Distribution : Finished Film - Now what??? by DeAnne Brown-Hirsch

Distribution on the cheap meaning what? No theatrical? Online?

He spent every penny he had on finishing it and editing it and so he's tapped out, but doesn't want to just sit on it. His partner thought he had distribution in the bag with a possible deal and it fell through. They had no back up plan and are completely in the dark as to get it out there other than festivals and Vimeo. He's just looking for any ideas or suggestions.

@DeAnne, need more info. Are there well-known stars in the movie? Or purely unknown cast?

DeAnne, Festivals are an option, but most have submission fees so that depends on what "tapped out" means and that won't guarantee distribution anyway. Have him upload the film to vimeo and password protect it (good password) and make it not visible without a direct link. Then have him start submitting the film to distributors and sales agents. Those that specialize in whatever this type of film is. Absolutely don't go down the DIY distribution path unless that's what he really wants to do. Once you start the chances of getting picked up by someone can go off the table. Be wary of the folks that just point out that they do iTunes and other digital platforms. Third option is going with a producer's rep to help you find someone to distribute your film, but that will typically either come with an upfront fee or another percentage of your take. While you are passing information on. Have him check us out and submit to us online (http://www.summerhillfilms.com).

Thank you Jon and Regina! Regina - Bill Oberst Jr is the only one with a track record in the film - others are unkown. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2454994/

@DeAnne, true indies are not my area of expertise. If there's not much to market the movie on (e.g. film festival awards, marketable actors, etc.), then it's hard for a company like Gravitas Ventures to pick up the movie. Check out VHX.tv for a direct-to-consumer platform approach. I think others who are more in the indie space can give you other platform ideas.

DeAnne, I'm the CFO of Black Wolf Media Group and we have distribution agreements, and commitments, to place films with several major retailers. I'm currently screening films to place in our 2016 sales slots. I recommend that Tony goes to http://blackwolfmediagroup.com and selects "Film Submissions" under Quick Links. Then he can provide the requested information about your film, and we'll screen it and contact him to discuss options going forward. It will cost him nothing up front and, if the film meets our requirements for story and technical filming quality, we advance the costs of preparing it for distribution (replication, Lab work etc). These costs are then deducted from the gross and we would then do a profit share with thim based on the distribution agreement signed by both parties.