Myth Buster: 6 lies within the film industry...uncovered and set straight

http://www.writersstore.com/6-lies-of-film-distribution/

Courshon, J. (n.d.). 6 Lies of Film Distribution. Retrieved November 26, 2014, from http://www.writersstore.com/6-lies-of-film-distribution/

       This popular website, writer's store, prides itself on being a premium source of informative tools for aspiring writers as well as filmmakers.  Whether you are looking to start a new TV pilot, searching for information on the newest industry software, or scouting contests designed to publicize 'one sheet screenplays', this site has it all.  As a legitimate source that has served the filmmaking public for 30  years strong, this site also functions as a business.  It serves as a provider of innovative software and products within an industry where the technologies involved in production are constantly evolving.  There are different sections on the writer's store homepage dedicated to software, books, supplies, videos, courses, contests, ScriptXperts, sales, and even general advice; It is a hamlet of helpful resources for anybody interested in the filmmaking industry.  This may range from screenwriting and production, to marketing and even distribution.

       This particular article from writer's store, titled  the "6 lies of film distribution", delves into popular misconceptions of the film industry and addresses accurate statements regarding the importance of marketing and distribution.

 

Quotes and Explanations:

 

• "One of the major Achilles’ heels for film producers and directors is the distribution game."
• This quotation alludes to a mythological term.  The Achilles heel basically means a 'chief weakness.'  With this in mind, the author of the article addresses the fact that for many aspiring film makers, the production and creation aspects of film are not the problem...the difficulties lie in distribution and marketing.
• "Distribution is business, and distributors don’t care if you’ve made the greatest indie film/art film/documentary of the past 20 years. What they care about is if it will make them money...The more you can become a “salesperson” and marketing maven, the more success you will have on your quest for distribution or sales."
• This encompasses the truth inherent within the film industry.  Although film is an entertainment business, one can not forget that it is first and foremost a business!  It is dubious whether many of the modern age's "greatest films" are truly great films, or if their large following is solely based on marketing, sales, and appeal to target audiences.  One thing remains certain...money makes the world go around, and the main film marketers and distributors nowadays are mainly concerned with how much money your film is likely to generate.  Perhaps this is why many successful films are either completely generic or totally out of the box.  It makes you wonder whether filmmakers are truly inspired to create these stories, or merely selling out for the purposes of success!  In order to stay true to oneself while also making money and having your film reach successful status, it is important for film makers to surpass their roles in the production aspect and learn to market their own working.  This helps to ensure that the filmmaker has more control within distribution and sales.
• "There is real psychology involved in the “art” of selling a movie or documentary. Ignore at your own risk. However, if you learn this “art,” you will have success."
• Many filmmakers are so focused on the theatrical "art" of creating a movie that they tend to forget the more important "art" in achieving success: the ability to sell!! It is up to each and every filmmaker to pick the approach they will take in promoting their films in either main stream or alternative markets.  Regardless of the means, it is important to learn the "art of selling", which entails a certain mindset and strategy, in order to ensure your success as a filmmaker!
• "The silver lining however, is that with the right knowledge, coupled with dedicated and diligent work, anyone with a decent film can achieve success. Anyone. But it does take the right knowledge."
• Success within filmmaking requires the right combination of legitimate hard work and sheer luck!  It only takes the right background knowledge, uncompromising work ethic, and fortuitous circumstances to have a successful film on your hands, and a greater deal of money in your bank account.

To keep it simple...

       Listed below are the 6 myths associated with the film industry, albeit paraphrased, along with the correct truths that undermine these falsified statements:

1. If you're good enough in your role as a filmmaker, there is no need to learn and master the distribution/marketing aspects of the industry.  You can always rely on others for this task...FALSE!
• In addition to being the creative mastermind behind your films, it is key to become the business person behind your film's marketing and distribution.  Doing this yourself is bound to save a lot of money.  Regardless, these are good skills to have within an industry where 'putting yourself out there' in the most opportune ways is more indicative of success than producing a legitimately amazing film.
2. If a distributor calls you regarding your film, they are automatically interested and there is a strong likelihood of your film being acquired...FALSE!
• If your film is listed under a production column, there is a strong likelihood that you will be contact by a top-notch distributor.  However, if your goal is to get a theatrical distribution deal, it is imperative that you wait until the right time for a grand unveiling of your movie.  This prolonged revealing gives you time to perfect your film and finalize the finishing touches, and it also allows more excitement to be generated regarding your film's initial showing.
3. If your film was picked to be shown at one of the top three film festivals, you're automatically set...FALSE!
• Although this may seem like the final step in producing your long awaited film. the major work has yet to begin...Often times, these film festivals are amazing opportunities that go to waste because the filmmaker hasn't assembled a proper crew.  It is important to assemble a team that consists of a Public Relations firm, and agent, an attorney, and possibly a producer's representative.  These positions will serve as key players in either the success, or failure, of your film.
4. If you were rejected by the top tier film festivals, you are treated like a rock star at the lower tier, and on the straight track for distribution...FALSE!
• On the contrary, the main purpose of showing your film at festivals of a lower tier is not only gaining exposure, but also building pedigree within the industry.  Basically, this refers to a buildup of recognition that ensures your peers that a top-notch, high grossing film is in your hands.  Although this concept is hard to grasp, it is essential to the success of most films, especially independent ones.
5. If you don't prove successful in making deals with the top 15 home video companies, your prospects for distribution are weak...FALSE!
• If you have only contacted these fifteen companies, your work has just begun!  There are hundreds to choose from, and this industry along with DVD sales, despite the popular hype, is not dead.  In fact, they collect billions of dollars in revenue on an annual basis!
6. It is easy to bypass traditional film distribution practices while simultaneously making a lot of money!
• Out of the thousands of films produced each year, a slim amount of movies are able to generate a significant amount of money using this strategy.  It is key that a filmmaker utilizes hard work and specific strategies, usually acquired through intense learning or practice, in order to make this strategy work for them...it is possible, just not necessarily probable.

       The art of filmmaking goes beyond just 'the making of the film.'  It requires the right combination of marketing and distributing if you aspire for success in the industry.  The road to producing a successful film with the right backing is not easy...it entails blood, sweat, and tears.  However, if a filmmaker is passionate and driven enough to earn true success in the film industry, this daunting journey is easily surpassed and slayed.

Stay tuned for my next blog, which will encompass innovative new ways of self promotion and distribution within the film industry!!!  :)(: