"The solution we’re offering is based on combining the highest quality streaming, capable of broadcasting in DVD quality without pause and a networked approach to distribution that provides real independence to filmmakers. We don’t believe the ‘mega flix’ portal approach is in the best interest of the indie filmmaker and not suited for on line pay-per-view distribution,"
Latrimurti said the focus of The Filmmakers Channel ) is on helping independent filmmakers achieve distribution independence by showing them how to collaborate with other website owners and organizations to create a natural distribution network.
"Companies like Netflix drive customers to a huge site. But independent films, for the most part are like small fish in a giant ocean," Latrimurti said. "If movie viewers aren't aware your film exists, it can be tough going on a site like Netflix, especially when competing with Hollywood movies that have publicity and marketing campaigns behind them. We're encouraging and teaching filmmakers to take control of their distribution by leveraging the intrinsic networking capabilities of the Internet to deliver their work directly to their audiences."
Latrimurti said the "Adopt A Film" program is just one example. Social action films for example, will be offered for posting on the websites of non-profit organizations with similar causes. The filmmaker can split the profits of the pay-per-view offering with the organization. The non-profit makes money, the filmmaker gets to expand their audience, he explained.
The Filmmakers Channel will be a distribution hub but the idea is to encourage filmmakers to develop their own network of distribution, because the streaming technology provided by Maxcast is "portable," filmmakers can take advantage of distribution opportunities where the content of their film compliments the needs of other website audiences.
Latrimurti said The Filmmakers Channel is partnering with Florida-based martial artist Lee Barden to create the Martial Arts Channel (http://www.martialarts-
Other partners include the International Social Action Film Festival (http://www.isaff.biz)
There are a several thousand feature films made each year, with no distribution whatsoever, DellaFlora said, not to mention a deluge of documentaries.
"There is a lot of frustration out there among working filmmakers who can't get their work seen. The truth is, you can be doing some very interesting work, but if a distributor doesn't see a way to cash in on it right away, you can pretty much forget about it. This way, even filmmakers with small budgets can get their work out to the marketplace,"
The same formula can work for anyone with instructional material. "You're going to come to The Filmmakers Channel to find some stuff you won't find anywhere else," DellaFlora said. Some of the channels already up or in the works include a belly dancing channel, a meditation channel and an alternative news channel. In addition the distributive nature of the technology allows anyone to establish a niche network of films and develop a revenue stream by helping others, as is the case with “Filmmakers Help”: an instrumental partner in the development of The Martial Arts Channel and The Filmmakers Channel.
"This may all sound like small potatoes, but there are riches in the niches. With the right marketing, your can find your audiences and your audiences can find you and they are surprisingly large," DellaFlora said.
DellaFlora and Latrimurti believe the time has arrived for on line streaming PPV. "The TV and computers are becoming more integrated every day. Soon it will be common for television viewers to switch from the cable to the internet and for the first time in history indie filmmakers will have the opportunity to distribute their film directly to the television audience without needing the blessings of the gate keepers.”
Additional information is available at Filmmaker Help
