Foreign Sales Are Booming

U.S. distributors and major TV groups are investing heavily in foreign markets. They found that the domestic market has become so saturated that future growth must come from overseas. For example, HBO has calculated that only 23% of its $6 billion in annual revenue was generated in the U.S.
The big Hollywood studios can invest billions to reach these markets. What, alas, can a small indie filmmaker do to reach foreign markets?
The answer is to market your film on the digital platforms. They offer foreign distribution for a pittance. iTunes, Amazon, and Hulu alone are now available in over 190 countries around the world. Overnight, your film can be accessed in all of these foreign markets. Moreover, unlike a theatrical release, once your film is listed on a platform, it can remain there for a very long time. Check out our website, www.cinemaflixdirect.com. For only $950.00 we’ll do all of the following: encode your film, do the necessary QC (Quality Control), compile the package, submit the package to  the digital platforms and Cable VOD stations, and, as a bonus, market DVDs of your film to the major DVD wholesalers.

 

How Many Streaming Platforms Should You Pursue?

There are now well over 200 streaming platforms out there with more opening up each day. For an independent filmmaker this can become a challenging predicament. One option can be to book the film on every platform as long as there is no cost. But managing too many platforms can be time-consuming and easily lead to a nervous breakdown.
The answer is to focus on a few of the major platforms in the two most meaningful categories: Subscription (SVOD) and Transactional (TVOD):
Subscription (SVOD): You pay a monthly fee and, in exchange, you can watch an unlimited number of films. Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Sony Playstation.
Transactional (TVOD): You pay each time you click to see a film. iTunes, Google Play, Fandango Now.
For one low price, $950.00, our CINEMAflix DIRECT Program will help get your film on many of the major digital platforms. Check out our website, www.cinemaflixdirect.com, for more details and costs, or contact me directly as 1-212-628-4990 or eskanbar@aol.com.

Showing Your Film Around The World

There was a time, not too long ago, when filmmakers would spend a great deal of money and a great deal of time booking their films in worldwide markets. However, it became very difficult. Overseas distributors were only interested in action films and films with big-name stars.
To make matters worse, indie filmmakers who were lucky enough to get an overseas booking, were now having a tough time getting paid.
Things indeed looked bleak.
But now, it’s all changed. The emergence of hundreds of streaming outlets has leveled the playing field. Finally, for peanuts, indie filmmakers can now have their films shown in almost every country in the world.
Even better, our CINEMAflix DIRECT Program enables filmmakers to achieve this for one set price, $950.00.
The Program includes all of the following:
* DIGITAL PLATFORMS. We’ll do the encoding, the QC (Quality Control), and the submissions to the major digital platforms like iTunes, Amazon, Hulu, Google, Sony, Fandango Now, and TubiTV.
*CABLE VOD. We have arrangements with two of the major cable stations: Spectrum (Time Warner) and Xfinity (Comcast).
With CINEMAflix DIRECT, even the small-time filmmaker can now be a global power.

Evaluating Digital Aggregators

“Keep your face to the sunshine and you will never see the shadow.”— Helen Keller

If you’re a savvy indie filmmaker, you’ll want to focus on getting your film listed on a few of the major digital platforms like iTunes, Amazon, Hulu, Fandango Now, Google Play, Sony Playstation, TubiTV, and Vudu. You’ll also want to pursue the cable VOD stations like Time Warner Cable (SPECTRUM) and Comcast (XFINITY). If you’re an even savvier indie filmmaker, you’ll quickly realize that to achieve this, you’ll need to hook up with a competent and reliable aggregator. An aggregator is an intermediary between the filmmaker and the digital outlets. Many of these outlets (like the all-important iTunes) will only deal with approved aggregators. Also, the requirements of these outlets are so stringent and demanding that only an experienced aggregator with access to a full-service lab can navigate the process. This will also mean fewer delays in getting your film live.

There are a ton of aggregators out there pitching for your business (just Google film aggregators). The challenge is to pick the right one. To do so, I recommend that you check the following services with each aggregator you’re considering and compare their services with what we offer on our CINEMAflix DIRECT Program:

1. UPFRONT COST? Our cost is $950.00. That’s it. No extras. No surprises.

2. NUMBER OF PLATFORMS INCLUDED FOR THE COST? Our $950.00 cost includes the submission of your film to ALL of these outlets: iTunes, Amazon, Hulu, Fandango Now, Google Play, Sony Playstation, Vudu, TubiTV, and Hoopla. More platforms to follow and will be included at NO extra cost.

3. IS CABLE VOD (video-on-demand) INCLUDED? Our program includes Time Warner Cable (SPECTRUM) and Comcast (XFINITY) at no extra charge.

