here’s a taste of the sales reps who’ve contacted me
To whom in may concern;
The reason for my inquiry is that we would like to view your production of ” The Broken hearts Club ” for possible possible DVD distribution in North America Our company, (www.iconmusic.ca) which to date has been a record company, also distributes DVD’s and sells broadcast rights to films and TV Series and Documentary’s in Canada, and has signed an exclusive North American distribution deal with Koch Entertainment for DVD films (DVD retail market). We have currently released 10 films in North America since this past December.
In case you are not familiar with Koch Entertainment (Koch Vision) they are part of the Entertainment One group of companies, which own RCV Entertainment, an independent European film distributor and owner of 1,900 movie titles. RCV released 37 new theatrical features in 2007, including “Premonition,” “Miss Potter,” “Resident Evil: Extinction,” “Run Fat Boy Run,” “Hairspray” and “The Golden Compass.” RCV’s all-rights library of more than 1,900 independent features, include “What Women Want,” “Sin City,” “Perfume,” “La Vie en Rose,” “The Notebook” and “Blade.”
Its films for 2008 included “Bangkok Dangerous” with Nicolas Cage; “The Eye,” starring Jessica Alba; “Sleuth,” starring Michael Caine and Jude Law; and director Paul Haggis’s “In the Valley of Elah,” starring Tommy Lee Jones and Charlize Theron
Other Companies in the Koch family include; Contender in the U.K. and Seville in Canada, and it has a multi-territory distribution agreement with Summit Entertainment.
I also own Canada’s largest independent Radio Syndication Network (www.dasilvagroup.com) which allows us substantial radio advertising opportunities in Canada.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Rui Da Silva
President, Da Silva Group of Companies/Icon Music Group
What Does The Digital Distribution Landscape Look Like?
It’s larger than you think, and covers these platforms and services…
EST, MOD, DTO, Cable & Satellite VOD, IPVOD, FOD, Internet Streaming, Mobile/Wireless
Click here for a comprehensive view of the companies that comprise the foundation of this growing digital distribution landscape (From A-Z) courtesy of The Film Collaborative .. http://ow.ly/1bjdz
Crowdsourcing/Crowdfunding: Should We Believe the Hype?
Except– The terms “crowdsourcing ” and “crowdfunding” have always annoyed me but until recently I wasn’t sure why the words made me cringe. Great sites like Indiegogo and Kickstarter have created a fundraising portal for indie filmmakers to raise money for their films. But is that enough? Before I get into that let’s discuss what these terms actually mean.
It’s been quite a while since I’ve blogged. I’ve been busy with my neo-noir action thriller series “Resurrection of Serious Rogers,” fighting the telephone company (Verizon Sucks), and working out a funding deal for a potential TV distro opportunity for the series. Oh, and I’ve been nursing a fractured wrist.
I’ve managed to maintain some momentum although lack of Internet access has left me feeling temporarily crippled — moreso than the broken wrist. The free time (limited access to social media) had given me time to think. I realized I’ve missed a few opportunities that I should hasve taken advantage of sooner. But all is not lost.
I’ve switched from Verizon and DirecTV to a bundled trifecta service from Charter: internet, phone and television. It should be installed tomorrow. Once it’s done my film “Broken Hearts Club” will be available as a digital download directly from this website and on the film’s official website, http://www.brokenheartsclubfilm.com
I have a few upcoming blog posts on the emotional roller coaster ride that is filmmaking. In this short time of being back in the game (see Don’t Call It A Comeback) I’ve experienced so much. When all is said and done, people either got your back or they don’t. They either see some value in what you bring to the table, or they don’t. If they don’t, move on. If they do, cherish and respect their support.
Making Resurrection of Serious Rogers has reaffirmed my belief that LA is full of great talent. This town is full of amazing actors, composers and potential crew who are eager to work with you. Similarly the town is full of folks who don’t want to work with you as much as they want to work for you — and get a paycheck. My suggestion is to weed them out, take your time and find an eager team. It’s worth it, even if you must find a team on project-by-project basis.
Broken Hearts Club is finally on DVD…in multiple places. C’mon, buy it today.
It’s on IndieFlix where you can buy the DVD or Stream it on your computer.
It’s on CreateSpace — the prelim to Amazon.com. C’mon, buy it today. You’ve read the reviews. I guarantee you’ll love it. In fact, if you don’t love it, let me know and I’ll ease your pain with a free iconic deteriorating heart logo poster. Yup. I’m putting my money where my mouth is (Actually, I have about 10 posters in my garage dying to find a home)
But it’s here. I’ve talked about this damn film for two years. I love it. It’s my best writing to date. I get kudos all the time about how refreshing the writing is — wait, here’s a quote from the doods as ScreenJabber.com
“I just finished watching it… I am in awe. One of the best films I have seen this year and one of the best independent films I’ve ever seen. Your writing is absolutely fantastic. … It is truly excellent. 5/5. Well shot, rich colour, and not a hokey performance in sight. Outstanding.”
