Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Film Distributors

This is topic Film Distributors in forum Ground Level at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Adam Holland (Member # 4539) on 01-04-2008, 01:35 PM:

We are looking for a film distributor in the Mid-South that would be able to get films in DVD/VHS format prior to home release. We are currently using Swank Motion Pictures as we are a non-profit, but if there was someone that could get more and better options sooner we would perfer to use them. If any of you have any contacts that may could help us it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Adam T. Holland
Chairman
Fiske Theatre Committee
Oak Grove, La.
coachhollandt@hotmail.com

Posted by Ron Funderburg (Member # 4561) on 01-04-2008, 03:01 PM:

You can check with Criterion and see what they are currently doing in that sort of thing. I have used them for Children series in the summers in the past and they do authorize DVD presentation of films in their library. I know fox is one film company that they represent and several others I don't know if they do current fair or not. I don't have a phone number any more but their web site is http://www.criterion.com they also probable distribute DVD's but you should be able to find your way to booking though the website!

Posted by Martin McCaffery (Member # 37) on 01-04-2008, 03:43 PM:

Other than Criterion which Ron mentioned, that's about it (unless you are shooting for really obscure art films). Unless you are in a position to go theatrical, you have to wait for the non-theatrical (DVD) release. There are no more VHS releases, AFAIK.

We're a non-profit theatre running theatrical 35mm in Montgomery, AL. If you'd like to talk with me in more detail off list, email me at

[ 01-04-2008, 08:40 PM: Message edited by: Adam Martin ]

Posted by Ron Funderburg (Member # 4561) on 01-04-2008, 03:55 PM:

Okay the website I posted wont help you sorry it is the retail outlet for DVD sales. I don't have the numbers anymore for them or the web address but will look it has to be in one of my files somewhere.

Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 01-04-2008, 04:11 PM:

Martin M - Putting your email address in your post is illegal on F-T and will get the mods all over you like a cheap suit. Better take it out. People can contact you thru the "who" link.

(BTW this is for your own protection to save you from "spam.")

Posted by Scott Norwood (Member # 30) on 01-04-2008, 05:03 PM:

At least as of a few years ago, 16mm was generally available prior to the general video release, but relatively few features are being printed in 16mm at this point. And, of course, you would need a decent 16mm setup to make this worthwhile. Unless you already have this, it makes more sense to install 35mm at this point.

Posted by Richard P. May (Member # 3598) on 01-04-2008, 05:05 PM:

Swank is the contracted non-theatrical distributor for most of the major studios. There is no competition.
Criterion handles Fox.

RPM

Posted by Adam Martin (Member # 641) on 01-04-2008, 08:41 PM:

Moved to ground level. Please pay attention where you create a new thread.

Posted by Jim Bedford (Member # 4) on 01-04-2008, 08:53 PM:

I just hate the interchangeability of how the word "film" is used today. The way I see it is that film=film and DVD/VHS=TV. A movie on DVD is just TV and ain't no film no mo'.

To add to what Richard wrote, there are a number of smaller companies and one-film-wonders that can be dealt with directly on a case-by-case basis.

Posted by John Hawkinson (Member # 1135) on 01-05-2008, 12:01 AM:

To be clear, what Richard means is that for a given title, there is no competition. If you want, say, Dan In Real Life, and you are not a first-run or second-run venue who may deal directly with BVPD/Disney, then you must go through Swank.

--jhawk

Posted by Martin McCaffery (Member # 37) on 01-05-2008, 09:21 AM:

quote: Mike Blakesley
Martin M - Putting your email address in your post is illegal on F-T and will get the mods all over you like a cheap suit. Better take it out. People can contact you thru the "who" link.

My apologies,forgot about that rule. I see it has already been taken care of.

Posted by Adam Holland (Member # 4539) on 01-05-2008, 03:34 PM:

Thanks for your help it looks like I am stuck with whatever I can get through Swank until we can get our grant for new 35 mm equipment. We have decided to show the movie Amazing Grace for our Feburary movie of the month since we can't get Beowulf. How did Amazing Grace do for yall when it was out and what can I expect from it. We are a small rural town of about 2,367 in the city limits and 13,000 in the parish. Just watching the trailor it looks like a pretty good movie.