Indie film distributors look for one thing only when they evaluate paying for your indie films. Understanding the 5 stages of indie film production indie. Indie film distribution home of indie rights indie rights. However, within a month, the showings earned about 7,000 francs per week, and commercial film was born. Cast matters and a cast that tweets, even more apartment troubles 2014, dir. At the same time, cast talent that works well for the project. Independent distributor meaning in the cambridge english. Another way to kickstart your distribution thought process is casting.
Independent distributor definition in the cambridge english. Independent films are sometimes distinguishable by their content and style and the way in which the filmmakers personal artistic vision is realized. Independent films are sometimes distinguishable by their content and style and the way in which the. Distribution for independent film is a completely different process. Many independent filmmakers are surprised at the amount of effort and skill required to secure an equitable distribution agreement. Kinosmith is an independent canadian film distribution company. It is more of a defining life force, a spirit, than a material set of originating conditions. Once you methodically build this pedigree, which takes some work on the festival circuit, you are then ready to parlay this into a distribution deal or healthy sales. Apr 20, 2020 film festivals present another opportunity for exposure and potential independent film distribution. The studio makes a licensing agreement with a distribution company. Distribution and the indie filmmaker entertainment law. The complete guide to uk film distribution for indie filmmakers.
This is normally the task of a professional film distributor, who would determine the marketing strategy for the film, the media by which a film is to be exhibited or made available for viewing, and who may set the release date and other matters. How to make a successful end run around the big guys. Successful filmmakers and by that i mean filmmakers who successfully recoup their budget and repay investors, are the ones who develop a distribution strategy before they embark on the filmmaking process, and sometimes before they write the script. Information and translations of indie film in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on. We spoke to dozens of independent film distributors. How to release and selfdistribute an independent film rev. A studio or independent investor decides to purchase rights to the film. Is an independent film defined by its backer and budget, or is it defined by something more abstract, say, by a certain spirit. The following blog originally ran on in 2015 and remains one of our mostread articles. The lumieres were their own producers, distributors. Indie rights, a subsidiary of nelson madison films, is a full service, global distributor with direct relationships to major distribution outlets. The first public showing of film by the lumiere brothers cost one franc per patron about 20. In addition, self distribution represents an expanding pathway to securing an audience, and these methods include online avenues and dvd creation.
Jun 22, 2016 hopefully this gives you some insight into how film distribution works and where the industry stands in terms of distribution to theaters and home entertainment. Indie turns mainstream turns indie again, with an appropriation of the indie back into the mainstream. Film festival 1993 and the british independent film awards 1998. Independent film distribution companies can offer a decent deal for independent films that do well at film festivals.
Film distribution is the process of making a movie available for viewing by an audience. Indie film distribution submit your film today indie. Jun 29, 2012 i asked my pal amir who has worked as a film maker and in uk distribution, to offer some notes for film makers entering the market. In the independent film sector, vertical integration does not operate so commonly. Independent films are often screened at local, national, or international film festivals before distribution theatrical or retail release.
Indie is a modern cultural term that stems from the word independent. Founded in new york city yet globally focused, we are a collective of passionate film professionals constantly navigating the technological highways of the digital age while remaining faithful of the economically dilapidated back alleys of the anti. The spirit of your rebellious low budget short pushes the envelope. Distribution companies work to get independent films theatrical releases nationally and internationally and make deals for dvd, bluray and ondemand releases. Definition indie films independent film and festivals. When we released our first feature on amazon and started making sales, it was hard to believe we could do so without a traditional film distribution deal. If you look closely, youll see that the typical term length for most distributors is 1015 years. Itn distribution independent film distribution company. Healthy, organic social engagement from a cast can be a major marketing boon and a reliable means to communicate with and excite audiences about an. Nov 22, 2019 understanding the 5 stages of indie film production. Indeed, it was during this period that the very definition of an independent film became blurred.
An independent film is a professional film production resulting in a feature film that is produced mostly or completely outside of the major film studio system. Securing a theatrical release is perhaps the most desired method of independent film distribution. Again, this breakdown is meant to expose how film distribution works within the studio structure. Aug 08, 2017 from our conversations with candelaria and mansfield, we came up with four keys for filmmakers to keep in mind as they navigate the evolving world of independent film distribution in the 21 st century. The line between big studio films and small arthouse type films has become blurred in recent decades due to the infiltration of the big six hollywood film studios at film festivals.
