[tof] Self Distribution Kit for doco-makers

[tof at lists.culture2.org]

Gil& everyone,
"Why not do it yourself?"
 I Think this bites at the nub of filmmakers reticence to do this. When we
get a glimpse of what's involved we faint in despair about the work involved
And our lack of knowledge about everything from A-Z in the field.
Time To Go John is a prime example of filmmakers doing a great job and then
being surprised that Madman wanted it, we rushed in without doing our
homework first on the Education Market stage and lost some potential income.

 - when I was considering a modest self distribution effort for a short film
I made, I immediately thought of the data-base that the AFI must have which
taxpayers funded - what ever happened to that? Out of date if it still
exists, but at least it must contain a list of NGO's such as evironmental,
Indigenous Issues, Health etc and an educational institutions data base
which would make a good starting point.
Then I had to think about that term "cold calling" ugh!
And that just covers the traditional system within Australia.

Any ideas about who might be on the panel and why?
I've written to Peter Brokenshaw and read the article.

Jen Hughes

> Hi John and Jen,
> 
> Jen, the idea of enlightening doco makers so they can do their own
> distribution is much needed. I've been saying this to filmmakers for ages
> now, "why not do it yourslf?" and then spent hours on the phone explaining
> what's involved. John, the next doco conference should definately cover it.
> I should say that the options are morphing from a conventional cinema
> launch, season, dvd then TV model into a computer-based, web-based,
> home-based model, more along the lines of Robert Greenwald's efforts in the
> US. Questions about audience seem central to this, as well as the subversion
> of the corporate tendency to bury everything in dollars, smothering anything
> with a different agenda.
> 
> best,            Gil.
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: <tof at lists.culture2.org>
> To: <tof at lists.culture2.org>
> Sent: Wednesday, August 10, 2005 9:36 PM
> Subject: Re: [tof] Self Distribution Kit for doco-makers
> 
> 
>> Hi Jen, I think this is an excellent idea. I wonder if there has already
>> been feasibility work done on these possibilities, or if individuals might
>> have advice about their own experiences? It sounds like a great idea for a
>> workshop at the next documentary conference (in Melbourne) if it is not
>> already on the list... The SPAA / ASDA Documentary Council's draft report
>> (SADC/'Creative Strategies'/Higgs Report) suggests the establishment of an
>> "Ozdoxs" site (borrowing the 'brand' from the mob doing such a good job in
>> documentary cultural events in Sydney) for this kind of work - it is one
>> of the better ideas in an otherwise blisteringly disappointing excercise.
>> Best JH
>> 
>> 
>> On 10/08/2005, at 2:16 PM, tof at lists.culture2.org wrote:
>> 
>>> Hi all,
>>> I am considering researching and developing a self distribution strategy,
>>> to
>>> include an 'outreach kit' for independent doco makers to assist them
>>> Self distribute when they cannot get a commercial distributor.
>>> The idea regarding the 'need' has come from having short docos myself
>>> that
>>> could reach wider audiences, and the TTGJ (Time to go john) experience -
>>> I
>>> think many of these short films could reach more people both in Aust and
>>> the
>>> TTGJ feature in other English speaking countries. The Idea for the
>>> 'solution' has come from www.mediarights.org
>>> To begin with the information could be on-line, ultimately it may need a
>>> hard copy which could be sold.
>>> What does everyone think?
>>> Jen Hughes
>>> 
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> tof mailing list
>>> tof at lists.culture2.org
>>> http://lists.culture2.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/tof
>>> 
>> 
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> 
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