Filmmakers announce self-distribution

I almost never pay attention to press releases, but this one in my in-box caught my eye. Hope we see many more similar distribution agreements:

Four Eyed Monsters announce self-distribution through new Withoutabox initiative

PARK CITY, UTAH - Trend-setting filmmakers, Susan Buice and Arin Crumley, of the cult hit, Four Eyed Monsters, announce today that their film has been chosen for the launch of Withoutabox's new division called the Distribution Lab, designed to facilitate a filmmaker's ability to self distribute films. Withoutabox, Inc. is best known for its signature International Film Festival Submission System, which boasts a network of more than 75,000 filmmakers in 200 countries and over 1,800 film festivals.

Arin Crumley feels, "the digital media revolution is making it possible for distribution to be automatic, a non-issue, just a click of a button, so filmmakers can get back to making films. We are glad to be a part of Withoutabox, who is taking distribution in that direction."

Crumley and Buice have built an audience base for their film with a video podcast series chronicling the creative struggles of filmmaking, their personal relationship, their journey on the film festival circuit, and eventually building have built a relationship with that audience through the video podcast. The podcast has been downloaded through iTunes or Myspace over 150,000 in a two month period.

Susan Buice said, "With an average of 50,000 downloads per episode of the Four Eyed Monsters video podcast there is an obvious demand for our feature film to be released. Rather then hand over all of our hard work, building a fan base, to a distribution company, we plan to sell directly to our audience. We will use any proceeds to get out of the credit card debt we incurred from making the film and hopefully build a budget for our next film, which is already in progress.

The Distribution Lab is a new system, used by filmmakers, to self distribute independent films. The Lab provides filmmakers with expertise and infrastructure to distribute films using a suite of pioneering distribution techniques such as Demand Ticketing, Social Network Marketing, Active Audience, Fractured Rights, Perpetual Catalog Management, Pay-to-Play Accounting, and more The Lab will leverage online social networks such as MySpace and Audience - a new proprietary product from Withoutabox to provide a discovery mechanism for an intimate connection to be established with a core audience that will support films in their release. The Lab also provides for DVD and downloadable distribution.

As David Straus, CEO of Withoutabox, stated in today's Indiewire lead story, "Four Eyed Monsters is a natural fit for the Lab. Arin and Susan are extremely talented as filmmakers, savvy self-promoters, committed to holding onto their rights, and they've already used Withoutabox successfully to manage their festival run."

Straus and Neulight will discuss more details of the Lab in a distribution panel sponsored by the Queer Lounge Tuesday at 2:30pm, then again during a Slamdance / Four Eyed Monsters event at 8:30pm Wednesday, January 25, 2006 at the Treasure Mountain Inn, 255 Main St., Park City, Utah.

For More Information on Four Eyed Monsters, to set up interviews, receive an EPK-DVD, view digital press kit and photos, or any other inquires please contact Katie Rosin at 917-562-5670 or krosin@kampfirefilms.com.

To view the online press page go to: www.foureyedmonsters.com/press