Distribution among independent films

2. Conventional vs. New Methods
Independent films usually don’t have enough of a budget to
get a theatrical release. However, there are some
independent films like Room and Carol, which have more
developed distribution companies, like A24, which
distribute these indie films to theatres. However for most
independent films under a budget of $3 Million, they
originally would have gotten released on DVD. A DVD
distributor would meet with the film producers and discuss
where the DVDs will be sold and the finance logistics. This
rarely happens nowadays, since films are usually released
through online viewing platforms, like Netflix, iTunes,
BitTorrent and Vimeo.

3. Independent Films getting their spot on the
Silver Screen
Some Independent films have been able to get a
distribution deal, whereby either their story have
attracted enough of an audience to convince
distributing companies, like A24 and Magnolia
Pictures to distribute them. Films like Room and
Carol are based on famous novels and therefore
have a following of fans and Suffragette is based on
British historical events, which is a popular genre
among British films, which would lead to a wide
audience appeal in Britain.
$6
Mil
$1
Mil
$14
Mil
$11
Mil
$500K
Budget

4. Advantages of Netflix
Netflix is an extremely popular online platform for streaming films and
television shows. It is available in every country in the world (excluding
China), which shows that if an independent film was distributed on Netflix, it
would reach its largest audience than being distributed on other platforms.
This shows the possibility of the film becoming popular is more likely.
The independent film will be among other films which are more well-known
and may result in it being watched. This is because when a film you’ve
watched on Netflix is finished it recommends other films, which may be that
independent film.
In addition, Netflix develops and distributes its own original series, which are
exclusive to Netflix and have been successful, both in popularity and critical
acclaim, such as Orange is the New Black and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,
which both have been nominated for various Emmys Awards.

5. Disadvantages of Netflix
However, Netflix doesn’t have the best reputation when it comes to
independent filmmakers as their payment structure isn’t flexible. Typically
Netflix will offer a direct fee (around $10,000-$12,000) which will give them
unlimited usage for around 1 – 2 years. This isn’t bad if you have a film which
has a low/no budget and just want it to become more well known and
noticed. But if you want profit and a financial gross from the film, there are
better options. The best way to get your film on Netflix is to use an
aggregator (like Distribber). This will be expensive, since it will cost around
$1,500 depending on the service you use.
As well, if the independent film that is being distributed is a prestige film,
meaning that it will get nominated for awards, Netflix is not a good option. For
example, Beasts of No Nation, which is an independent film distributed on
Netflix was expected to garner major nominations, yet it did poorly and didn’t
get an Oscar nomination.

6. Advantages of iTunes
Similar to Netflix, iTunes is popular and is an application among most
computers and laptops. This means that it will reach many people and will
have a higher chance of becoming popular.
iTunes is beneficial when distributing independent films, since it will be on the
same platform as blockbusters and Oscar Winners, which adds a sense of
legitimacy to your film and makes it seem professional.
iTunes is very well known which leads to many people watching either films,
music videos or television shows on this platform. This displays how people
are more likely to actually watch the independent film on iTunes than if it was
hosted on a platform that the person did not know.
iTunes users already have accounts set up with their credit card info, which
means that if they want to purchase your film it will be easy.

7. Disadvantages of iTunes
Similar to Netflix, The best way to get your film on iTunes is to use an
aggregator (like Distribber). This will be expensive, since it will cost around
$1,500 depending on the service you use.
It is also possible to submit your film to iTunes yourself, but it is a fairly
confusing and difficult process which still may leave you rejected and feel like
you’re losing profit. If you do distribute the film on iTunes, they will take 30%
of the profit from each sale and leave you with 70%. Independent films are
usually £4.99 on iTunes, but with this reduction from the iTunes, it only
leaves the filmmaker with £3.49, which is a considerable decrease.

8. Advantages of BitTorrent
This is one of the best options for people making independent films that want
to self distribute and make the film popular on their own.
A popular feature on BitTorrent that has made it so successful, is the ‘Bundle’
feature. This is a downloadable package that you create which can include
your film, trailer, poster, cast information and more. The bundle is hosted on
BitTorrent and is accessible by their massive user base of approximately 180
million users, this shows how there is a large audience for your film. You can
ask the users to pay for the film, or you may want to give users the film for
free if they first share a link to your film’s website on a social media platform.
This leads to more publicity for the film, which will lead to a higher popularity.
The model is structured better and more professional than any other
platform. It gives the creators the decision of choosing how they want to
benefit from their film and how they would like it to be set out.

9. Disadvantages of BitTorrent
One of the only disadvantages with BitTorrent is that the useful and versatile
‘Bundles’ feature is still in the alpha stages, which means that it is still not yet
available to the public and therefore can not expand it’s audience.
This is the main reason why most of the movies distributed on BitTorrent are
big budget blockbuster movies from Hollywood, rather than small
independent films.
rather
than

Avatar (2009)
Budget = $237 Million
Short Term 12 (2013)
Budget = $1 Million

10. Advantages of Vimeo on Demand
There are many advantages to picking Vimeo on Demand, such as it allows
you to go straight to the source and simplifies the process. Once your film is
on the platform, it’s also being seen by a growing number of users who are
not only accessing Vimeo on their computers, but also through devices like
their Apple TVs or iPhones.
As well, you keep 90% of revenue after transaction fees, and they cover all
delivery costs. A revenue of 90%, rather than the mere 70% that iTunes
offered. In most business transactions revolving around distribution 90% is a
fair deal, between the producer and the distributor.
To add on, you can sell films and clips at the price you want, anywhere in the
world you want — including on your own website, which shows the amount of
flexibility Vimeo on Demand offers to the user.

11. Disadvantages of Vimeo on Demand
However, Vimeo on Demand is a platform onlyideal for filmmakers that have
preexisting websites or any sort of form of advertising for their film, since
Vimeo on Demand doesn’t have that many users and would be harder to get
your film discovered on Vimeo on Demand than other online distributing
services which are more popular, like iTunes.
Without heavily promoting it yourself, there is an abundance of unregulated
content populating the site.
Another disappointing factor to consider when debuting an independent film
on Vimeo on Demand is the cost involved is around $200 a year for the pro
account, which is extremely expensive and will dissuade users from buying a
pro account. Other services like Netflix, which offer monthly subscriptions at
$6.99 is more suitable.
$
$
$
$

12. Conclusion
In conclusion, I feel that the best form of online viewing
platforms for my film would be Vimeo on Demand and
BitTorrent. iTunes takes away a lot of the profit made, and
Netflix isn’t successful when it comes to the distribution of
independent prestige films, which is what my film would become
it it was produced into a full-length feature film.
Since, I’d you want to keep costs low to access a large
audience, BitTorrent and Vimeo are the best options.
Whereas, if the film I was producing contained a larger budget
and was focusing more on the popularity then Netflix and
iTunes are the best for you.