Distribution : The Dark Underbelly of Predatory Film Distributors – BEWARE! by Harry Dzumhur

Great post. The one thing I will say is that he is not actually complaining about "traditional" distributors, but contemporary ditributors, and that contemporary distributors do not work on a model of profit sharing, but on the "internet commerce" model which dictates: get people to give you content for free to attract traffic, monetize that traffic, keep all the money from the traffic, who cares about the content. It is one reason that my team is developing Facet-ODG, a new paradigm distributor which is creating a sustainable model.

Sounds interesting Shadow. Can you tell me more about the Facet-ODG paradigm.

Ferrari did a great podcast with S32's own R.B. two weeks ago and another with Indie Rights distributor Linda Nelson. She offers filmmakers an 80-20 split arrangement. Not too shabby. The predatory ones? Companies like Distribber and Adler and Associates.

Harry Dzumhur Without getting into too many details, we are developing a platform which can sustain quality content producers, as well as offer audience alternatives to the 'same' content they find everywhere on so-called mainstream services and their aggregator platforms. As Alex ponted out in the video, Netflix has for the most part moved on from outside content and focuses on their own. What he did NOT note is the fact that all mainstream is doing the same, developing their own platforms, and pulling their content fromt the likes of Netflix and Amazon. Along with the defacto collapse of theatrical, which he didn't really address, the distribution world has forever changed. It means that actual old school distribution may dry up enitrely, while the contemporary streaming model will become even more abusive than it has been. Let's be honest and observe that when a platform pays the indie producer pennies per stream and insists on the right to lower that amount whenever it wants, they see you as the pigeon you are. Because they are NOT lowering the amount they pay to studio films - and those film agreements are actually negotiated. That means you and me are subsidizing the studio film and the bottom line of the platform. It also ensures that we are hard pressed to make more product at reasonable production value. It is an intentional structure of theft and market control. I have to name it for what it is. To participate in it as an independent producer is in some degree financial suicide.

So Facet-ODG is creating a structure which helps quality content producers to get paid fairly for their product. This will probably include an ongoing licensing market and showcase to bring together legitimate media purchasers and content creators. A direct-to-audience platform, and a direct-to-exhibitor platform. With transparent and healthy fee structure that is actually based on revenue generated by the content. Not on "per stream" or "per minute" statistics which to begin with start around a 10th of a penny per view, like many contemporary platforms. Because if an audience watches your show, it should pay for that, and you should make money so you can live and make another show. The model must be sustainable for individual producers. There is more, and we will be announcing our rolling launch shortly.

Thanks for the info. I appreciate it and I will look into it when you are going live.

Thanks for sharing! All great information. I love Indie Film Hustle, always on top of everything it seems.

Great information, thanks for sharing. The problem is that many so-called “traditional” or “good” distributors turn out to be wolves in sheep’s clothing. Distribber was a “good” alternative until it wasn’t.

Thank you guys this very informative

If you are seeking to get your film in front of an audience, I can help you. STGN 49 is an OTT and OTA as well as a digital platform on ROKU, Glorystar, Charter DirectV and more. We require one yer licensing with a possible revenue share if we get advertisers behind your project. We do not accept content with excessive nudity, profanity or violence. Please reach out for more information or visit www.stgn-49.com