Distribution : Theatrical or straight to VOD? by Rafael Pinero

If I could afford all the costs of self distributing my film theatrically with just a few copies that's what I'd do.

Ok Marcus, and why would you do that?

I'm old school. I still like seeing movies in a theater. I would like my movies to be seen in a theater. So if I had the money to self distribute to theaters that's what I would do.

Hi Rafael, I think if your budget allows, the larger stage is always the better stage. There is a place for straight to video, but if your film was made for the big screen, then why not take it there. Perspective: my first film ever was a short film and I played the lead and seeing it screened in a theater was a lot more fulfilling than the lead that I played in my first feature that went straight to video on Amazon and Netfilx.

Well obviously theatrical is the best way to see your film, but if you can't find a distributor for theatrical but you're offered TV and VOD, then maybe you have to realize that if you distribute your film in your own you might not get that investment back at all, the question would be, would it really help your film on getting a better deal for TVS or VOD if you released your film theatrically first, is it worth it to invest in theatrical so you could get a better deal in video.?

I'm not going to say to go straight to video, but VOD being what it is today, investing in a theatrical release to drive future video sales is not a good idea. If you don't feel you can profit from the theatrical release as its own venture, its not worth it... I say that, assuming the producers don't have a theatrical release listed as a line item under promotional expenses. BTW Raphael, Thanks for restating the question in case I missed the point with my first answer.

I agree, Rafael. But you seemed to be asking if I had two choices what would I choose. And I answered if I had the money I would choose theatrical. Was that not what you asked? However if I was offered TV and VOD then I would take the offer. Yes. Having a theatrical release would get you a better deal in video. I can't say if it's worth the investment. But it might be. Distribution is a gamble. Self distribution is gamble with worse odds but a potentially better pay out.

Ok, thanks for your input, so here's my problem, this might sound redundant. I have a feature length film, won a couple of festivals but never saw distribution theatrically, I decided to cut down the length from 120 minutes to 90 minutes, I even added some scenes which had not made it into the last cut. I am finishing up cool correction and sound design for this new cut, I am also changing the title of the film and since I never registered it I will register the film this year with the new cut. The film is in Spanish and shot in Mexico. I got someone in Miami who really wants to sell the film for TV and VOD and he's waiting for the new cut to be completed, since I am also the Director of the film I am trying to get money from sponsors to release the film theatrically in Mexico with maybe 10 copies. Why? Because the film was intended for the big screen and My investors who by the way are not in the film industry, are still hoping they can see it in theaters, so there's no money from the budget for distribution, I have seen already some people who gave me some money as a sponsorship for the release, but I still need much more money so I am looking for it. I just don't know if it's worth the effort to release it theatrically

Let your investors have a say if there is risk involved. I don't think there is in this case.

The investors are not putting money for this, so they don't worry about this, the did expect to see the movie in theaters though, so I wanna grant them that

There's actually no risk, the effort is getting the money from sponsors for the release, so the satisfaction will be to see the film on the big screen, if you're lucky it could be a success, but since it will not have a lot of money for promotion and it's just a few copies [10] it is more probable that the box office will be minimum, but to get it there it was a great effort, will it pay off better for VOD and TV or maybe, there will be no difference

It might fit to have a small release just to please investors. I dont know much about distribution in in your country, but I would have limited screenings at two or three theaters that cater to indies and heavily publicize the event before and after. Instead of ten theaters I would release smaller and promote bigger to guarantee investor returns and minimize efforts to re-capitalize. Going to theaters is almost a no brainer... you can only win. It sounds like you know that already though. Is the effort not worth how much your investors already put in to it? If not, I can understand your dilema.

Right, so I'll do the effort so the investors see the film in theaters.

Can't wait to hear more about that! Good luck friend.

Check out the other threads in Distribution in the Stage 32 lounge. There are small theaters out there looking for titles to show, and folks who at least CLAIM they can get you connected. Howsomever, VOD is the future. There's an interesting article in today's (4/15/15) Wall Street Journal about online music revenue surpassing that from CDs for the first time. Expect to have that kind of thing happen to film realsoon (if it hasn't already) as we get the business models sorted out.

Thanks for your input Robin, so do you think I could be wasting time and money by doing a limited theatrical release?

Ok Robin, thanks again for your reply.

Do it yourself. By definition you are a small studio, so here is how they do it. Most film studios will have this set ahead of time before making a film (they make sure the niche market is interested, network with leaders in the genre, go to events and mingle, and they research where they watch films). Collecting emails is a must. Working with a theatrical distributor is expensive so go the route of DIY distribution. You don't have to get permission to distribute your film. Your audience is your business. Without an audience you have no business. I use these tools: go to www.distribber.com for digital. Go to www.tugg.com for theatrical. I use www.kunaki.com for all my DVD and drop shopping to stores. There are also wonder tools for cheap like www.vhx.tv for digital. Contact physical stores individually and go through their steps for submit ion. If there is a market for your film and you have done the upfront work to building your support for your niche movie ahead of time then success is possible. Good luck with the film! Hope it goes well.

Thanks for the info Layne, I appreciate it

Rafael, I have distribution agreements and a commitment to place films with several major retailers. I'm currently screening films to place in our 2016 sales slots. Please go to http://blackwolfmediagroup.com and select "Film Submissions" under Quick Links, provide the requested information about your film, and we'll screen it and contact you to discuss options going forward.