So how do you get a doc into theaters and/or dvd distribution?

[Tom Films]

I'm wondering how a documentary from an indie producer gets onto the bigscreen? Is it all about who you know or more about how good the film is? For example how did Dana Brown get Dust to Glory into theaters and picked up by IFC & MGM? Is it because the film was good or because he's the son of Bruce Brown?

I was amazed to see how little money as made from the top 100 documentaries in theaters, minus the top 15. For example, the snowboard film First Descent starring Shawn White only grossed $600,000. That was a heavily promoted feature film. Does more money come from DVD sales than theater sales for these types of doc films?

I'm wondering if a distribution company is even worth it for these types of small docs? I mean if they require royalties and the film cracks the top 100 but only grosses $500k, what's left for the film maker? In the action sports realm for example, a film maker with a good history can hit the tradeshow circuits and online marketing and pull in $100k. Take Warren Miller for example. He appears to do very well distributing his own films. Could IFC/MGM/Buena/Artisan do any better? So if a distribution company can't do much better, what's the point? Sounds like a case of making someone else money.

Is the only way to get an indie doc on the bigscreen by using a distribution company?

 

[John Scott 3]

I am wondering the same as well. I have a doc that I completed last year that I have yet to send to any festivals (going to in the upcoming months), but I'm guessing you get noticed at festivals and a distribution company picks it up (purchases it from you). That's what I'm thinking. If you want to check out mine though, go here:
http://www.zeroaperture.com/PwnedTheMovieSMALL.mov

 

[bruiserbox]

Artisan is no longer my friend. They were taken apart and the catalog is now with LFG but they've kept the brand (for what, I don't know).

Docs are hard. I'd go with a boutique for your doc these days. IFC and Sundance will pick stuff up but it's got to be a darling (you know those films that everyone agree are amazing every year) but if yours is not and it's quieter and hasn't played cannes or toronto, then go the route of disinformation, ryko, or cinemalibre.

You want to meet with a pr person or someone who's sold a doc and get a better idea of what the landscape looks like. It's an education that a lot of people think they can pick up online or in a book but save yourself that nonsense.

There's tons of doc festivals and please put all you can into doing a proper launch on your doc. The competition is fierce! If you launch the film in a bad way and it's good, you can never undo that and reduces the value of the piece. Good luck.