to height, same for specific documentary market.I will preferred to go with a more traditional way a direct approach to the diffuser.
BTW i do not want to get my documentary after a sale to a TV station see on there web site for free they never pay a off for this.
I also look to distribute my documentary on VIDEO ON DEMAND for a reasonably price in the same time or in some time prior the the diffuser.( it’s direct money to the producer and to your niche viewer accessibility )
I am looking for a multiple language platform where you could download to rent or buy and also get a DVD copy.( This platform should be free to get in for the producer or the filmmaker and free to get out we just sharing the profit )
Diffuser, decide what is done or what is not it’s the only way to not let them this power and produce more variety for programmings.
Pierre Sam
I used to hate middlemen, until I was hired by a small company to do just that. After working here for a couple of months I realized that not all of them are bad at all, if they are ahead of the curve. The company I work for allows the indy filmmaker to keep the rights to their movie (like it should be) unlike bigger studios, so they are not locked into a contract. We also allow our filmmakers to choose other “middle men” as well, in order to maximize different channels for the filmmaker. We don’t ask to be your exclusive distributor. The best thing to do when choosing someone, is doing your research. Understand the company or the person you are doing business with, and be thorough when investigating the details of a deal.
Hi Ehab! What’s that company you are working for – sounds like something for me (I’m a first-time producer, just completed a picture).
Hanna
Hi, I’m looking to produce a 50-minute documentary on the personal / creative journeys of an ink-brush painter – very niche audience in some obvious respects, but it’s also a more universal / accessible story about having the courage to go against the conservative societal mainstream…in this case, the artist risked criticism to re-invent a very traditional art form into something that will be relevant to a contemporary audience. A personal biography of sorts through the prism of the art works, with narrative drawn from exclusive interviews with artist’s closest circle. You learn something about the pains and wonders of creative process, too!
1. I’m not expecting theatrical distribution, but would like to hear what other distribution strategies there might be for a (niche?) film like this.
2. Re funding: am trying crowd-funding with mixture of grants applications and private funders. Someone has offered to raise funds for me for the project on a retainer with incidentals covered – I’m thinking maybe a 5% finder’s fee instead? What are the preferable terms of engagement in this day and age?
3. Do grants agencies normally have issues with the producer selling DVDs / VoDs, etc of the film if/when it’s completed?
4. Meanwhile, should I spend my own money to develop a film website for profile and fund raising?
Views on all or any of the above welcome!
Thanks
Jin
Hi Jin,
To answer your questions….
1. Self Distribution is the way to go for a film like this!
2. I would check with your lawyer on the legalities of finders fees in the state you live in as there are some rules to go by.
3. Not that I know of…
4. Yes, absolutely!
Hope this helps! I have lots more info on all this over at http://www.FilmSpecific.com – check it out…
Stacey