A question to anyone that knows about the film industry.

[Hazushi]

Alright here is the question.
A friend of mine recently asked me what I knew about distributing a film to the point of being able to take it to a theater and have it shown and then later having it sold as a DVDs so that he can work at becoming a known Director.
He has been working on a film and is the final steps of completing it and has for the entire process and before been looking on information on how to do this.
I decided to ask all of you..... uniquely strange set of people in efforts for some help, since soon I will be working on a film ( actually have two films planned ) and think it would be an idea to also look into having it/them distributed if it/they look and/or are worthy.

So if anyone lives in Central Florida or close to, that would like to be an extra or try for a main role Casting will soon take place for my films, that we'll get back to later though other steps are being worked on at the moment.

Thanks

[LocoRon]

So uh... what was the question?


As for "distributing" to a theater, I doubt you or he would be able to do that. You'd probably have to be optioned by by a major distributor. Minor ones might occasionally get things out to theaters (I think Troma manages this every once in awhile). To be picked up by a major distributor, basically you're gonna have to take it to the major film festivals. Sundance, Cannes, etc. Just look them up. I don't know how easy it is to enter these, or any others where distributors are likely to be scanning for potential investments.

Depending on what you want to accomplish, there are probably some fairly local film festivals you can easily submit to. Also, many major theaters will have a room available for rent so you can have a private screening (well, they're marketed as being for business-type presentations, but I think they'd let you show your movie... you can ask at any rate). Small, indie-type theaters might also be willing to air your movie, just ask them.

If you haven't already, I highly recommend you read Lloyd Kaufman's books, All I Needed To Know About Filmmaking I Learned From The Toxic Avenger and Make Your Own Damn Movie.

[sumiyaka]

Aside from what LocoRon said, which makes a lot of sense to me...

One thing you could also try is find some independent film makers and ask them... they may ignore you, but you could try.

Any independent filmmakers that your friend admires? Send them an email, maybe call if you are particularly pushy. Or research all the "indy" distributors and call them. Ask what it takes for them to view the film? Who knows, it maybe exactly what was put forth above. But, they will have definitive paths for your friend to try.

And if sending email or making cold calls frightens your friend ... join club ... but I'm beginning to think that being fairly shameless is necessary to make it anywhere as a creative now-a-days.

EDIT: And best of luck to your friend!

[kirkmc]

What LocoRon said.

He needs to go to indie film festivals, submit the film to as many as possible, and hope it gets accepted. Then, with any luck, he'll get spotted by an agent (studio reps only go to the biggest festivals), which is the key to getting anything done in that business. (In the book business, it's pretty much the same: without an agent, you don't go far.)

[freegame]

Like many have said already, it will be very hard to get your (or his) movie in the theater, or sell it on DVD through (big) stores.

The first thing you need is to get noticed. For this you need as many people as possible to know of, and see your movie.

I would put trailers on the web (on YouTube, ect) and distribute the movie through newsgroups and torrents ect. Make sure that as many people as possible have easy access to it. If your movie turns out to be a success, you have a much better change of succeeding with any of the earlier mentioned methods for a second movie. It allows you to refer to your "earlier success" and maybe you get fans, a facebook page with thousands of members, ect who will support you.

[gaius]

I would put trailers on the web (on YouTube, ect) and distribute the movie through newsgroups and torrents ect. Make sure that as many people as possible have easy access to it.

Really? I'm not at all knowledgeable about the film-making industry, but I'd be afraid that distributing your film online would cause all kinds of copyright difficulties once you try to get it distributed. I'm not sure, but it would seem kind of logical to me that it's impossible to enforce a copyright after placing it in the public domain...

[Chew Terr]

I would put trailers on the web (on YouTube, ect) and distribute the movie through newsgroups and torrents ect. Make sure that as many people as possible have easy access to it.

Really? I'm not at all knowledgeable about the film-making industry, but I'd be afraid that distributing your film online would cause all kinds of copyright difficulties once you try to get it distributed. I'm not sure, but it would seem kind of logical to me that it's impossible to enforce a copyright after placing it in the public domain...

Freegame was saying the best way to get a SECOND movie published. The first one is assumed to be publicized just to get your name out there.

[gaius]

I would put trailers on the web (on YouTube, ect) and distribute the movie through newsgroups and torrents ect. Make sure that as many people as possible have easy access to it.

Really? I'm not at all knowledgeable about the film-making industry, but I'd be afraid that distributing your film online would cause all kinds of copyright difficulties once you try to get it distributed. I'm not sure, but it would seem kind of logical to me that it's impossible to enforce a copyright after placing it in the public domain...

Freegame was saying the best way to get a SECOND movie published. The first one is assumed to be publicized just to get your name out there.

Aahh, yes, I misread that. Lesson for today: first read then post

[sumiyaka]

Aahh, yes, I misread that. Lesson for today: first read then post

Also just because something is distributed for free does not mean you have given up your copyright, you have not necessarily put it into the public domain by distributing content for free.

Another way to get your film seen... catch the attention of someone else who has a following...
http://www.zarias.com/whitestone-motion ... andy-shop/

(BTW, the trailer is so well done. Its also extremely creepy. Anyone from Atlanta care to comment? How big is that issue down there?)

[Hazushi]

That Candy Shop peice there.... Its like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory gone wrong with a Sweeny Todd twist, that is uniquely awesome.

[sumiyaka]

That Candy Shop peice there.... Its like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory gone wrong with a Sweeny Todd twist, that is uniquely awesome.

Yeah, it caught my attention.

I am not usually a movie person, but I was intrigued enough by their shorts and trailers that I watched "Heartless the Story of the Tin Man" tonight. It, too, was pretty well done-- and had a pretty interesting take home message/theme.

EDIT: I keep forgetting to say how much I like the light they choose to make and use. It is really well thought out.