DVD Distribution

I really wish there was an easy answer to this one. Unfortunately, it is component of an indie release that, I think, every indie production company struggles with. I know some VERY good indie films that still have not scored good distribution, and some VERY bad ones that have.

The way WE handle the challenge is thus:

• Don't count on securing outside distribution. Be prepared to self-distribute from the start.

• Shop finalized "retail ready" versions of you DVD to small-medium sized distributors that deal with genres and content appropriate to your film.
• Don't enter into exclusive distribution deals unless it is the perfect deal.
• Look for several small deals with different distributors that specialize in one small area. (One deal for online rentals, one deal for online retail, one deal for big box retailers, one deal for international, etc).

The % that you get from a distributor is also VERY up in the air. You may be offered anywhere from 20%-70% of MSRP. But the bigger the deal, the smaller the cut you'll be getting. This is why I prefer stacking multiple non-exclusive deals. You may get a big box retail distribution deal where they are offering you 20% of MRSP, and then you supplement that with an online rental deal taking 50%, and your own online sales at 100%.

Bottom line - there is no magic formula for getting a distro deal. And like anything in this world - the less conditions of your success you hinge on the actions of someone else, the better. Have a plan to find success without depending on someone else noticing you. When you find success by yourself - you are much more apt to be noticed.