I got my first feature film caught up in a bad distribution deal. After almost 2 years I’m finally supposed to get a check for $130. Oh that’s right they Don’t send out checks that small.
@MexicanMovie3 жыл бұрын
well that sucks, i subscribed to your channel right away after reading this.
@teja10153 жыл бұрын
Adler & Associates?
@dir-gk5 ай бұрын
Holy shit.
@darkpoetik53753 жыл бұрын
when big name stars like Denzel Washington or Sandra Bullock make indie movie, they're doing it because they really like the project and they're looking for street cred. It's a way for a Hollywood actor to get some respect, to show that he wants to be taken serious....i've always like indie and foreign movies better than mainstream films, simply because their stories are better, and they take more risks with characters....I like stories that are character driven, not plot driven...
@mikekillagreen9432 Жыл бұрын
That's not an indie
@dantonbauer2 жыл бұрын
Yes, as an independent filmmaker who just released a film through Universal, made for around $200K (we tried to keep it to $100K :) it's a hard pill to swallow. Ultimately, I'm not sure what kind of return we will see, but in the end paying a little extra for the right music, VFX, sound design, and other finishing cost was worth it. Without that additional investment I'm not sure we would have secured a top distributor like we did. From their eyes, they thought our budget was 10x what we spent. My hope is that this film will open up opportunities where I can attract "bankable talent" and being able to make another movie...with a salary this time around LOL!
@poljakov136 ай бұрын
How much have earned with your movie for now ?
@dir-gk5 ай бұрын
You’re a legend man.
@williamjsaunders3 жыл бұрын
Really appreciate this video. Needed it.
@christophercaves54842 жыл бұрын
Your a great human being for caring about the little people. Your also an original New Yorker. God bless. Thanks for continuing to inspire me.
@daniellatteo_thefilmmaker2 жыл бұрын
This is the kind of episode that grows in value with time... Amazing, life-saving info!!
@daisyguerra27803 жыл бұрын
WOW! WHAT A TRUTHFUL EPISODE!! A BIG THANK YOU ALEX FOR YOUR STRENGTH AND HARD WORK TO BRING US THE BEST INFORMATION!!😍
@charlesherrick74003 жыл бұрын
Thank You Alex...great and honest video.
@maxstravagar2 жыл бұрын
Great advice!!!
@DavidRosen3 жыл бұрын
I'm not a filmmaker, I'm a musician (mainly compose for film), and yeah... This all checks out.
@tp617833 жыл бұрын
One of the best shows yet... brutally honest.. keep it up
@katiepeters-moviequeen11753 жыл бұрын
Absolutely!! The actual raw truth of the film industry!! Thank you Alex😎😎
@djay_popping27933 жыл бұрын
Literally thought to myself last week that i wanna make more music videos and shorts (ive dabbled in making videos for various hobbies and interests for 10 years now). Loved this video and your channel as its keeping me grounded 👏🏾
@abelsgarcia10312 жыл бұрын
Thank you. Very informative
@IndieFilmHustle2 жыл бұрын
Very welcome
@mychalsimmons41779 ай бұрын
AWESOME EPISODE !!!
@polestuntinwithkrista8 ай бұрын
1. Filmmakers dont make money because Distributors do not pay us. Reports are self reported and no receipts provided. Once again...Distributors Do Not Pay. SAG takes advantage. People pocketing budget funds on production is also why movies dont make money. Not making each movie a formal Business..contracts,LLC, company account, lack of teamwork. EGO is also high on the list. Like you said...making movies for own EGO and spending like it for EGO. Being a BIG SHOT destroys lives.
@husariaproductions42403 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for this. Knew a few things already learned a lot more. Myself and a few colleagues and are throwing 15k at a specific niche indie we’re doing. This installment deff. Armed me with what to sort of expect after. Realistic and hopeful. The dream is alive brother
@1949AKN5 ай бұрын
Bravo !
@JonathanEBoyd3 жыл бұрын
Well said Alex a very Real Episode always giving us the hard truths (it's great when you jump on video to) thanks and all the best
@rapidcityentertainment51047 ай бұрын
Great video Alex. The hard reality we are living in.
@seizethedaystudios20583 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much for the advise. We have just filmed a proof of concept short horror film that we have sent to possible investors. Good to know about Netflix aswel
@failedfilmmaker3 жыл бұрын
Awesome stuff from the GaryVee of Indie Filmmaking!
@juzzonmorris7 ай бұрын
It's tight, but sounds right...Thanks for the tough luv..the hard cold truth. 👊🏾
@TheButchBerryCompany3 жыл бұрын
I'm on board with everything you said but you didn't say where is a good place to sell our film. You basically said nowhere is good.
@theshadishow3 жыл бұрын
There must be a hope! Because even though this is true I will never stop making movies
@themightyflog3 жыл бұрын
So all this video and nowhere to go or a strategy to follow? How is The Asylum making money? I just want to do that? Who do they sell to?
