Most theaters -- including art house theaters -- won't book your film unless you can afford thousands of dollars of advertising to support the opening (tens of thousands in larger markets). Even then it's quite difficult. Indie distributors use the leverage of their future hits to strong-arm theaters to show their programs ("if you don't book this film, we won't give you the next hit we have").
It's ugly ugly ugly for the self-distributed indie film with little or no budget.
It's a major issue for DIY filmmakers -- how to get a film seen in theaters?
Those of us that have self-distributed our films can attest that it's not easy. Without the money for ads or other leverage with theaters, we're basically screwed. Only home videos have a worse chance of getting on the big screen.
Over at Self-Reliant Filmmaking (a great DIY-focused blog), there's been some discussion of creating a theater circuit from alternative venues and film societies. It's a great idea. Why do we have to recreate the wheel each time we self-distribute our films? Better to have an existing alternative circuit that's ready to roll.
Of course, it's never that easy, but with regular Indiewood theaters ignoring us, there aren't many other choices out there.
Check out the original post:
Fresh and Local: Some thoughts on "regional" film distribution
Follow-up posting that continues the discussion:
Notes Towards a Macrocinema Distribution Circuit
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