There are many, many books and articles written on how to successfully distribute a film. After 41 years in the exhibition and distribution business, I’ve compiled a list of 10 rules which I feel, if followed, will help you to successfully and economically launch your film:
Rule #1. Open your film in a well-established theater in New York or Los Angeles.
Rule #2. Hire a publicist to contact the film critics, write and mail press releases, and compile and distribute production notes.
Rule #3. Set up a campaign to market your film with the major digital platforms (Netflix, iTunes, Amazon, Hulu, Google Play) and Cable VOD.
Rule #4. Promote your film on the search engines (Google, Bing, Yahoo) and the Social Networks (Facebook, Twitter).
Rule #5. Make sure your film is feature length (minimum 70 minutes).
Rule #6. Adhere to the 50/50 percentages. Allocate 50% of your budget for producing the film and 50% for marketing and promoting your film.
Rule #7. Don’t edit your own film. You can’t be objective.
Rule #8. Don’t rush to distribute nationally. Establish credibility first with a successful New York or Los Angeles run.
Rule #9. Don’t overspend on filmmaking equipment. A key to your success will be keeping your costs very low.
Rule #10. Use professionals to create your website, produce your trailer, and design your poster.
The features offered on our CINEMAflix DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM will go a long way in helping you to launch your film. It will also help you to follow the above Rules.
Our goal? To have you achieve success without spending a ton of money!