Marketing and distribution are the least interesting aspects of filmmaking for me primarily because of the time-consuming aspect of them. To be managed properly, even on a low-budget, small scale independent film, there must be someone working on them full-time. I don't want to be that person.
I'm already working on another film which has taken a backseat to everything else, so I'm in need of a PMD to manage both films. If I could increase my distribution budget from $5k to $10k, I could possibly hire a PMD to:
---Develop the core audience by using my mailing lists, address book, facebook friends, LinkedIn affiliates, colleagues from past and present, friends and family.
---Set up social media sites.
---I have initiated a M&D plan, but I would want the PMD to analyze it and revise it to make it stronger. I do believe that the distribution will entail website sales, live events, and press.
Cross-platform marketing strategies will be utilized to promote the film to the target audience. The film will be promoted and made available through an interactive website with creative commons licensing that will enable the site visitors to download and use portions of the media for non-commercial use. This “mash-up” concept will be a key element to promote the film as well as to stimulate lively debate on the website.
---The primary venues for the film will be film festivals, art houses, and live events. The film will be available for streaming on the website. Subscriptions to the site will enable members to access additional media downloads and the ability to upload their mash-ups onto the site for public viewing. DVDs will also be offered on the website.
There will be reviews from site visitors on the mash-ups that will give the authors feedback and will also further stimulate the discussion of the issues. Blogs and links to professional organizations and experts in the fields as well as links to other bloggers will draw viewers from other blogs to the site and increase traffic.
---It’s a possibility that advertising space may be made available on the site for authors and filmmakers who produce books and films about related issues. This would create an additional revenue stream as well as traffic to the site.
---Distribution contracts with Netflix, Amazon, iTunes and other media providers will be solicited through Distribber, a progressive distribution company for independent artists. The educational market will be solicited for sales.
---I need a PMD to examine my budget and make it more detailed as well as identify missing elements. If fundraising is successful, then the PMD could recommend additional M&D approaches and techniques. Currently, I have $5k budgeted for production. This money will be spent primarily on acquisition of rights to music and stock footage. I would like to raise $5-10k for post-production, marketing and distribution. This will help pay for a PMD.
---PMD will set up indiegogo and other crowdfunding organizations, apply for grants from academic, non-profits, and sponsorships, arrange in-kind donations, and solicit private donations.
---Hire an art director.
---Prep the digital products for iphone/android/apps as well as for the web and DVD distribution.
---Book live events.
