Of course they're going to want to go through reliable channels. They're professionals. It's just like a production company that won't accept unsolicited material -- you need an agent or lawyer to rep you. I imagine cable works the same way, no? Or Blockbuster? Any major content provider is going to be impossible to deal with if you're trying to self-distribute. How's this any different?
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posted by @ 8/09/2008 12:41 PM
iTunes is a retailer, not a broadcaster, cable channel or production company. Yes, retailers work with distributors, and retailers that claim wide selection have buyers that deal with distribs specializing in niche content. When iTunes first launched, they very aggressively targeted indie labels and bands, but their strategy has been very different when it comes to movies on iTunes. I have friends who sell their own self-produced spoken word work on iTunes but know established companies that can't get their movies up on the service. Perhaps that's because of the greater rights issues involved in vetting film material, or, perhaps, it's just a sign that with the platform so well established iTunes doesn't need to go after the indie sector to brand itself.
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posted by Scott Macaulay @ 8/09/2008 12:58 PM
I suppose the other issue is the MPAA. Is there any word on whether iTunes is either officially or de facto steering away from anything not-rated? Because if that's the case, then that's another issue for small, self-distributed films.
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posted by @ 8/09/2008 1:07 PM
I don't know when it comes to features. But shorts are certainly unrated and there doesn't seem to be an issue.
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posted by Scott Macaulay @ 8/09/2008 1:09 PM
Still doesn't strike me as a big deal. Just because iTunes has a service doesn't mean it has to be open to everybody.
Besides, the studios have been effective at disenfranchising independents during the web boom all along. The industry's strategy was to throw a few bones at just enough DIY-ers to make it seem like people could break through -- meanwhile they were biding their time, learning from the DIY'ers' mistakes and successes, and preparing to move their already signed/established talent online to reap the rewards.
I still think if you make a really good movie that stands out, you can get legitimate backing -- whether it's theatrical, day-and-date, video, etc.
I knew the people behind a crappy $20k horror film that played at Sundance. Never got theatrical, but because it LOOKED good (as in high production value), they got a video deal and wound up in Blockbuster.
If you make something that's good and stands out, you can find somebody willing to back it -- it's just a question of what type of deal you're willing to accept.
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posted by @ 8/09/2008 1:37 PM
We can help get your film on iTunes.
Check us out.
www.StonehengeProductions.com
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posted by mfs @ 2/12/2009 2:35 PM
