Independent Film Distribution: How to Make a Successful End Run Around the Big Guys [Paperback]

Phil Hall (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2006

No matter how good your film is, if it doesn't get distribution, it will never been seen by anyone. Learn how to break out of the pack and champion your movie by getting it seen and heard by the biggest audience possible!

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Hall if the author of THe Encyclopedia of Underground Movies, and is a contributing editor for the popular online magazine Film Threat.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Michael Wiese Productions (November 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1932907165
• ISBN-13: 978-1932907162
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,046,188 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great book - if you have a film in the can - read this now!, November 6, 2006

By 

Matthew Terry (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Independent Film Distribution: How to Make a Successful End Run Around the Big Guys (Paperback)

It is always a bitter pill to swallow when I tell my students that after all their hard work, time, energy and passion that they will eventually end up with a product. It is not necessarily a bad thing for them to realize that, once they are done writing their screenplay, they have to treat it like it is the newest product out on the market. And, yes, they have to market it. To market it, they have to distribute it.

The book "INDEPENDENT FILM DISTRIBUTION" does a great job getting to the core of what this journey entails. With a mix of interviews and commentary, Phil Hall, explores this process from the ground up. He delves into the roots of Independent Film and then shows how those roots have grown into the apple tree of today.

What is "Independent Film?" Well, it depends on who you ask. Phil Hall explores that question and then takes it further into: "You've made your film, now what? How do you get your product out to the masses?" Do you go to the comprehensive list of distributors in the back of the book and contact these companies? Or do you do it yourself? Create the website, the marketing kit, the word of mouth? How do you get your product out to the consumers?

Film Festivals? What of those? Mr. Hall devotes a chapter to the pluses and minuses of going the festival route and then, what about "Direct to Video?" Do you want to go that path?

Again, Mr. Hall peels away this onion through interviews of some of the top independent film-makers, producers, publicists and distributors working today.

If I had only one issue with the book, it is the lack of mentioning Roger Corman. Either via interview or his own chapter. In my opinion, Roger was one of the first and most influential independent film-makers who distributed his and other films.

All in all, Phil Hall rips the lid off the Independent Film canister to show you what it takes to distribute your independent film. A great book for anyone planning to take this journey.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One book indie filmmakers should not miss, June 6, 2007

By 

Rory Aronsky "Film lover, film critic, and ar... (Saugus, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Independent Film Distribution: How to Make a Successful End Run Around the Big Guys (Paperback)

After years of watching movies and perhaps having friends, family, and acquaintances tell you that you should write a screenplay or make a movie, you've decided that that's what you want to do with some of the months or years ahead. First, don't panic. Lots of people have had this epiphany before. It's a long journey, but the rewards can be rich if you remember that it's step by step, and not javelin leap by javelin leap. It takes time and much effort, and even more patience.

You'll need a few things before you even begin to direct. Obviously, you need a camera, a screenplay, some actors if necessary, and locations where you'll be allowed to shoot. But besides all that, you'll need some books too, some guides to show you how indie filmmaking is, and what you can do to make your experience an enlightening one, perhaps even more exciting than you might have imagined. That's where Phil Hall comes in.

You pick up a copy of his book, Independent Film Distribution, and prepare to read Phil's educated, calm prose that I'm confident will get you through any worries you might have. It might not solve them all, because an indie film production still has lots to be concerned about during it, but you'll look at how Phil sees independent film and not only perhaps see even more names you might have not recognized at first, but see how to market your dream film, see what it takes to shout at the world, "See my movie!"

Phil's greatest quality in his writing is that he's aware of the filmmakers like you who might read this book. To make an indie film is hard work, but to get people to see it is even more difficult, and he makes sure you know. He does not discourage, but rather guides you through what's out there, also covering what film festivals are all about, and the pros and cons of it.

But it's not only him! No, no. You'll be fortunate enough to read interviews with various, esteemed indie filmmakers, and quotes throughout the chapters from countless others who have been entrenched in indie filmmaking and other aspects of filmmaking and film distribution for years and can speak from where you might want to be one day.

This is where you go for all you'd want to learn. And Phil, being the understanding, considerate writer that he is, he includes a list of distributors in the back, for you to see who is in the business of getting indie films out there. Believe me, there are many books you could possibly have on your shelves about indie filmmaking, lots of authors talking up the history and perhaps also the distribution, but Independent Film Distribution needs to be one you keep close at hand and heart. You'll learn more than you ever thought possible, even if you know a whole lot already.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 'Must' guide for any involved in film production., February 3, 2007

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Independent Film Distribution: How to Make a Successful End Run Around the Big Guys (Paperback)

Independent Film Distribution: How to Make a Successful End Run Around the Big Guys is all about distribution for those on a low budget - and distribution is so key to movie success that any and all film library holdings needs this as a basic reference. Chapters introduce all the basics of distribution and blend these with tips from leading marketing experts, festival programmers, film critics and more. From what should be considered for a web site promotion effort to understanding the film publicist's role, all aspects of marketing success are covered in depth in this 'must' guide for any involved in film production.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch