How to Become a Low Budget Movie Distributor
By Steve Brachmann
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The growth of the Internet has created numerous avenues through which media can be distributed to a wider audience than ever before. Live video streams and online DVD sales are a much cheaper way to sell films to consumers rather than creating large stockpiles of DVDs to sell to retail stores at bulk pricing. Choosing low budget films to distribute will further reduce the costs necessary to open your distribution business.
Purchase the equipment necessary to begin your operations as a low budget movie distributor. This includes a digital film converter compatible with the film medium you wish to work with, a computer and DVD burning equipment. You may decide to purchase specialized printing materials and design software to create labels for the DVDs that your movie distribution business will sell.
Draft a film investment memorandum to use as a template for future business agreements with filmmakers. The film investment memorandum includes details about the business partnership between distributor and filmmaker, including anticipated ratings from the Motion Picture Association of America, anticipated completion date and the dollar amount of the film budget. (See References 1, section titled "The Business of the Partnership") The investment memorandum also includes details on distribution methods, including area of distribution and forms of distribution.
Network with filmmakers and other industry professionals to find filmmakers who need movie distribution. Many distributors find these opportunities by visiting film festivals across America and in other countries. Low budget films are best found at smaller film markets and festivals that aren't heavily publicized, such as the American Film Market or the Toronto Film Festival. (See References 2, section titled "Film markets vs. festivals")
Choose the method through which to distribute your low budget films. Low budget movie distribution options include live streaming on the Internet; many distributors decide to upload a low quality version of the film online with an option for viewers to purchase a high quality download or DVD of the film. (See References 3, sixth paragraph) Preparing a film for theatrical distribution can be prohibitively expensive as the cost for film prints can reach $1,200 to $2,000 per theater. (See References 4, section titled "Theater Experiences")
Utilize social media and online marketing tools to advertise your product and increase distribution among consumers. (See References 5, section titled "Four lessons from 'Paranormal Activity'") Tools such as Google AdWords allows you to advertise a website link based on the search terms used by web browsers. Social media sites like Facebook let advertisers tailor a marketing campaign for users in specific geographical regions or with certain interests and likes.
Monarch Films: Distribution 101
Brick Top Productions: Distribution Today - A New Millenium; February 2011
AdvertisingAge: How 'Paranormal Activity' Hit It Big; Andrew Hampp; October 2009
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How Do I Write a Business Plan for a Movie?
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1 How to Write a Film Business Plan
2 How Do I Write a Business Plan for a Movie?
3 How to Obtain a License to Show Movies in a Private Theater
4 How to Start Up a Movie Company