So I decided to put my money where my mouth is, shoot something I can distribute and attempt to make money while keeping my day job. My business plan is modest and I believe a profit of around $50k USD is more than feasible, although I would split this with my co-conspirators, equally. As this is my first project shooting for the money, I may well fall flat on my face but thought I would put it on here.
In particular, I believe that 99% of what I have read about distribution on IT does not touch the possibilities of the 'new' distribution model and there is a different method of approaching this. There are experienced film makers on here who have clearly indicated I am wrong but rather than argue on an internet discussion board, I am simply going to put up money and try my 'new' model. A synopsis of my plan is:
- The most important element is the marketing plan and the start of the project and everything stems from this. This has been written conservatively and covers everything you would expect.
- Naturally, I have test-run the idea on friends and film makers. When told about it, they believe there is an untapped target audience which is desperate for this type of content. Am naturally being a little coy around title etc... but having run this by a couple of people, there is immediate interest.
- Part of the marketing plan is to meet key individuals with large audiences who will promote my little project free of charge. For example, I have a meeting with the presenter of a net channel with 18 million annual views who describes my project as 'fun' and will promote it on his channel. I believe he may be happy to promote me free of charge, meaning host my trailer, write about it, interview me. If this is the case, this is the second largest 'fish' I want to hook from a promotional perspective.
- Approaches have been made to other organisations which have not, yet returned my calls / emails but from the initial reaction of the channel host, I believe I am in with a shot of getting free promotion.
- Printed media: I have identified around 150 different 'minor' publications and forums which will want to discuss my little project. These are all focused on my target market. This means potential purchasers will be absolutely bombarded with my project. Everywhere they look, they will see adverts, interviews, posters etc...
- Initial costs have been budgeted for and money set aside for the entirety of the shoot.
- Equipment will be DSLR level and sound will be enough for my target audience and distribution. Ideally, I would have an Arri Alexa, mobile lighting truck and half a million bucks of sound equipment but I don't and will use the techniques I have painstakingly gleaned to drive this forward.
- Crew is on board. Can't afford to pay them but we will have an equal split as I genuinely want partners. Too often, I see musicians say 'looking for film making partners...' but if they make any money, they won't share it with the film maker. I'm different and want everyone to make money. H@ll, if this works, I will be sitting on a goldmine!
- Mainstream media will only be approached if this project is good enough.
Who knows if my crazy plan will work and no idea if anyone will be interested. Clearly, I believe it is in with a fighting chance and if someone generating 18 million views per year believes it is a good idea, then that is a hint I may be going in the right direction.
Next update after my meetings with the key players and the first part of the marketing plan has been executed. Stage 2 is to hone the project based on some of their input (to better appeal to the target market) and go into pre.
In particular, I believe that 99% of what I have read about distribution on IT does not touch the possibilities of the 'new' distribution model and there is a different method of approaching this. There are experienced film makers on here who have clearly indicated I am wrong but rather than argue on an internet discussion board, I am simply going to put up money and try my 'new' model. A synopsis of my plan is:
- The most important element is the marketing plan and the start of the project and everything stems from this. This has been written conservatively and covers everything you would expect.
- Naturally, I have test-run the idea on friends and film makers. When told about it, they believe there is an untapped target audience which is desperate for this type of content. Am naturally being a little coy around title etc... but having run this by a couple of people, there is immediate interest.
- Part of the marketing plan is to meet key individuals with large audiences who will promote my little project free of charge. For example, I have a meeting with the presenter of a net channel with 18 million annual views who describes my project as 'fun' and will promote it on his channel. I believe he may be happy to promote me free of charge, meaning host my trailer, write about it, interview me. If this is the case, this is the second largest 'fish' I want to hook from a promotional perspective.
- Approaches have been made to other organisations which have not, yet returned my calls / emails but from the initial reaction of the channel host, I believe I am in with a shot of getting free promotion.
- Printed media: I have identified around 150 different 'minor' publications and forums which will want to discuss my little project. These are all focused on my target market. This means potential purchasers will be absolutely bombarded with my project. Everywhere they look, they will see adverts, interviews, posters etc...
- Initial costs have been budgeted for and money set aside for the entirety of the shoot.
- Equipment will be DSLR level and sound will be enough for my target audience and distribution. Ideally, I would have an Arri Alexa, mobile lighting truck and half a million bucks of sound equipment but I don't and will use the techniques I have painstakingly gleaned to drive this forward.
- Crew is on board. Can't afford to pay them but we will have an equal split as I genuinely want partners. Too often, I see musicians say 'looking for film making partners...' but if they make any money, they won't share it with the film maker. I'm different and want everyone to make money. H@ll, if this works, I will be sitting on a goldmine!
- Mainstream media will only be approached if this project is good enough.
Who knows if my crazy plan will work and no idea if anyone will be interested. Clearly, I believe it is in with a fighting chance and if someone generating 18 million views per year believes it is a good idea, then that is a hint I may be going in the right direction.
Next update after my meetings with the key players and the first part of the marketing plan has been executed. Stage 2 is to hone the project based on some of their input (to better appeal to the target market) and go into pre.