~ Review by Adam Stephen Kelly (ScreenJabber.com)
I’m still trying to figure out why you’re still reading and why you haven’t clicked over to CreateSpace to buy the DVD. How about if I promise you that you’ll love this film? How about if I swear? What if I tell you that everyone who’s ever seen it enjoyed it — even the haters who wish I would crawl under a rock and die because I’m a decent writer (read: a better writer than they are). No I’m kidding (but not really). Still not convinced?
Here’s the extended trailer…
Watch It Online Today.
Still here? Okay, wait. I get it. You’re one of those impatient types. You want it now! I understand completely. That’s why you can watch it online right now on IndieFlix ( http://www.indieflix.com/film/the-broken-hearts-club-30432/ ). I’m serious! For like $4.99 You can watch it for 30 days. Hell you can have a Broken Hearts Club Party and invite your friends over. In fact, if you do have a Broken Hearts Club Party, send me a photo of your screening posse and I’ll send you a free iconic deteriorating heart poster!
Deteriorating Heart Poster
Now, your poster won’t come framed and all that but, but I’ll send it neatly folded and signed.
Scarlett Loves Broken Hearts Club
Oh, by the way, Scarlett Johannson loves The Broken Hearts Club. Who doesn’t want to like what Scarlett Johannson likes? She’s got great taste!
So let’s regroup…You’ve been to this page more than a couple of times, you may have even posted a comment or two. Heck, you might have even tried to spam me, I dunno…but you’ve read me blab and blab and blab about Broken Hearts Club over and over again. Aren’t you just the least bit curious about the film? Here’s another quote:
“Angelo Bell is a genius. His feature film, The Broken Hearts Club, is populated with so many amazing characters that are fully formed, exciting to watch, and who tell such rich stories that I was in awe of his ability to write such depth into so many characters. Bell utilizes his gift for creating characters to paint a broad, vibrant, and deep palette of humanity and being through a large cast of characters.”
That quote is from Reid Gershbein of the Royal Baronian Theater in San Francisco. He’s a Twitter friend and a new age filmmaker. His films “Here, My Explosion…” and “The Dabbler” have been watched by 37,000 people online. So he must know what he’s talking about, dontcha think?
Wait a sec. Validation. That’s what’s missing here. Validation! How can you take my word for it when I’m the one trying to sell the DVD, right? Well smarty-pants, did you know that Broken Hearts Club aired as a six-part series on AMGTV? I betcha didn’t know that, huh? Wait… you didn’t know that? How could you not know that when I’ve been blabbing about if since October?? Anyway, Broken Hearts Club aired on AMGTV for six weeks. Then, AMGTV liked it so much they aired it again. And guess what. January 26th they are airing it again. Now why would they show it again and again if it sucked or something?
And this year Broken Hearts Club (by Angelo Bell, not the 2000 flick about the gay guys–not that there’s anything wrong with that) rolls out to several other networks too. Networks like MyRetroTV (www.myretrotv.com) and ZillionTV (ZillionTV.com) and then it goes waaaaaaaaaay overseas to Africa to the African Broadcast Network (www.abnafrica.tv/) and then to the mother of all American-owned European television stations, Global Broadcasting Company where it will screen for Western and Eastern Europe including Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the Alto Adige province of Italy, Lichtentstein, Luxembourg, Denmark, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia, and Montenegro.
Broken Hearts Club has already screened at festivals in Canada, the United Kingdom and Celle Ligure, Italy. Now you can see it in your own home — as many times as you like.
Okay, one more review and then I’m done:
“Funny, sweet and clever! I loved your movie and think it’s perfect for a series with a cult following!” ~Ell, Writer Wilful Damage Blog (Australia)
Not many films are worthy of a cult following so I am grateful for these very kind words. But this ends my pitch. It’s time for me to focus on the next project, Resurrection of Serious …. wait, what’s that? You’re ready to buy the DVD? Awesome. You won’t be disappointed. I promise. I’ve provided links below, just go ahead and click and make both of our days
I’m very excited about the official release of Broken Hearts Clubon DVD and online at IndieFlix! It is the culmination of ten years of filmmaking. I’m also very excited about my upcoming web series, Resurrection of Serious Rogers. Hmmm, why not do some sort of cross-promotion to celebrate?!
I’ve got it! I’ve put together a special offer that’s good for the next 10 days only. You’re going to want to tell all the movie lovers in your family and circle of friends. If you have any sort of appreciation for indie films you’ll totally dig this. Here it is: I’m giving away FIVE SHORT FILMS!
To show my sincere appreciation for anyone who donates $10 to the Serious Rogers Film Fund (http://www.indiegogo.com/Woman-on-fire/) to help me make my next film, Resurrection of Serious Rogers, I will give you FIVE FREE SHORT FILMS to watch on your computer! This is on top of the film credit and party invites you’ll get as regular part of your donation. “Resurrection of Serious Rogers is my new feature web series. I’m making it for as little as possible, but I need your support.
