Distribution question

[redkorn]

Ok say you have a finished product, how do I get it onto the shelves of walmart or on TV is there a good company to go through that wont rip ya off or you gots to know people.

[angusware]

you've got to know people. Not many distribution companies would spend money on someone from matts unless they were the new george lucas (you know, uninnovative?) Try distribution via the internet, using youtube and forums to promote.

You could also try and get it onto a public broadcasting channel that has no programming, ever.

[redkorn]

No the internet is free and im planning to turn a profit, maybe ill try a contact I know. But mainly im putting together a promotion video for a business that flies hunters to remote parts of Alaska as well as a hunting Documentry and Great tourist spot in Alaska and much more.

[angusware]

So you're not making a film, why would shops want a commercial? Sell it to the company you made it for.

[Ornsack]

You'll have to sell it to distribution companies yourself.

If it doesn't stand out/isn't amazingly produced (hint: I don't think any of us on here have quite reached that level, even if a lot of people are very nearly there) then you're screwed, but don't let it get you down. Sell it yourself!

[redkorn]

Its not a commercail. And you must have never seen Alaska, the scenery up here is amazing its going to be like an hour long video hunting and fishing and tourist locations. Its not going to be like a cinematic movie more like something you would see on the discovery channel.

[Kentertainment]

Google Video offers streaming on the web where you can put a price on it and people have to buy it to watch it. The best option is to set up some screenings in your town and then sell some copies after the showing. That requires money though...to rent out the theaters.

[redkorn]

Hey great idea, thanks!

[Epsilon]

Unless you know the manager(s) or owners of the theater, it is usually quite expensive. They figure (even if they don't expect any customers) that the rental of a theater for a couple hours is worth what they would charge for a number of people for a given movie. Plus, you will have to use their digital projectors (no, a little office one isn't powerful enough).

But if you are sure enough people will show up (and pay) it may work out for the better. Usually, groups lose money with renting theaters out for a night.

[redkorn]

f*uck showing it in the movie theater, im talking about getting it on the shelves of Wal-Mart.

[Clarence]

erm...

You have to ask yourself if people going to Wal-Mart are going to buy something like that.

I would hype it up online. Show clips on YouTube or Google, or edit together a really good trailer. Once enough people are interested, have it duplicated and sell it yourself online.

I would not mess with distribution companies or the home video market...there are a lot of bad stories about low-budget filmmakers who tried that.

[angusware]

and who would buy a hunting vieo of alaska in Wal-Mart? Just because you want to sell it doesn't meanyone wants to buy it...

[Clarence]

Exactly. Wal-mart is not your best venue for hunting videos. If you've got a big-budget action film...maybe. Your video would probably sell better at a...I don't know, a hunting store?

[Grant]

Normally you would consider marketing and do a competitive analysis of the competition and existing titles. What is your USP (unique selling point) that makes your title stand out from the rest?

[redkorn]

Hunting in Alaska the in and outs, how to make it affordable tips and tricks. What this business has to offer you the customer. But after some thought and consideration maybe not walmart, but I want to sell this DVD in the lower 48 states.

[Ornsack]

I dunno about Walmart but ASDA (the British offshoot of Walmart) would only ever really sell current popular movies and TV shows. Everything else would be in a bargain bin.

You obviously have a very specialist video on your hands so do your research. Find out where other videos like yours sell and find out what company they distribute with. Send your video to them and you'll either get a "Yes!" or a "Thanks but no thanks"


It wouldn't make you any money but the easiest way of getting your video on shelves is to donate it to charity shops You never know, it might help get your name out there