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Old June 19th, 2005, 02:12 PM   #1
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"Cinema Guild" wants to distribute my doc, any comments?

Alright, I've just entered final post on my doc, "American Jouster". Sort of on a lark, I sent a fine cut out to some distribution companies, as a 'heads up - this is coming your way'. I got a response from one of them - Cinema Guild, that wants to distribute it.

Anyone here have any experience with this Company? Website is nice, brochure is nice, and I'm having my wife (attorney) go over their initial contract offer. I guess what I'm wondering is if they've secured Broadcast distribution for anyone on this board.

I'm also looking at a second offer, so this is moving a bit faster than I had anticipated, I just sent it out to a dozen fests.

Thanks in advance
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Old June 19th, 2005, 02:14 PM   #2
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Congrats... any interest is great, but alas I don't know them.
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Old June 19th, 2005, 02:27 PM   #3
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Awsome dude! When will we get a DVD to pass around? I get firsties!
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Old June 19th, 2005, 08:50 PM   #4
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Keith,
I'm still working on the final version of the DVD. The "broadcast length" program (56:30) needs some on-line color correction and audio sweetening. I am working on the 'director's statement' interview, cutting together an atmospheric piece, adding in the original trailer... all to go onto the DVD as extra's.

Cinema Guild wants an exclusive, and I have someone else wanting to sell the DVD direct. A BIG company that would be perfect for it. Still hoping to get some festival accolades, and I sent some queries to PBS POV, and a couple of cable channels.

I gotta say, after reading the article in this months DV Magazine about the guy who sold his series to PBS, and is NOT YET making his money back, I'm taking it slow and trying to get the process correct. Hence my query to see if anyone had experience with Cinema Guild.

Anyone?

Beuhler?
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Old August 2nd, 2005, 11:26 AM   #5
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Richard, any updates on this?

I have a doc that I will be shopping around in a few months and I considered Cinema Guild but I'm wondering how (or if?) your experience has been so far.

I also considered POV or the DOC channel amoung other things. I'd be curious to see what you've found out so far...
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Old August 2nd, 2005, 01:26 PM   #6
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I've got a second offer from a direct distribution catalogue, that SEEMS better than the first... so I'm trying to finalize that right now. Too many details to go into here, email me off list and I'll let you know how it's going.

Finally got the DVD where I want it, with bonus features, should go to DISCMAKERS in the next week or so.
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Old August 2nd, 2005, 03:46 PM   #7
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Rich, this is great. Congradulations from all of us. You made it man. Bob
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Old August 2nd, 2005, 04:51 PM   #8
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Bob,

Thanks... but I'm not sure what "made it" means anymore. I felt like the project was an artistic success... just getting it FINISHED. (I say that, and I am at this moment, tweaking the audio track for a festival release)

If I can recoup the cost of making it, then heck yeah... that's a big plus for a documentary.. so few do. I'm not sure that either of these deals will pay off the project's budget.

Getting it 'broadcast' would be nice... but I'm not holding my breath.

Getting some festival exposure now, is a plus. It's slated for screening at Breckenridge Festival of Film in Colorado in September... waiting on the results of other entries.

I guess what I'm saying is, "Made it" is a slippery term... especially if you let someone else define what it should be. I think it's as good as I could have made it, with limited budget, time and equipment... Artistically, I think it could have been better... if I had had more of all of those element. I've learned a lot in the process of making my first "Feature length" documentary.

Financially, it may not be 'successfull'... but I'm okay with that.

"Live and learn, or you don't live long."

(Jason, I answered your email off list.)
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Old August 3rd, 2005, 06:36 AM   #9
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Thanks Richard, I got your message.

First off congrats, whether you consider it "making it" or not at least it's a pretty big step in the right direction, no?

If you end up showing anywhere near Madison, WI (yes we have a festival) drop me a line, I'd love to check out the project.

I have some more thoughts but I'll take them up with you offline. Thanks again Richard.
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Old November 14th, 2005, 06:28 PM   #10
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Hello Richard;

I see that "American Jouster" is now for sale at Museum Replicas. Are there any more plans for festivals or other large screen showings? My husband is a jouster so I can't wait to see your documentary!

Thanks,

Nancy F
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