4. COST FOR ENCODING and DOING THE QC (QUALITY CONTROL)? Included in our price.

5. WHAT % WILL THE AGGREGATOR TAKE? Our associated aggregators will keep 20% of the income generated.

6. DEDUCTION FOR EXPENSES OR OVERHEAD? None with our program. This could be the killer. Expenses can often offset the entire income generated.

7. PAYMENT? You will receive payment within 30 days after we receive the income from the digital outlets.

Check and compare. That’s the way to evaluate aggregators.

View our website, www.cinemaflixdirect.com, for more details.

Going Direct to Digital, Cable, and DVD

“Champions keep playing until they get it right.”— Billie Jean King

Due to popular demand, we have formed a new division called CINEMAflix DIRECT. It’s geared to filmmakers who prefer to go directly to the digital platforms, cable VOD (video-on-demand) stations, and DVD wholesalers.

Check out our new website, www.cinemaflixdirect.com.

The cost is only $950.00. There are NO additional up-front costs, NO deductions for expenses or overhead, NO annual fees or charges.

For this one set price, we offer the following programs:

DIGITAL PLATFORMS. We’ll do the encoding, do the QC (Quality Control), and submit your film to digital platforms like iTunes, Amazon, Hulu, FandangoNow, Google Play, Sony Playstation, Vudu, TubiTV, and Hoopla. More platforms to be added as they become available. A listing on these platforms will allow your film to be accessed in almost every country in the world. Also, once listed, your film could remain on the platforms for a very long time.

CABLE VOD (video-on-demand). We have arrangements with two major cable companies: Time Warner Cable and Comcast. These companies can give your film access to over 40 million households in the U.S.

NO RISK DVD SALES. Your film will be marketed to large DVD wholesalers servicing retail chains (Walmart, Target, Best Buy), schools, universities, libraries, and military institutions. Your film will be prepared and placed on secure servers, making it available for purchase on an AS- NEEDED basis. No inventory to maintain; no warehousing; no missed business opportunities; no waste; no risk.

INCOME: You will receive 100% of the digital and cable income after deducting 20% for our associate aggregators. Check our website for details about DVD income.

Film Distribution – The 50/50 Rule

The question I am most often asked by indie filmmakers is,  “How can I get my film distributed?”
I answer this question with another question: “In making your film, have you followed the 50/50 Rule, which is to allocate 50% of your budget to making your film and 50% of your budget to marketing your film?”
You risk wasting a great deal of money and your time if you do not follow the 50/50 Rule. Let me put it another way: Making your film is only half the job. The other half is marketing your film.
In a recent speech to the industry, Bob Iger, CEO of Disney, hit the nail right on the head: “It’s one thing to be as fortunate as we are to have Disney, ABC, ESPN. Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and Lucasfilm in our inventory. But, in today’s world, distribution pipes are close to becoming just as valuable.”
It’s vital to follow the 50/50 Rule because the good old days of hooking up with a distributor, who gives you a fat up-front payment and covers all these marketing costs, are over. Unless you have a track record and a few big-name stars in your film, the chances of landing a great distributor today are nearly nil.
Our CINEMAflix DISTRIBUTION Program offers you an easy, inexpensive way to cover that 50% marketing cost. For one set price, we’ll provide you with all the services you’ll need to launch your film successfully:
* A full one-week run in a major art house theater in New York or Los Angeles. You’ll get a minimum of 4 shows per day and you’ll also keep 100% of the box office income.
* The services of our publicist to contact the film critics, write and send press releases, set up interviews, target appropriate organizations and institutions, and compile and distribute production notes.
* Market your film to the major digital outlets like iTunes, Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Google, and Sony.
* Market your film to domestic and international TV and cable networks.
* Market your film to the major DVD wholesalers servicing retail chains, schools, colleges, libraries, and military installations.
Check out our website, www.cinemaflixdistribution.com, for more details.