The landscape of independent film distribution is evolving and we are doing our best to keep up with it. A guide to independent film distribution in the 21st. Film distribution strategies to use when financing your movie. Filmmakers need to get a good, rocksolid understanding of how film distribution works. Defining the phrase independent film is a little bit like trying to define the word art. Independent distributor definition in the cambridge. To approach this question, lets recap the story so far. Each phase has a different purpose, with the overarching goal to get to the next one, and ultimately on to distribution. Originally, the defining quality of indie media film, music, publishing, etc. An independent film, independent movie, indie film or indie movie is a feature film or short film that is produced outside the major film studio system, in addition to being produced and distributed by independent entertainment companies. Independent films tend to have a limited theatrical release in comparison to studio films, though there are many cinemas throughout the world catering for audiences and fans of independent film. Producers tend not to have longterm economic links with distributors, who likewise have no formal connections with exhibitors. If you have a great independent film or tv series that youd like us to consider for distribution, submit your film or tv series here indie rights, a subsidiary of nelson madison films, is a full service, global distributor with direct relationships to major distribution outlets.
Hopefully this gives you some insight into how film distribution works and where the industry stands in terms of distribution to theaters and home entertainment. Jun 05, 2017 film distribution strategies to use when financing your movie jun 5, 2017 entertainment finance how an independent filmmaker chooses to make a movie is often dictated by access to money more than any aesthetic sensibilities. Film distribution distributing an independent movie. The definition of what constitutes an independent film still needs to be clarified, although it usually means a film made outside of the established studio system, by a littleknown director who is working on a shoestring budget. Distribution is about releasing and sustaining films in the market place. They work to secure international theatrical distribution, which means they. In addition to being produced and distributed by independent entertainment companies, independent films are also produced andor distributed by subsidiaries of major film studios. Framing independence in this way clears up much confusion. With the dramatic increase in independent production, it is apparent that many filmmakers have mastered the skills needed to secure the money and equipment needed to produce a film. Sep 27, 2019 the landscape of independent film distribution is evolving and we are doing our best to keep up with it. At a time where we can barely predict what will be the most successful distribution model six months ahead of time, why are independent storytellers acquiescing to giving away our rights for so long. A guide to uk film distribution, marketing and cinema releases. Indie film distributors list of distributors, distribution. If you have a great independent film or tv series that youd like us to consider for distribution, submit your film or tv series here.
The ins and outs of hollywood film distribution premiumbeat. There are several important stages before distribution of the movie. The independent s guide to film distribution, second edition is the definitive guide to north american independent film and media distributors and a crucial tool for filmmakers who want to find their audience. Apr 09, 2018 as a result of internet film distribution and the inevitable demise of dvd retail distribution you can now reach a global marketplace. In so doing, the mppc centralized and standardized film production, distribution, and exhibition, prohibiting. Weve outlined the top 6 steps to consider for film distribution. To evaluate this, they look at your film, the size of the target audience, how your film compares to previously successful similar films, and in the end, it comes down to whether they think they can sucessfully get your film screened in a theater or digitally. I didnt realise he would pen an epic and essential guide to film distribution blimey. As we do, we offer this collection of videos from what we are learning on our journey.
A guide to independent film distribution in the 21st century by tom sveen editors note. In the practice of hollywood and other forms of industrial cinema, the phases of production, distribution and exhibition operate most effectively when vertically. Itn releases 24 films per year with itns connection to all major retailers and rentals in north america, such as redbox. Here is a brief summary of how we see film distribution at the moment. What is an indie movie and what are its characteristics. A guide to independent film distribution in the 21st century film. Information and translations of independent film in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the web. Try to cast talent that might help turn eyes towards your project. What are the different methods of independent film distribution. An independent film, independent movie, indie film or indie movie is a feature film or short film. Independent films film gcse media studies revision. Indiewoodhollywoodnt is an online publication devoted to the maintenance, presentation, and ideology of independently produced cinema.
We are committed to bringing the best of canadian and international criticallyacclaimed films and film content to audiences across the country. A guide to independent film distribution in the 21st century. Rights are divided into theatrical referring to films screening in cinemas, and video which means the company can release the film on video, dvd for home. Information and translations of indie film in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the web. Whether youre an indie filmmaker or producer, this guide will help you. Over to amir film distribution is pretty much the final frontier that the independent filmmaker of today has to tackle. Film distribution distributing an independent movie youtube. How to make a successful end run around the big guys hall, phil on. The film festival circuit provides them with a lot of good, yet cheap films to purchase. They need to supply movies to hundreds of countries and thousands of cable and satellite tv channels all over the world.
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