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.

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