Within just a few hours of your donation to the Serious Rogers Film Fund I’ll forward you a link to a special download page where you can download FIVE FREE QUICKTIME (.MOV) MOVIES!! These are films I’ve made as an independent filmmaker. Some have screened at big time film festivals.
Just make a generous donation of $10 at http://www.indiegogo.com/woman-on-fire or click the link to send donations to Paypal Donation or just scroll to the bottom of this page to find the PayPal button. Whatever is easiest and most comfortable for you.
Here are the Trailers from the short films you’ll receive as a gift for your generous donation.
*Love Is For Democrats*
I made this film during the 2006 48-Hour Film Project. It was written, cast, shot, cut, edited and scored all within 48 hours. It later aired on the Independent Film Channel (IFC)
*Valerie And Sid*
I made this film because…I wanted to make another film. I enjoy writing roles for women. It was shot in one day.
*The First Time*
I made this film when I was selected as a quarter-finalist for the reality show, On The Lot. It was conceived, written, shot, cut and scored in one week.
*Renounced*
This film is still my baby. The script was rewritten and recast umpteen times. Finally we nailed it and had fun doing it. It was shot in one day.
*Broken Hearts Club*
The film is the basis for my feature film of the same name. I wanted to convey real people in the midst of heartbreak and chaotic breakups. I think I must’ve been channeling six different personalities when I wrote it.
So make your donation of $10 NOW at http://www.indiegogo.com/woman-on-fire or click the link to send donations to Paypal Donation and receive a digital copy of these short films. But remember, this offer is only good until January 15th. If you’d like to make donation for more please check out http://www.indiegogo.com/woman-on-fire Films are approximately web sized approx 320×240 (larger when possible) and require QuickTime. Within a few hours of your donation you’ll receive a link to special page to download each film. It’s recommended that you use a highspeed broadband connection.
True to my plan, I’m using a hybrid model of self-distribution. The film has been airing on AMGTV for the past two months as a six-part series. Today the film was officially released on IndieFlix (http://www.indieflix.com/film/the-broken-hearts-club-30432/), available for immediate viewing and for purchase on DVD. Later this month the film will also be available on Amazon for DVD purchase and Amazon UnBox as a video download.
Next month the film will finally go to Western Europe on the Global Broadcast Network. I say finally because Global has delayed its official launch three times in the past four months.
Retro Television Network (RTV) is still in the works. They have a copy of the six-part series version of BHC.
IndieFlix is dedicated to providing a forum for filmmakers and their audience to interact and to building a community that translates artistic vision into commercial success.
We believe that every movie has an audience, every filmmaker has a story to tell and each story has the right to be shared.
Baqsically IndieFlix is for indies by indies and that’s the kind of support indie filmmakers need.
Most of the information you’ll need to market your film on the Internet using social media will come from general social media “how to” sites, articles written by Internet marketers, SEO specialists, MLMers and personal coaches — not filmmakers. As far as I can tell there isn’t just one single place to get information about using social media to market a film marketing.
For a filmmaker looking to market his film using social media tools on the Internet (Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, etc) there are basically two things you must keep in mind:
You can use social media to advertise your film, much like a Hollywood studio does, by submitting links to your fans or group pages
You can use social media to build your list of people who might be interested in your film
Most filmmakers tend to use option one by spreading a message about their films release. They blanket the Internet with links, pictures, videos. However, it is option two that filmmakers should focus on.
If a filmmaker carefully focuses his marketing efforts on the people who are most likely to be interested in his particular film the response rate will be greater. That response rate can be measured by hits to his web site, views of a YouTube trailer or sales of the DVD. Why does this work better? Because you have carefully targeted your audience.
Most people in general who have a Twitter account build it up with random followers. There is no filtering of prospects — it’s all about quantity. We believe it is a numbers game only. However, while sheer numbers do play a role, it is the careful selection of followers or fans that will truly help promote a film through word of mouth.
Twitter, Facebook and Myspace allow filmmakers to interact with people they couldn’t reach through traditional methods. Social media is about interaction but one can easily get caught up in Internet relationships that do nothing to create public awareness of a film. It should be a filmmaker’s primary goal to create a list of folks (names and email addresses) that he/she can take offline to manage in another way.
If the people who have befriended or followed a filmmaker on Facebook do not want to give the filmmaker an email addresses to receive updates about the film, yet the filmmaker continues daily interaction, the filmmaker has lost sight of her goal.
Whether you use Facebook, Twitter, or Myspace the goal should always be the same: find an audience who already enjoys films or TV shows similar to your film. Then provide them with enough content (trailer, synopsis, pics, video) to make them a fan of your film. Then collect their email address.
