More distribution questions
 

Now I've got a couple of distributors who are keen to see my film. However, I don't actually have a completed version of the film to show them. It is a concert film, and I am currently awaiting a finished stereo mix from the engineer, and I am also thinking about brining someone in to carry out colour correction. We have also been discussing shooting some ambient pickups of the venue.

Given the above, I would be interested if the season professionals would hold back presenting anything until the work is complete, or to send a work-in-progress preview to the distributor with the aim of securing a deal and finance. I could really do with an advance to get the surround mix and colour correction carried out. However if I send the current version, I think they might reject it as we shot in a church with varied light conditions and it really needs some work. I anticipate that the finished cut with be ready in a month at best.

Any advice gratefully received. And I'll also take quotes from those proficient at colour correction in Vegas.

Cheers,

Rob,

How did you get these people interested in seeing the film? If it was simply word of mouth marketing, then I'd suggest that you do NOT show them a rough cut. No matter what people tell you, they will not see past the 'flaws' waiting to be fixed in post.

I'd get back to them with a completion date saying, "I'll have something for you by xyz". And then show it to them in as near as perfect condition as you can possibly achieve.

If your worried about losing the heat that has already been generated, then cut together a two minute 'trailer'... no longer, that highlights and SELLS the package, perfectly mixed and color corrected with a dynamic voiceover pitch and great graphics... make them love what they see, make them willing to wait for the final product... make them believe that you can deliver it... make them want to put money into it.

One caveat; Cutting together a really solid two minute trailer is a very specific skillset. Make sure you can really sell the project.

That's my opinion.