Thank you for republishing this, Rebecca! And thank you all for reading! Let me know if you have any questions or would like to discuss anything further :)))
Adam this is a great piece! I agree we need better tools. You mentioned Vimeo On Demand, when did you set that up? Bc it now seems like the only option with Vimeo is their OTT/subscription streaming service option. Using Vimeo on demand was a big part of my strategy for an upcoming short release, but like so many options it seems to have gone away..
I was completing my first feature around the same time when the spate of indie distributors and early aggregators started to sputter out. 1091 was very much in play then still and on my radar. I don't remember if we pitched them, but ultimately, we went the Filmhub route to have more control over everything (including carving out for TV, since we had a public media distro deal separately). Still probably would have done some things differently, including as you mentioned, limiting the platforms the film is available on, but thankfully didn't suffer as much pain learning lessons as others have gone through. Glad you were able to get your rights back!
This is relatable. My film was picked up by Alchemy out of SXSW. They went bankrupt a few months before intended release. I was literally en route to deliver the DCP when I found out. Luckily, we were able to get it back quickly and found another distributor (Kino Lorber). And about to switch again for a re-release. Filmmaking as a roller coaster!
I liked Kino and the people there, and was happy to be under their banner for release. I hoped for some theatrical screens - which we were supposed to get under Alchemy - but the delay in release caused by the bankruptcy (and then looking for a new release) hurt the momentum of the film. There was already a new fest with a new set of titles vying for distributors. But Kino did make a Blu Ray, which I was happy about! And they got the film on Netflix for the first few years. It was a very different exhibition landscape then (2016).
Reading this felt very similar to my first film. We were on multiple streaming sites including amazon until they pulled the film for lack of views. If there were views they never monetized and thats why I decided to self distribute on my third feature and make it available to rent and buy on physical media through my website. I appreciate you speaking out about this, as a lot of filmmakers are worried about ruining a relationship, even when there isn't one to begin with. Best of luck with the new vision for the film, I'm excited to watch the trailer and check it out!
Thanks for reading, Jerry, and for the kind words. I think this essay has resonated with people because we have all had countless terrible experiences with these platforms and so-called distributors. Fortunately, I think we are on the cusp of a major breakthrough in American filmmaking and distribution. I hope my new film, "Lost Cause", will be a test case for this, and I'm excited for you to see it, hopefully on the big screen. Def keep in touch, Jerry. Thanks again!
Agreed, we have to share our experiences so the next wave of artists know where the pitfalls are. I think the early 2010's, when I started, were full of gatekeeping as everyone was trying to get ahead of the "competition". Now that I'm further along I just want to share what I learned with others so we can make better films and see more peoples stories. Happy to have seen this post this morning, makes me even more optimistic that the future holds something special for us.
Crucial. This insight into distribution bankruptcies and the vulnerability of filmmakers is vital. It makes me wonder if smart contracts or decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) could offer a more robust framework for rights and payments, sidestepping some of these traditional riscs. A tech opportunity.
Thank you for republishing this, Rebecca! And thank you all for reading! Let me know if you have any questions or would like to discuss anything further :)))
Adam this is a great piece! I agree we need better tools. You mentioned Vimeo On Demand, when did you set that up? Bc it now seems like the only option with Vimeo is their OTT/subscription streaming service option. Using Vimeo on demand was a big part of my strategy for an upcoming short release, but like so many options it seems to have gone away..
I was completing my first feature around the same time when the spate of indie distributors and early aggregators started to sputter out. 1091 was very much in play then still and on my radar. I don't remember if we pitched them, but ultimately, we went the Filmhub route to have more control over everything (including carving out for TV, since we had a public media distro deal separately). Still probably would have done some things differently, including as you mentioned, limiting the platforms the film is available on, but thankfully didn't suffer as much pain learning lessons as others have gone through. Glad you were able to get your rights back!
This is an abundance of information. Thank you for sharing it. I am working on a TV show myself and wonder if the same concept applies.
I think there are similarities and differences! Good question!
This is relatable. My film was picked up by Alchemy out of SXSW. They went bankrupt a few months before intended release. I was literally en route to deliver the DCP when I found out. Luckily, we were able to get it back quickly and found another distributor (Kino Lorber). And about to switch again for a re-release. Filmmaking as a roller coaster!
Would love to hear about your experiences with Kino Lorber.
I liked Kino and the people there, and was happy to be under their banner for release. I hoped for some theatrical screens - which we were supposed to get under Alchemy - but the delay in release caused by the bankruptcy (and then looking for a new release) hurt the momentum of the film. There was already a new fest with a new set of titles vying for distributors. But Kino did make a Blu Ray, which I was happy about! And they got the film on Netflix for the first few years. It was a very different exhibition landscape then (2016).
Thanks for sharing!
Reading this felt very similar to my first film. We were on multiple streaming sites including amazon until they pulled the film for lack of views. If there were views they never monetized and thats why I decided to self distribute on my third feature and make it available to rent and buy on physical media through my website. I appreciate you speaking out about this, as a lot of filmmakers are worried about ruining a relationship, even when there isn't one to begin with. Best of luck with the new vision for the film, I'm excited to watch the trailer and check it out!
Thanks for reading, Jerry, and for the kind words. I think this essay has resonated with people because we have all had countless terrible experiences with these platforms and so-called distributors. Fortunately, I think we are on the cusp of a major breakthrough in American filmmaking and distribution. I hope my new film, "Lost Cause", will be a test case for this, and I'm excited for you to see it, hopefully on the big screen. Def keep in touch, Jerry. Thanks again!
Agreed, we have to share our experiences so the next wave of artists know where the pitfalls are. I think the early 2010's, when I started, were full of gatekeeping as everyone was trying to get ahead of the "competition". Now that I'm further along I just want to share what I learned with others so we can make better films and see more peoples stories. Happy to have seen this post this morning, makes me even more optimistic that the future holds something special for us.
Love it, Jerry! Let’s build!
Crucial. This insight into distribution bankruptcies and the vulnerability of filmmakers is vital. It makes me wonder if smart contracts or decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) could offer a more robust framework for rights and payments, sidestepping some of these traditional riscs. A tech opportunity.
Interesting! Would be interested to learn more about this. Shoot me a DM if u wanna talk!
Thanks for sharing. I’m looking forward to watching this movie!
Thanks, Crystel! I’m excited for you to see my work.