@theshadishow3 жыл бұрын
We need to come up with better idea, I promise I will never take 6 or 12 cents a movie that I made no way
@theshadishow3 жыл бұрын
@@DronkenDrenthenactually I'm coming there to shoot a feature lol
@theshadishow3 жыл бұрын
Definitely I will keep you posted
@gregoryrogalsky69372 жыл бұрын
Great video.. Liked and shared .
@IndieFilmHustle2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing
@miltonngcomedy3 жыл бұрын
Really good episode! So hard to know what the next two years will be like. I’m caught between doing a passionate comedy /drama film or a horror/thriller. Back then, horrors would do good for distribution, but the uncertainty of what the film market will look like, I’m caught in a pickle. Both films would cost under $100K.... any thoughts on what I should do?
@MexicanMovie3 жыл бұрын
I'm with you Milton, I've wanted to do a great horror/thriller for a few years now, but it just doesn't make any financial sense. I don't do social media so my following is crap, and I'm not putting up on Amazon for 12 bucks in royalties, lol......
@h.ar.29373 жыл бұрын
Alright Alex, this is a great episode, but my follow up question is: What's the solution?
@IndieFilmHustle3 жыл бұрын
Become a Filmtrepreneur! Take control of your revenue streams!
@THEDONTTELLSHOW3 жыл бұрын
@@IndieFilmHustle Hey, what do you think of the Folk Filmmaking movement? kzfaq.info/sun/PLQ-TuqORtE8ZUxj4bWAIGN9m_iYln01V9
@TGD1 Жыл бұрын
My thoughts exactly; he provided no solutions.
@mirksy97742 жыл бұрын
great video dude
@IndieFilmHustle2 жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it
@forrestmeen3 жыл бұрын
Alex, I don't think that even you have the answer
@sunsetmotionpictures14183 жыл бұрын
Do you have information where film makers can get contracts to be able to look at them and understand them?
@Cfoxv13 жыл бұрын
Love it !!!! I will only make films for under 50K in the landscape of the industry for the foreseeable future especially with no big names.
@1949AKN5 ай бұрын
What you have said is distilled wisdom. The scene is the same in hyderabad city, where we make about 150 films every year in Telugu language. Low budgets. Recognizable actors but no bankable stars. What the audience would be intersted in.
@wakkowarner88103 жыл бұрын
Most of the indy films in the past that made a ton of money were made for under $10-$15k, making a film for over $100k without a game plan is kind of stupid.
@mikeheiny41723 жыл бұрын
With respect, you've warned us correctly of the independent market, Thank you. But you didn't point the independent filmmaker in any direction. And dare I add, you don't know yourself, because if you did you would have shared it with us.
@robertulrich39643 жыл бұрын
this was painful. and i've listened to many people about this. No one has an answer to this since after the theatres went away and all content is vertically distributed through vod/streaming, indie films got left on the island and there's no way off. even if you got picked up by netlfix, it would be a small lump sum and no residuals as they chop off most content every 3 years to stay fresh(even seasonal shows) and no regular consumer is going to buy 15 different streaming services anyway.
@4thwalltvandfilm3 жыл бұрын
I have your book. I'm still trying to figure out how we are supposed to make money. Unless we can build a huge wide audience who is loyal enough to buy from you directly. Throw me. a bone brother. I'm a little slow.
@drpilkington3 жыл бұрын
Very Very accurate info
@REMINACTV2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for expanding on this but what solutions do you propose for upcoming film makers especially here in third world countries?
@johnharrington66575 ай бұрын
Hello. I was thinking about making a 40 minute animation. I am having my doubts now. It will only cost me about $2,500. Should I make it??
@voyagerone68618 ай бұрын
I hear ya, but something like Sound of Freedom gives me hope. A lot of hope. Hope that the power of true storytelling is within indies. We just have to brave enough to push it, however far we can.
@FAMEAcademyNY5 ай бұрын
3 years later im watching this. Are there any updates??? I will search the chanel.
@jthood9873 Жыл бұрын
Comments like this make me glad because I think the one thing we need is community: filmmakers helping each other to promote each other and not get fucked around
@INGLEWOODFILMS3 жыл бұрын
Changing super fast
@D-Harm3 жыл бұрын
Amazon Prime takes half. My film released in September is almost at 100k streams, with buys and rentals. I cringe seeing that AP gets half of my productions profits 😠
@huddieentertainment3 жыл бұрын
Thats crazy! Had my 1st on there and it would have to be millions of streams to get something
@poljakov136 ай бұрын
How much have you earned for your movie for now?? Did you earn any profit?
@Crivera19833 жыл бұрын
I agree 110%. Many indi film directors believe their project will blow up just if they post it on Amazon. Amazon doesn’t care unless you partner with Amazon.
@CC-ed4ir2 жыл бұрын
I bailed 10 minutes in. Word of advice: If you are going to talk about something negative, lead with something positive. Nobody likes to hear complaining. If your message is "Become a Filmtrepreneur! Take control of your revenue streams!" then lead with that and explain.
