Independent Film Distribution

MORE THAN 8,500 INDEPNDENT FEATURE-LENGTH FILMS WERE MADE LAST YEAR...Less than 500 found meaningful commercial distribution. Does your movie have what it takes to get noticed in this highly competitive environment?

Finding distribution is the hardest part of making a movie. Yes, securing funding is not easy, either. But you can always trim the budget, borrow from friends and relatives, have a fundraising party, use deferments and find other ways to get a film shot. Most often, however, you cannot find alternative ways to get your film into distribution channels.

Selling your film to a traditional DVD or web-based distributor involves more than just sending off a screening copy to some LA-area firm...though that approach has landed many filmmakers good deals. (But that has to do more with the attractiveness of the film than it does with the manner in which these filmmakers were seeking a contract...more on this later.)

• more than 8,500 independent feature films are produced every year, or, about 14 a day, EVERY DAY!
• somewhere in the vicinity of 75-100 distribution companies exist that are actively seeking content for release into the various home media markets
• the established studios are releasing their own productions, as well as catalog product (old movies), television programming and other content
• acquisitions executives and other decision-makers are flooded with submissions and usually have 20 or more screeners on their desk at any time waiting to be viewed

So, it's obvious that the "competition" is stiff when it comes to getting your project noticed by those people who can offer you distribution, awareness, audiences and profits for your film. What to do?

You can go it alone. It is not impossible. Yes, it is a lot of work, but if you have the chutzpah, time, resources and contacts - you can, and probably will be, successful in your efforts. However, if your strengths lie in creative production, storytelling, crafting a film or producing, you may benefit from working with a distribution representative. The Bosko Group offers specialized Distribution Representation services for feature films and other film/video-based content. Led by Mark Bosko, long-time independent film industry member and supporter, the Bosko Group can help in finding a market for your movie.

Distribution representation is a very specific craft and process, designed in a manner to benefit a movie's unique attributes. While every client has individual needs and plans, there are some generalized questions that most filmmakers and producers are curious about Bosko Group services, and hopefully will be answered here:

• Can you do this yourself?
• Certainly. Resourceful filmmakers are able to complete production of a film - a herculean effort in and of itself - so selling one can be done with the same impudence. However, a successful selling process involves a wholly different set of skills than making a movie. And, the process requires constant diligence, a thick skin (lots of rejection) and long-term relationships with buyers at all levels of the distribution chain. A distribution rep (whether it is via The Bosko Group, or other company offering the same service) is invaluable in making this happen.
• What kind of deals can you expect?
• That depends. There is no such thing as a "typical" deal. Some movies secure advances and royalties. Others will be offered only a royalty deal. Some may find a buy-out, in which all rights to the movie are sold. Bosko Group works with the filmmaker on the front-end to create a clear set of end goals that will be addressed by the deal.
• What kind of advance can you expect?
• While advances are not typical in today's distribution environment, it does happen. Bosko Group has secured advances that range from $2,500 to $90,000.
• How long does the process take?
• Again, that is project dependent. Some films sell somewhat quickly (less than three months). Others take longer. It is a precise activity, and important to know that Bosko Group only works with a limited number of films each year to ensure a high quality of service.
• What kind of movies sell best?
• Currently (2008), genre films are doing well. If you call and tell me you have an action film, that's great. Horror and family films are also extremely attractive in the buying environment. But a well-produced film with a great story is always good. Extremely low-budget, shot-on-video films are becoming hard to sell. And the market for buddies-with-beers tales has passed. Look at the new release shelf in a video store (if you can find one) or even the most recent theatrical release schedule and that is a good barometer of what sells.
• What elements can you include in a movie that will help it gain a better deal?
• Cast. I know that is a tough answer, but it is the truth. I cannot begin to tell you how many times I make a sales call and the buyer asks, "Who's in it?" Unfortunately, with independent features, cast is usually not an option. Occasionally, I'll work with a movie that has a recognizable cast member (i.e., Betsy Baker from in Witches' Night - she has a built-in audience from her Evil Dead appearance). If cast is not your strength - have a killer story, or one that delivers on a genre (i.e., Side Sho - it has all the elements of a classic modern horror film and that is why it has found success with buyers).
• Why is there an upfront fee?
• Bosko Group charges a nominal upfront fee that is COMPLETELY recoupable. Phone calls, faxes, mailings, travel and other selling costs add up quickly. The front-end fee only partially covers those costs. Bosko Group often works hundreds of hours on a film before it sells, then waits 3-6 months more before any royalties flow back. Recoupable means that when your film sells, any monies already paid are deducted from the royalty owed Bosko Group. We are one of the only firms operating in this manner.
• Where will your film be sold?
• All the usual suspects in the home entertainment industry are on our Rolodex. We will shop a film to those companies that make sense in the buying process. Both domestic DVD and foreign buyers are solicited. This includes home video (DVD), online, PPV, VOD, ancillary/institutional, library and foreign buyers. We do a small amount of theatrical. However, if that is your focus/goal, we're probably not your company, but will be glad to provide a list of companies that excel at that service (whom we are in no way affiliated).
• How does the process work?
• It begins by a phone call or email. We may contact you first. We'll talk about the film, and you'll send a screener. After viewing, we decide if it is a movie we can sell. If so, we'll make a call to talk to you about our proposal of services. Again, it is very specialized per each project. In general, the movie is solicited to 5-10 buyers at one time, a limited number to maintain the personal, close contact. We target those buyers that sell the kind of movies you have made. They either pass or offer a deal, which we communicate to you with our thoughts/recommendations. If we decide to pursue the deal, Bosko Group will negotiate each step of the process, ensuring that the filmmaker comes out with the best possible outcome. This is not a quick process. It can take 3 months to more than a year to find a deal that fulfills the goals you have outlined.
• Does The Bosko Group offer distribution, too?
• Yes. Two (2) new labels are close to launching: InspireDVD - a line of all-age-appropriate movies, and, DragonFly - releasing genre films.
• What are some of the filmmakers Bosko Group worked with?
• 4th and Long - Tim Vandenberg
• Alice in Wasteland - Mike Pacitto
• Bridge to Nowhere - David Kaltenbach
• Circle Track Summer - Steve Palotta
• Consignment - Sid Kali
• In With Thieves - Sid Kali
• June 9 - T. Michael Conway
• The Legend Trip - Jason Satterfield
• Side Sho - Frank Fox/Mike D'Anna
• Witches' Night - Paul Traynor
• What are some of the companies Bosko Group works with?
• Amazon
• Anchor Bay
• Artist View Entertainment
• Camel Entertainment
• Customflix/CreateSpace
• Dovetail
• DV&A
• Hollywood Wizard
• Integration Entertainment
• Lionsgate
• Maverick Entertainment
• Midwest Tapes
• MTI
• MTV Networks
• National Lampoon
• Netflix
• New Line
• Quantum Releasing
• Reeltime
• Rivercoast Film
• Sony
• STARZ
• Troma
• Vivendi Visual
• Warner
• York Entertainment