Digital
SunWorld Digital Distribution
In the last couple years the distribution model for movies has changed, and continues to change drastically. Not only is the DVD format declining but there is a constant struggle to even get shelf space in retail stores. Even when you can get your movie into these difficult areas, you’re up against big Hollywood blockbusters that have A-list stars and millions of marketing dollars behind them. The DVD rental market has shrunk considerably – although there are still rental stores, the big chains have either gone out of business or have had to reduce the number of stores they have. There has been the development and acceptance of DVD kiosks, but the kiosks have limited space in each unit. Most of the kiosk companies have made deals with the studios guaranteeing them about 95% of the space in the kiosks which makes it extremely competitive and difficult to get independent films in these kiosks. So what’s an independent filmmaker to do? With the advent and acceptance of digital distribution, independent films now have a way to get out in front of people without having to be held back by space limitations. Although most indies don’t have the A-list actors and marketing dollars behind them, they do have the grass roots marketing approaches that filmmakers can utilize to drive potential viewers to see their movie, if they can get their movies on these platforms.
Why Use SunWorld Digital?
The main digital movie platforms are Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Streaming, iTunes, YouTube, with more being launched each month. SunWorld Pictures has relationships with all the major digital platforms and can get your movie onto these platforms for the world to see while generating revenue so you can make money with your film.
Is SunWorld Digital Right for You and Your Film?
If you think that you’ll make a great deal of money through digital distribution, this is not the way for you and your film. However, if you have a film that you’ve completed, whether it’s brand new or just been sitting on you shelf for a while, we can help you. Films must originate on 16mm, 35mm, or HD and be available to deliver in HD (1080p preferable, 720p also acceptable). All music rights and any images in your film must be licensed or owned by you. In order for the digital platforms to accept your film, they must be of good technical quality so it will pass their Quality Control process. Films do not need to have big stars although that definitely does help in getting views. We accept both narrative feature films and documentaries that have a running time of at least 60 minutes. We do not currently accept short films.
How It Works
If you’d like to submit your completed film for consideration, the first step is to email digital@sunworldpictures.com. Please provide your name, contact information, a short synopsis of your film, and a link to view a trailer or clips of your film. Once we have a chance to review this information we’ll contact you and let you know if we would like to view your entire film to determine if it will be successful on the digital platforms.
If SunWorld and the producers both choose to go forward, we will send you a distribution contract to review and sign. We do not charge any upfront fees to distribute your film, but we will take a percentage of any revenue as our distribution fee (we only get paid if we make money for you). Once the agreement is completed, we will ask you to deliver your completed film, the audio mix, artwork, etc. on a hard drive to us. This is how we will create the necessary elements to deliver to the various digital platforms. Once your film is accepted by the digital platforms, we’ll let you know when it becomes available to view online so you can help spread the word. As most of these platforms generate revenue from ads, it’s important to help generate traffic to your movie so there will be revenue coming in from your film.
Feel free to contact us at digital@sunworldpictures.com with any questions.