Straight to DVD path?

[wshultz]

As I understand it, most indie features must find distribution after production and it's often done by showing at festivals attended by distributors. Is this the same process for straight to DVD projects? How do they end up in my local Blockbuster? Are they still viewed by distributors who deem it not theatrical-worthy? I can't find info on the process.

Does anyone know where statistics on DVD earnings can be found? Something akin to box office mojo? Is this where the real profit is these days after a so-so theatrical run?

[Michael Schrengohst]

http://www.customflix.com/Special/L/1000HD_indies.jsp;jsessionid=7E586A93F8EBE66B03A94 D2D51C831D5.cfxworker00

[Richard Andrewski]

There aren't any statistics on this because the people profiting are all individuals, and thus, not public and corporate entities which have to make public how they do every year and how they made their money. I think, its basically, use your imagination and find a way in. A bit like publishing a book in some ways. If you want major distribution in outlets that sell DVDs you have to hook up with a publisher. Otherwise, you're on your own to individually negotiate with the outlets you want to be sold in. That's what a publisher buys you. But you give up a lot for that. Amazon takes 55% for instance, when you use them as a marketing arm. In this day and age, with the web, self-publishing is more possible and if your adept at web marketing can work too but is certainly not easy and you can spend a lot of time on it.

[Mark L. Pederson]

If you want statistics that will stand up to a sophisticated investor - KAGAN is the best place to start - but their reports/statistics are NOT free

http://research.kagan.com/KEO/TOC.aspx?Type=Databook&ID=23&Title=The%20State%20of%20Home%20Video%202005

you can troll around the internet to sites like IMDB or www.boxofficemojo.com and find some DVD revenue info - but it's usually plus or minus as much as 30% in accuracy from my experience.

read this blog every day -

http://cinematech.blogspot.com/