How do you go about selling your work? at DVinfo.net

John Gaspain · November 19th, 2003, 01:34 AM

Lets say I make a great film that is marketable, where would I even begin to try to sell this thing?

Victor Panero · November 21st, 2003, 09:36 AM

If you don't intend to put together a big P&A budget and start entering festivals I'd look into CustomFlix (http://www.customflix.com/).

I thought they might be an option here, but they told me they can't yet offer a distribution pipeline wth Japanese language support---but great option for you in WA. They offer some reasonable packages on their site for short runs.

--has anyone tried CustomFlix?

John Gaspain · November 25th, 2003, 01:51 AM

well I dont want to sell the DVDs one at a time, I was to sell it to a production company for big bucks.

or do I have to enter film festivals and earn some respect or what? I know I could make something fabulous but how am I to protect myself from thieves who could post it on the internet.

anyway im rambling now.

I will say it in caveman speak:
Me make stunning documentry or something fun like Clerks, me want big money without spending big money, so whats a simple caveman to do?

Thanks ;)

Rob Belics · November 25th, 2003, 08:09 AM

Going the festival route is one way to get "discovered" and possibly selling your FILM to a studio. That's how clerks did it. But a studio is not likely to buy a video. But you might get discovered as a director or writer.

Richard Alvarez · November 25th, 2003, 08:37 AM

Your question is answered in several wonderful books on independant filmmaking. There are a number of ways to structure selling your film, all of them outlined in those books. But the most important thing is that you do , in fact, have a film that someone wants. "Build a better mousetrap, and the world will beat a path to your door" is true in any proffession.

"To make rabbit stew... first catch a rabbit."

To sell an independant film for a lot of money, make one that is worth a lot of money.

Our own path where I work, is to make a short, 35mm film, and use it as a tool to raise funds to produce the feature.

That's just one way.

Story is King in indy film - without it, you have to rely on some sort of hook like a "name" star or director, exceptional action sex or violence - exotic locations or costumes.

Good luck

November 19th, 2003, 01:34 AM	#1
John Gaspain Major Player Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: WA-USA Posts: 371	How do you go about selling your work? Lets say I make a great film that is marketable, where would I even begin to try to sell this thing? __________________ The glory of the World passes by.

November 21st, 2003, 09:36 AM	#2
Victor Panero Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Miyazaki, Japan-----> Orange County Posts: 25	independent distribution--CustomFlix? If you don't intend to put together a big P&A budget and start entering festivals I'd look into CustomFlix (http://www.customflix.com/). I thought they might be an option here, but they told me they can't yet offer a distribution pipeline wth Japanese language support---but great option for you in WA. They offer some reasonable packages on their site for short runs. --has anyone tried CustomFlix? __________________ "N a k i n a s a i , W a r a i n a s a i..." -Kina Shoukichi, HANA

November 25th, 2003, 01:51 AM	#3
John Gaspain Major Player Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: WA-USA Posts: 371	well I dont want to sell the DVDs one at a time, I was to sell it to a production company for big bucks. or do I have to enter film festivals and earn some respect or what? I know I could make something fabulous but how am I to protect myself from thieves who could post it on the internet. anyway im rambling now. I will say it in caveman speak: Me make stunning documentry or something fun like Clerks, me want big money without spending big money, so whats a simple caveman to do? Thanks ;) __________________ The glory of the World passes by.

November 25th, 2003, 08:09 AM	#4
Rob Belics Major Player Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 581	Going the festival route is one way to get "discovered" and possibly selling your FILM to a studio. That's how clerks did it. But a studio is not likely to buy a video. But you might get discovered as a director or writer.

November 25th, 2003, 08:37 AM	#5
Richard Alvarez Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: San Mateo, CA Posts: 3,840	Your question is answered in several wonderful books on independant filmmaking. There are a number of ways to structure selling your film, all of them outlined in those books. But the most important thing is that you do , in fact, have a film that someone wants. "Build a better mousetrap, and the world will beat a path to your door" is true in any proffession. "To make rabbit stew... first catch a rabbit." To sell an independant film for a lot of money, make one that is worth a lot of money. Our own path where I work, is to make a short, 35mm film, and use it as a tool to raise funds to produce the feature. That's just one way. Story is King in indy film - without it, you have to rely on some sort of hook like a "name" star or director, exceptional action sex or violence - exotic locations or costumes. Good luck