IFH 343: The Dark Underbelly of Predatory Film Distributors – BEWARE!

The Dark Underbelly of Predatory Film Distributors – BEWARE!

I’m pissed off guys. I’m tired of getting emails, messages, and calls from filmmakers who have been or are going to get taken advantage of by a traditional film distributor. THIS NEEDS TO STOP! So many filmmakers have been taken advantage of by predatory film distributors over the years that is has become a punchline. It’s not funny.

These predatory film distributors are destroying the lives of filmmakers. I know filmmakers with families that extended themselves financially to make their films. Then once they sign on the dotted line with a predatory film distributor never hear from them again. These poor filmmakers have little to no recourse. They basically made a non-tax deductible donation to the distributor.

This is a moral issue. This shouldn’t be business as usual. Things need to change!

It’s disgusting and it needs to stop. In this episode, I expose a lot of tricks these predatory film distributors use to con and steal from filmmakers. I also talk about some other options filmmakers have and discuss what a good film distributor looks like. I even call out one of the good guys in the film distributor game.

Even self-distribution is not safe. I’ve been a big supporter of the film aggregator Distribber over the years because they were of great help releasing my film This is Meg. But many of the people I worked with there have left the company. The Distribber I promoted for years is not the same company that is in business today. I have been hearing way too many stories about filmmakers not getting paid, can’t get anyone to return their calls, and I just need to call this out.

“I NO LONGER recommend that ANY filmmaker use Distribber to self distribute their film.”

This is just a taste of what you can expect to hear in this episode. I truly hope this helps filmmakers out there and please spread the word.

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LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• Rise of the Filmtrepreneur®: How to Turn Your Film into a Moneymaking Business
• Indie Filmmaker’s Survival Guide to Film Distribution – eBook
  
• Filmtrepreneur® Podcast
• Filmtrepreneur.com
• Filmtrepreneur – YouTube
• IFH 274: Distribution Myths, SVOD, and AFM with Linda Nelson
• IFH 017: Indie Film Distribution on VOD with Linda Nelson
• Indie Rights
• IFH 088: Why Filmmakers are Always So Damn Broke & What They Can Do to Change It
• Alex Ferrari’s Shooting for the Mob (Based on the Incredible True Story) Book- Buy It on Amazon
• Indie Film Hustle TV (Netflix for Filmmakers and Screenwriters)

SPONSORS

1. Musicbed (1 FREE MONTH – Coupon Code: INDIEFILMHUSTLE)
2. Blackmagic Design 6K Cinema Camera
3. Filmtrepreneur® Podcast
4. Rise of the Filmtrepreneur®: How to Turn Your Film into a Moneymaking Business
   
5. $1 Close Captions for Indie Filmmakers – Rev ($10 Off Your First Order)
6. Indie Film Hustle TV (Netflix for Filmmakers and Screenwriters)

KILLER RESOURCES!!!

1. Six Secrets to getting into Film Festivals for FREE!
2. FreeFilmBook.com (Download Your FREE Filmmaking Audio Book)

Action Items:

• Subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes,  Stitcher, Soundcloud or via RSS

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