Unraveling Independent Film Distribution

[Sam Druckerman]

Sorry this is so last minute, I Just came across it today. For those who might be interested.......


Tuesday, December 4 - 7:30 PM DISTRIBUTION SEMINAR

UNRAVELING INDEPENDENT FILM DISTRIBUTION Join leading players in theatrical, television and DVD distribution and exhibition who will unravel the mysteries for the independent filmmaker. In this frank discussion, you will learn about options that are available to you when your film doesn't sell outright to a major distributor -- how it all works, what it costs and what you as the filmmaker needs to know. Educate yourself about booking, figures for spending and earning on a film, what it costs to advertise, what is expected by the exhibitor (theatre), what materials you will you need (including legal agreements) before you are ready to sell or exhibit your film. There will also be discussion of the future of theatrical film distribution and current trends. The audience will follow the process of distribution through the various phases with experts in the field, including: Bob Aaronson (Red Envelope Entertainment (REE), a Netflix Company); Gary Garfinkel (Senior Vice President - Content Strategy & Acquisition, Showtime Networks); Mike McClellan (VP Film Buyer for Landmark Theaters Corp.); Ted Sarandos (Chief Content Officer, Netflix); Barry Schuler (Managing Director, DFJ Growth, Former Chairman & CEO, AOL, Inc.); and David Shultz, President, Vitagraph Films LLC (Theatrical). A question and answer session will follow the moderated panel. $20 General Admission; $15 Student/Senior; $12 American Cinematheque Members.

I'm going..... if any REDusers can make it, give me a shout.

[Curran Giddens]

Looks interesting. I've always wondered about the distribution process for indies on Neftflix.

AFIK, Netflix can purchase a few copies of your DVD and then rent them out. I don't think they are required to pay any royalties. Maybe the on-demand download service is different, but Netflix doesn't seem very profitable for indie filmmakers.

It would be interesting to know how indies can make $$ through Netflix.

[Joel Kaye]

I'm going..... if any REDusers can make it, give me a shout.

I'd go if I was there. Hopefully you can give us all a really good report. I'm curious about Netflix and royalties too. My understanding is only Hollywood movies get any royalty deals from Netflix.