There’s Life After the Theatrical Run

There was a time, not so long ago, when a film’s life ended with the theatrical run. Fortunately, that is no longer the case. A theatrical run is still vital, as it establishes the film’s credibility, generates buzz, and produces those important reviews. But today, a film’s life does not end with the theatrical run-it’s just the beginning.
Our CINEMAflix DISTRIBUTION program is committed to helping you generate big bucks long after the theatrical run ends. The program achieves this by marketing and selling your film in three major ancillary (non-theatrical) markets:
1. TV SALES and DISTRIBUTION. Selling your film to major TV broadcast stations and networks in domestic and international markets can be nerve-racking but highly lucrative. It requires strong relationships with overseas outlets and sales agents. With strong marketing, it’s not uncommon for a TV network to pay 5 figures for the right type of film. We work with outlets like the BBC, Channel 4 (UK), Russia Today, AMC, and National Geographic.
2. DIGITAL PLATFORMS and CABLE VOD. Acceptance by many of these platforms will depend on the quality of the film, proper encoding, and the comprehensiveness of the Submission Package (which we produce). We use professionals to do the encoding and we work hard to compile a compelling Submission Package. We offer most of the popular platforms and cable stations like Netflix, iTunes, Amazon, Hulu, Google, Sony, Starz, HBO, and Comcast.
3. NO RISK DVD SALES. DVDs of your film will be marketed to retail chains, schools, colleges, and libraries.Your film will be prepared and placed on secure servers, making it available for purchase and/or distribution on an ON DEMAND basis. No inventory to maintain, no warehousing, no missed business opportunities, no waste, no risk.
Check out our website, www.cinemaflixdistribution.com to see our entire lineup and costs.

Streaming Is Becoming a Flood

Based on Consumer Reports’ most recent survey on streaming, “almost half of U.S. adults–47 percent—are watching programs streamed over the internet.”
It’s easy to see why this is so: People can now watch movies on a TV, computer, smartphone, tablet, and cellphone. It’s inexpensive and it’s convenient. You can be sure that in the corridors and boardrooms in every Hollywood studio, the message is reverberating loud and clear—-streaming films is the future.
However, before you jump on the bandwagon, realize this: you are not the only smart one out there. Thousands of filmmakers are fighting feverishly to get their films listed on the most popular streaming platforms. And the lucky ones that succeed must figure out how to compel viewers to watch their films.
Our CINEMAflix DISTRIBUTION Program will give your film the boost it will need to succeed on the streaming platforms. It does so in three ways:
1. It will open the film in a prestigious art house theater in either New York and/or Los Angeles. This will give the film exposure and credibility.
2. It will provide a well-connected publicist to contact the film critics, write and transmit press releases, set up interviews, and compile and distribute production notes.
3. It will ensure that submissions to the digital outlets are compelling and technically correct. The #1 cause for rejections are flawed submissions.
Check out our website, www.cinemaflixdistribution.com, for more details and costs.

The Four Important Sources of Film Income

“Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. They think they                    can change the world, and they often do.” – Steve Jobs

You finally finished your film. You’ve borrowed (and spent) a great deal of money. You’ve devoted enormous time (maybe years) to completing the film. Now what?
The answer is simple and clear: Distribute your film and start making money!
To achieve this, know that income from your film will come from four all-important sources. For maximum success, each source must be fully exploited.
They are:
1. A NEW YORK THEATRICAL RUN. It’s still number one.
2. DIGITAL PLATFORMS. There are hundreds of them out there. Focus on the top six: iTunes, Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Google, and Sony.
3. TV SALES and DISTRIBUTION. Both domestic and international stations and networks. They are hungry for content.
4. DVD SALES. Specialized retail chains, schools, colleges, and libraries. It’s still a multi-billion dollar business. Emphasis on billion.
Our CINEMAflix DISTRIBUTION program will relieve you of the stress and pain of pursuing these different sources. We offer all four in one tidy package. Check out our website, www.cinemaflixdistribution.com, for details and costs.

Streaming Films in 190 Countries

“I don’t try to guess what a million people will like. It’s hard enough to know what I like.” – John Huston

Earlier this month, Reed Hasting, CEO of Netflix, announced that Netflix is now available in 190 countries. Among the first to sign up was the tiny Reunion Island off the coast of Madagascar. “They must have good internet connections,” Mr. Hastings joked in a recent interview.

In the corridors and boardrooms in every Hollywood studio, the message is reverberating loud and clear—streaming films is the future. However, before you jump on the bandwagon, realize this: you are not the only smart one out there. Thousands of filmmakers are fighting feverishly to get their films listed on the most popular streaming platforms. Your job is twofold: (1) to make sure your film stands out from the herd and (2) If listed, to compel a great number of people to view your film.

Our CINEMAflix DISTRIBUTION Program will help you reach both goals by guaranteeing you a one-week run in a prestigious theater in New York and/or Los Angeles and by providing you with a professional, well-connected publicist to contact the film critics, write and send press releases, set up interviews (when possible), and compile and distribute production notes. This will give your film the push and the exposure it needs to succeed in this fabulous world of streaming. Grab it!

In addition, our program will market your film to the major digital platforms such as Netflix, iTunes, Amazon, Hulu, Sony, and Google.