Distribution option for black independent filmmakers

On of the major challenges for black independent filmmakers are distribution channels. Many films catering to a black audience will be viewed as too “niche” for theater distribution by large distributors. Blockbuster is now a defunct company, so I can no longer rent black themed movies as easily as I could in the past. You can press your movie to DVD, however you have to deal with fulfillment companies or a DVD on Demand Company.

I have been looking for a solution to this issue recently. I released my documentary, The Bay on DVD. I used a DVD on Demand Company. I was pleased with the service, however I think I will go in another direction for my next film “Coon City”.

The direction I will be moving in is to use a video player called Dynamo. Dynamo is similar to most video players, however it has a payment option. The benefits of using Dynamo to producers are: ability to set price, time of access to view; and the ability to embed on any website. Here is an example of a movie using the Dynamo viewer

I am excited that technology is empowering us by giving us options to distribute our work. Independent filmmakers need to take a page from the music artists who have leveraged of every aspect of digital media to control and sell their music.

If you are an independent filmmaker and you think the festival circuit or a Hollywood executive will pluck you out of obscurity, you are delusional. Hollywood picks people, and it has very little to do with talent. Independent filmmakers have to be innovative and creative in all areas of film making or we will stay stuck on the vine.

Now go make a movie!

I am the unknown black independent filmmaker

I am the unknown black independent filmmaker.  Along with other filmmakers who exist outside of the Hollywood studio system, I am obscure. I have to embrace my anonymity and use it to fuel my art.

Too many independent filmmakers assume their first work will blast them into the public’s eye. This is not how is happens for 99.9% of the people who create films. You have to keep knocking at the door until they let you in or you have to build your own house.

I know how to make a film, that part is easy. My next challenge is to build an audience for my films, so when they are released I am supported. It is amazing to me how you can attach Michael Bay, Jonny Depp and a thirty million dollar marketing budget to my name and everyone will go see my movie. However I guess that is how it goes.

I want to give a word of support to my fellow independent filmmakers. Our time is coming. Technology has given us now distribution outlets, the taste of consumers are changing. The Hollywood business model is outdated and time is on our side.

I will figure out how to crack this nut, and then I will spread the information all over the world.

Now go make a movie!

Michael Rapaport jumps in the idependent film game with doucumentary about Tribe

It looks like actor Michael Rapaport decided to get into the indie film game with his self produced documentary on legendary hip hop group A Tribe Called Quest. He claims to have been inspired to produce the documentary after attending a Tribe show.

It seems that three members of Tribe have an issue with the final cut of the movie and also wanted producer credit.  I saw an interview on MTV in which Q Tip and Ali Muhammad expressed their displeasure with Rappaports work as a filmmaker.

The challenge facing Rapaport is common when you ask an artist to let you create a documentary around them. A fellow artist may be concerned about how their image is portrayed on screen. However the purpose of a documentary is to show real life.

I believe that Tribe should have commissioned a director to create a documentary around them; therefore they would be able to control the content of the film. To try to control a director who is self-financing a project, is selfish and immature. If they had doubts about Rapaport they should have never agreed to the production.

The name of the film is “Beats, Rhymes, & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest”. Sony has picked up distribution of the film and will release it to select theater markets.

In independent film you will deal with multiple challenges. This is why it is imperative to work with people who are committed to the project. Flaky artists will try to sabotage your film, however a good independent filmmaker will find a way to be successful not matter what challenge is thrown in front of him.

Go make a movie!