Filmmaking / Directing : Digital Distribution by Geoffroy Faugerolas

Digital distribution gives indie creators the chance to reach more people with their work, Geoffroy Faugerolas. I don't think it's a substitute for theater releases though.

I like that new, independent streaming services are acquiring the rights to top indie projects. It helps the creators and the streaming services. It helps the creators because the platforms showcase their work, and it helps the streaming services because people will subscribe to them to watch the top projects. My favorite indie streaming service is Mubi.

I don't think major platforms are turning their backs on indie films. I just think their focus is on IP, and some of the major platforms are embracing indie films.

I agree. These new platforms are giving filmmakers visibility and access to a more targeted audience.

I think they have changed the game for so many Indie Filmmakers and it is just up fromhere.

Geoffroy Faugerolas We have done a lot of work over the last several years and are about to announce FilmPods - which our team (with 100+ years industry experience among us) judges to be revolutionary in film & media distribution. We will begin early promo at end of April. Among the early announcements will be informational sessions for filmmakers and producers... Reach out to me here if you want to learn more or be contacted for those sessions.

As a filmmaker it's been more difficult to get distribution for my 35mm feature films. Streaming services want me to pay them to 'distribute' my films as video. I shot BUTTERFLIES IN THE WIND in 35mm with actors who had never acted in union movies, and as a result of 'starring' in my film they got roles in other 35mm movies. Many of them have done quite well, and I'm glad for it.

Pro's to digital streaming: greater access for indie filmmakers to reach a world audience. Access to well-known and trusted streaming companies like Amazon Prime, Tubi, YouTube, etc. Inexpensive marketing costs. An opportunity to hold onto more of the revenue. Cons are that many steamers are now prioritiing their own original productions over indie acquisitions. Theatrical is nearly gone for most indies; to play in a theater involves a lot of upfront costs borne by the filmmakers. Harder to engage with critics sometimes.

I've recently met a Netflix manager, who primarily told us that competition among streaming providers is fierce, and required them to 'diversify' their collection, by including indie films and art house productions.

Weirdly though, some filmmakers in Argentina and other places don't want to be part of the 'Netflix machine'. So, I agree with Christopher Maes that trusted companies are handling it much better.

These streaming 'services' should offer Filmmakers like me some upfront money before I can let them make money from my Independent Feature Films shot in 35mm.

Geoffroy Faugerolas Thanks for posting this. Digital distribution, interests me a lot, but I don’t want it to be a choice between one or the other, digital or theatrical, which with some distribution companies it may be.

I was talking to a Producer and they mentioned also the possibility of straight downloads, for events in local venues. I like the fact that indie filmmakers could then appear remotely at the end of the film for a q and a. That’s small beer for sure, but if we are trying to build an audience that stays with us in the long run, then it could offer us a great opportunity.

Great question, Geoff and such a timely article to bring into the conversation. I think what we’re seeing is a shift in the gatekeepers, not necessarily a total abandonment of indie film. Major platforms like Netflix and Amazon seem to be leaning more into big IP, established creators, or films that already come with festival buzz or packaging. That leaves a huge space for smaller, independent platforms like Cineverse to step in and champion bold, original storytelling that might not check the same commercial boxes.

It’s actually kind of exciting. While it might be harder to break into the “streaming giants,” this opens up new avenues for indie filmmakers to retain more creative control and work with distributors who specialize in indie audiences.

Netflix, Amazon, and Apple are three voracious predators that are destroying the Independent Filmmaker, and making cheap exploitation videos that make money for their CEO's only. It's a shame that moviemakers are allowing themselves to be victimized by them.