I'm producing a few shorts this year and I want to know what everyone thinks is the best form of distribution for shorts. I've researched some distribution companies for shorts and some top notch festivals and networks but I want to know what you think works for maximum profit. Which way do you think earns more money and is more successful? etc.
Distribution : Best way to make money off of shorts? by Aileen Michelle
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Try Vimeo Pro. They give 90 percent to the filmmaker. Here's my latest - www.vimeo.com/ondemand/lackofcockery
I have a question that expands on your request, Aileen: Do you pay to watch short films? Do you know anyone who pays to watch short films?
To D Marcus' point, 90% of nothing is nothing. How much income expect of Vimeo and is anyone successfully (in terms of financial) marketing their Vimeo projects? I have not paid for Vimeo shorts. Maybe I'll break that streak and watch Josh's film or Aileen's if she goes that route but no promises.
Well, Josh's film is a feature... I almost never meet or talk to people who have paid to watch a short film regardless of the best form of distribution. I know some make a little money from ad sharing but those are usually short comedy skits or informational projects that go viral and not a narrative short. Leads me to believe that even the makers of short films do not pay to watch short films. I hope I'm wrong.
There's really no way to make money from shorts. I have had several of mine distributed (never got even one dime from the distributors) and other than that and festivals acceptances and awards, there is not to much else to gain from producing them. Shorts are great for practicing and building the portfolio/showcasing work. Every once and a while we see a short that gets financing for a feature, but it is a rare and not the norm. I think they are great to do, but don't expect to make even one dime back of the budget from selling/distributing them.
I've paid to own short films on iTunes, i have about 15 of them, most of them were $1.99. But I don't think there's big money to be made, and iTunes takes a hefty percentage probably.
You are the minority Dave and like you said, ITunes takes a hefty cut and its also not easy to get shorts on ITunes (from what I understand).
Good to hear from someone who has actually purchased short films. What drew you to the ones you paid for? Were they movies made by people you don't know starting actors you've never heard of?
seems like most people don't think a short film can make that much money if any at all. Well, I'm in the process of making a short film while my feature is in development so I'll let you all know how funding and distribution go for me. Thanks for the input guys!
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My Short Film is still in Editing.. But it will be posted soon!!! But I did it for fun because I wrote the script!!! And for people to see
Very good points.
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Leomark Studios is curating comedy shorts, live or animation for a new VOD channel. Contact me for more info.
Hi Aileen, Our company is putting together a TV show that highlights shorts. If you are interested let me know. Thanks