Extras vs. No Extras

shutterspeedfilms

shutterspeedfilms

Well-known member
I'm interested to hear some of the takes around here regarding a first printing of a self-distributed micro-budget indie feature.

Do you think it's better to print a very barebones DVD to save money on a 1st printing? And maybe later release a 2nd printing, "special edition" with added features in an effort to rejuvenate sales when numbers drop off?

Or do you think it's better to throw everything and the kitchen sink in during the 1st printing?
 
Usually "special editions" that come out later are targeting those who already bought and the distributor wants them to buy it again. If you feel your film is the type of film that people will buy again, and the extras are compelling enough to make that happen, then it might be somehting to consider. It seems that these days though, you get a bare bones and a special editing at the same time to offer two different price points.

Michael
 
I release the full DVD from the get-go. They way I see it, most of the "general public" isn't really into microbudget stuff anyway, so why not give them an extra reason to buy? My latest feature "Leap", was released with the 81 min movie, gag reel, 45 min behind the scenes, a parkour how-to vid, and 4 commentaries. The DVD sells for $15 online and $20 at screenings or retail stores. We've already made back our budget, so I'd say that the extra features helped out quite a bit.
 
My opinion is to not release it without it on an independent feature. Releasing it without it and then releasing it with the extras later is just going to upset the people that rush to buy it.

Also quite a few indie filmmakers when asked about their DVD sales, point out that more people are buying them because the extra behind the scenes stuff than for the movie itself. Because they want to see what they did if they like the movie. So it can be a huge part of your marketing plan.

Just my thoughts.
 
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