Found a company looking for features for VOD distribution

Just took a look at their site and this kind of rubbed me wrong way:

How much does it cost to submit my film?
The submission fee is $100. This fee covers reviewing your film and (if accepted) adding your film to our VOD library, promoting your film and other administrative costs.

Granted, if they don't accept your film you get $80 back...but I would still want to see their distribution agreement.
Asking for money upfront isn't giving me the best vibe.
 
Last edited:
I was worried at first too but...

A) I called them and the guy explained that since they're going with an open, non-solicited submission policy they have to charge SOMETHING to cover basic costs like watching the movies and/or sending them back if they don't like it. They also only want people who are serious, not just ANY old crap.
B) How is it any different than a film festival? So many festivals take your money and you never hear from them again. How do you even know if they watch it? They say if they don't like it they'll send your movie back AND tell you why they didn't accept it.
C) They refund almost your entire amount back if they don't want it. Again, what film festival does that?
D) They claim they're going to take 90% of what they get to bolster their VOD library. I'll take those odds for $100.
E) It says flat out that the agreement is non-exclusive and ONLY for VOD. Sounds good to me.

Sounds like a good deal to me.
 
Hi Saint,

Thans for the heads-up. Braum Media definitely look legitimate, at least on their DVD business. I googled them and noticed they've licensed "Hot Rod Girl" (with Rifleman's Chuck Connors) - even if it's an oldie, I assume the copyright owner wouldn't do biz with questionable distributors (end distributor is Buy.com)

Even at NewEgg.com, I see they're selling 59 of Braum Media's DVDs (again oldies like Dragnet, Beverly Hillbillies, Sinatra, Bruce Lee, etc). CD Universe also has a easy to read listing, including some outdoor documentaries and fitness videos that are being promoted by Braun.

And so who is behind Braum Media? Braum Mincher, millionaire at 25, owner of 9 business ventures. You can check out his NBC Today Show mini interview here.

Anyway, I get the feeling their VOD biz is brand new; I noticed some of their internal website links generate 404 errors (click Catalog on Braun Media homepage).

At any rate, no where on their website do they discuss the financial arrangement/benefit to the producers! (us) All Braun Media says is give us $100, we'll give you $80 if we return your film. They are completely silent on what they'll give the producer when they actually accept the film!

Hmm, perhaps one of us should "up the ante", asking only $90 and returning $80 for films we don't accept. Talk about an easy way to make money! Let me know if I'm missing anything...

Warm Regards, Michael
 
SaintEuphoria said:
Among my search for distribution for my films I came across this:

http://www.bmsdigital.com/pages/vod.html

I contacted the company and they're legit. Have a nice library of stuff too. I've submitted two of my films. Just got back from mailing them. I'll keep everyone updated on how it turns out.
Click to expand...

I'd be careful with this one.

When you submit a screenplay you don't have to "Pay" to get it read.

This sounds like one of those "Faces International" deals. I'd wager very few people are turned down. 100 bucks up in smoke.

This feels like a sucker's bet.
 
moonlitnite said:
At any rate, no where on their website do they discuss the financial arrangement/benefit to the producers! (us) All Braun Media says is give us $100, we'll give you $80 if we return your film. They are completely silent on what they'll give the producer when they actually accept the film!
Click to expand...

This is what also worries me, everything else looks legit, but the fact that they don't give any ideas what happens next, scares me? I wonder if they keep 99% of the profits from sales :Drogar-BigGrin(DBG)

But Saint, if I were you I'd give them another call and find out what happens after a movie gets accepted, how "you" the film maker make any profits if any... don't just jump into the pool withyout looking to see if there's water... where did that phrase come from, reminds me of that old Drug commercial where the girl jumps into the pool.. anyway, give them a call Saint.
 
All great points, thanks for the info. I called them again and:

A) Their VOD business IS new. They're altering the webpage to reflect their profit sharing margins. It's 50% net!
B) Moonlitnite was wrong. I aksed them about Braun Mincher and they'd never heard of the guy. The company is run by a guy named Tim Braun. That and the catalog link on their site worked fine for me.

I guess I feel pretty comfortable with them since they were super cool and nice on the phone and answered all of my annoying questions.
 
Rehi,

Sorry if my wires were crossed, however perhaps this illustrates the first issue with Braum Media - their name is so close to the big boy Braum Media LLC that I can almost see their lawyers making the call...

Glad to see after your call they've updated their webpage to quote a 50% net. Of course, having missed this critical point, one wonders how thorough they are on their biz plan, operations, processes, etc. Here's a test - call or EMAIL them and request a copy of their accounting line items that go above and below the net you'll be receiving. Also ask for illustrative percentages for each line item for those items above the net line. And while you're at it, get a copy of the actual contract T&C's, distribution channels, advertising/sales promotional plans, etc.

Me thinks they're brand new and could only wing-it regarding their business plan, model, terms and conditions, etc. Lacking specifics, we'd potentially be giving away our assets! Keep us posted...

Good luck, Michael
 
Dont ever, and I mean ever, pay a potential distrib to view your film for possible acquisition. The REAL ones will never ask for $$.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top