Four-Walling Films

[Nick Grillo]

I realize there has been some discussion on the subject before on this forum, but I figured that I would create a new thread.

What is your opinion on four-walling? I'd like to hear from some of the filmmakers who've done it and can speak a little on the subject. Also, what's the typical price you paid to rent a screen for a weekend, or a week-long run? I'm aware of the Truly Indie thing, but it seems like it's just a pre-packaged 4-wall deal, per-se.

I'd love to hear from some people with experience.

 

[Nathyn]

Check out the "America the Beautiful" thread and user films. This guy did some four walling.

-Nate

 

[Allen Green]

Also Lance Weiler of 'Head Trauma' fame has a lot about 4 walling of sorts, but he did a 50/50 split. There is a great case study video about his experiences regarding 'Head Trauma' online at: http://dotsub.com/view/13f10bfa-4406-4ca2-9dd2-3db20e662221
check it out it's very informative.

 

[Zak Forsman]

the thing to know about why Lance was successful is that he built the audience first using an interactive game online based around the film, and tracked the location of these fans. Four Eyed Monsters did this too. once they had a certain number of fans in a certain area, they would hold a screening there. outright four-walling will cost you more than showing a theater owner the audience you and attract and negotiating a split on gross ticket sales. the other thing to know about Lance Weiler is that his screenings were actually "events" in that there was always an interactive elements and live-portions (actors playing out scenes in the audience) in conjunction with the screening of the film.

 

[Allen Green]

Yes its a pretty wild concept bringing back 'Rocky Horror' flash backs.
He also did 'The Last Broadcast' (his first film) which he did a fourwall (actually a 50/50 split) where he did a 19 city tour traveling with a digital HD projector (that was 1998) which is extreme but a good source for Ideas if you want to attempt theatrical self distribution. Also check out his open source idea site Workbookproject.com. Check out what other film and media people are doing. One section of the site maps theaters that have digital projection. There is a group of guys calling themselves 'Tour De Fours' they are touring the country fourwalling their movies (4 documentaries). you can follow their videoblog on Workbookproject.com as well.
Good luck.

 

[Zak Forsman]

in addition to workbookproject, check out Lance's new site (full disclosure: i'm editor in chief there ), newbreed.workbookproject.com, featuring stories from filmmakers doing this now. Check out the Tour De Fours podcasts in particular.

 

[Allen Green]

cool. Great site I thought the article on 'Indie Film trailers' was great. I enjoy the site very much. And love the 'Tour De Fours' episodes.
Keep up the good work.