Are You A Marketer...Or A Filmmaker?
Sent Wednesday, February 22, 2012
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Good morning everyone,
I hope you all are enjoying your week so far!
On Saturday I sent out an email about a new blog post I did called Where Are You Stuck? Well if you haven't checked it out yet, CLICK HERE..... I didn't realize the response I'd get but we're 33 comments and counting and there's a lot to learn in those comments about breaking through whatever is in the way for you right now - whether it's money, talent, distribution, etc. So come join us and tell me where you're stuck right now, and let me help you get un-stuck!
Are You A Marketer... Or A Filmmaker?
I was working with a client last week on a distribution strategy for their completed film, and they asked me what kind of revenue they could expect from self-distributing DVD's. I asked them how much money they had in their budget to hire a marketing company to execute the campaign for them, and how much they had budgeted for advertising. Their answer -- nothing. So my response to their question - you can expect zero revenue from self-distribution.
This may sound a bit negative but hear me out - if you're not willing to hire a marketing professional or company to execute a promotional campaign for your film, and you don't have an advertising budget, let's face it - how are you going to sell any DVD's beyond just a few to your friends, family, and FB fans?
Now there are some exceptions to this which we've seen in my Micro Budget series - typically when the film is budgeted at $10K or less, and you're willing to become a relentless marketer, you can indeed make a profit. But what if you want to make higher budget films? You're simply fooling yourself if you think you'll sell even 1000 units of a DVD without a 5-figure campaign behind you. Not to mention, most people haven't even thought it through enough to have a target audience (and I mean targeted) to market TO.
I know these wild and crazy case-studies being bandied about would have you think otherwise.... and believe me, I'm happy for anyone who can make serious numbers doing self-distribution. But in every case, these people are true marketers. Are you a marketer or a filmmaker? Can you realistically do both?
Micro Budget Distribution
So what's the solution? The solution is either keep your budget so low (in the $10K range) that you don't have to sell many DVD's to make some money.... or strategize from the beginning how to make a movie that will actually sell to other distribution channels like Traditional DVD, Broadcast, VOD, and Foreign. I call that Distribution In Reverse.
Tomorrow, Thursday February 23 I'll be holding Part 3 in my Micro Budget Virtual Seminar series on the topic of Distribution. I'll address self-distribution at the micro budget level, but also how to profit from traditional outlets, what to expect, how to circumvent problems, how to actually approach distributors directly, and more.
For more info on this Virtual Seminar just go here: (and don't worry we're recording it in case you can't make it live)
This seminar is *free* for all FS members. Not a member yet? Just go here to get started...check out our new member benefits chart and see how you can get that Distribution In Reverse program free when you become a yearly member.
Alright everyone, that's it for today! Got anything you want to share on the topic of self-distribution and marketing, just reply to this email and let me know. Have a wonderful day and I'll speak to you again soon...
To your success,
Stacey
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