Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Booking agents?

This is topic Booking agents? in forum Ground Level at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Melanie Loggins (Member # 6454) on 10-06-2011, 08:26 AM:

Do you use one? Are you happy with him/her? What all does this person do for you? And, if you don't mind if I ask, what do you pay them?

Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 10-06-2011, 12:59 PM:

Since you're kinda close to this company:
Film Buyer

I don't do any form of bookings, but heard this company is very good with their clients. They have an excellent track record.

-Monte

Posted by Mike Frese (Member # 4361) on 10-06-2011, 09:29 PM:

If you are less than a year in the business you should use a booker so all of the paperwork and contacts and history are established.

Most seem to charge $30-$50 per screen per week.

After that, booking your own theater is not difficult and takes very little of your time. You may still need a booker's help if you are in a very competitive market. But most and certainly someone in your situation can easily book yourself. Since you are playing movies that already have a history elsewhere it is much easier to know what will do well for you. Make sure you know how to use boxoffice.rentrak.com very helpful tool.

I book my own 4 screen theater and spend no more than 30 mins a week on booking duties. Most weeks I spend about 15 mins. I like doing it. I enjoy talking to the studio reps.

This topic has been discussed in much more detail in the other movie theater forum. You might want to read those. There was even a thread where a booker claimed they could save you money on film rental but was unwilling to actually prove it. So I am not sure that is much value given.

Posted by Robert E. Allen (Member # 1351) on 10-07-2011, 12:23 AM:

Frank Rash was my booker in '06. He did a super job of keeping me booked a month in advance. He charged me $150 a month for booking a single screener. He is in Beatrice, NE. His number is 402-223-5719.

Posted by Melanie Loggins (Member # 6454) on 10-07-2011, 12:26 PM:

Robert, Frank is my booker now. I was contacted, though, yesterday, by someone with whom I am CLEARLY not a good fit. It was actually pretty funny. But it got me thinking about bookers in general and what other people get from that relationship. I just want someone to book the movies I want, not book the movies and then tell me what I'm playing!

Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 10-07-2011, 02:48 PM:

I have found out over the years that a good booker will let you be as involved in the decision-making as you want to be. There are lots of operators out there who just want a quick Monday phone call to let them know what's playing that week; others who want everything nailed down tight a month in advance; and still others who want to discuss the available product and have a part in the decision-making on what to play. That's my category, but I'm always willing to listen to the booker's opinion -- he's talked me out of quite a few films that I wanted to play because I thought they looked good, but he knew we'd tank with them. (The times I've insisted on going with my choice over his, he's always been right.)

Posted by Jen Pelto (Member # 6447) on 10-07-2011, 03:49 PM:

Melanie: I sent you a private message!