@kirk-o-matic4 ай бұрын
Very Good!!! I’ve been saying to all my Tx filmers for years but never learn you gotta have The Brad Pitt kit in your films or never going to make it or market your film that everyone has figured it out if your in film club you can’t keep making film Just make your film on iPhone and be happy it less stressful
@user-ym1ik5bz3sАй бұрын
Which platform is the best for Indie Films?
@mychalsimmons41779 ай бұрын
ALEX, ALEX, ALEX Thank you so much for the continuous WAKE UP call. Ive been watching IFH since 2015. So I HEAR YOU!!! So now I only want to make micro budget films....for learning purposes...i.e. playing guitar in a local band. No grand ideas of becoming SPIKE LEE.😂😂😂😂😂NOT HAPPENING!!!I get it. 😂😂😂😂 But I had my fun in the sun.... In the 90s I was producing Platinum records on the BIGGEST rapper in hip hop....YES ICE CUBE!!!! I wrote musical pieces for films like SET IT OFF and B.A.P.S. I LOVE IFH because you keep it 100 homie. Much love... hit me up doc. I remember back i n tha day
@theytstowaway14832 жыл бұрын
I see a promising futur for… writing novels
@mychalsimmons41779 ай бұрын
THSNK YOU Alex IM WOKE!!!!!!!!!!!
@ajaxfilms2 ай бұрын
Even in the 1990's it was SUPER rare for the industry to buy independent films. Most films made, never saw the light of day.
@CorduroyKing742 жыл бұрын
So you're saying I have a chance? LOL!
@IndieFilmHustle2 жыл бұрын
yes...lol!
@emendymedia5 ай бұрын
I feel like I just got told off for even thinking about making a film 😂
@juanthyme156910 ай бұрын
My advice that I’m using on my feature: spend the money on actors, locations, and wardrobe. Not an Alexa, a huge lighting truck, or under the line roles where you can do it yourself.
@RoinesAndScroines Жыл бұрын
Brilliant
@Lukes3D Жыл бұрын
If you have a 500k budget, I would imagine you could afford some kind of bankable star..
@juanthyme156910 ай бұрын
Even for a few days. I remember an indie movie on Netflix that advertised Kevin Hart with a role in. Kevin Hart was in it for 10 seconds. Thankfully the film turned out to be good.
@RAYMONDFORCHIONFILM Жыл бұрын
Amen!
@SemanticallyObscured3 жыл бұрын
good video jus don't stretch it out as much next time
@MexicanMovie3 жыл бұрын
You're exactly right ! There is wayyy too much content online, and if your movie is a half-assed script with half-ass actors don't waste your time unless you're direct selling, and you are right again that NO social media following means nobody wants to see your #$%#ing film.
@seizethedaystudios20583 жыл бұрын
Amazon are trying to get rid of indie films from their platform.
@MakingfeaturefilmsАй бұрын
What’s your take on today market now?
@hillock108 ай бұрын
The best way to approach this industry is as a hobby. Have fun making the film. However, as a profit making venture, the industry is a joke. This poster is developing a real business venture, and will entertain himself by making low budget films as my hobby.
@kevindolan275524 күн бұрын
Was it just me that waited the whole video for him to say how to make $100,000 on a film? Because first time he said it I was like of course I wouldn’t spend more than that, but how do I make $100,000?
@barefootandindependentАй бұрын
He said “crap”
@juanthyme156910 ай бұрын
I tried to finish but I couldn’t. I will save everyone else the trouble: if you have no bankable star then your film is dead in the crib. 🤷🏾♂️ Now, what I believe is the reason why most of indie films fail is because most stuff isn’t interesting or unique. Another reason is filmmakers try to pull off things that play to their weaknesses instead of their strengths. Example: Sci-Fi (Space themes) is something I believe you can’t can’t go cheap on but folks try.
@alefortune3 жыл бұрын
Distributors for indie fim makers? It was never even a "real" business in the first place. Thats why we have all been hearing so many horror stories for years. Come up with your own game plan. The early film makers did. Why can't we? Esp. since the game of film making and making money from films is changing so fast every year. Now is the perfect time esp. since theaters may be closing forever, who knows on that one, thanks to Covid19. But since we are in this season of life, now is the time....to think and dig deep.
@mychalsimmons4177 Жыл бұрын
Wow how sre the odds in 2023?
@mikebeats32812 ай бұрын
It is extremely hard to make a movie that you can get anyone to watch for two hours. 😂🎉
@cybercab2 жыл бұрын
TubiTV is 99% of my business.
@cielerouge7748 күн бұрын
Oh man. Wait til bro finds out about what's going on the music industry.
@charliemcgrain Жыл бұрын
!000% Even a genre film, say horror, has still got to be a "dynamite" film, made really cheap, to stand any chance of breaking even. Be honest, is your film dynamite? Being "good" is not good enough. Take your time, be strategic about subject matter and budget level, and wait till everyone tells you the script is "dynamite" before considering getting the camera out. Being good IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH. Can you make a "dynamite" film for under 100k, yes, it is not about effects and explosions, "drama" is what happens when someone writes a "dynamite" script with characters and an original story line THAT IS ON FIRE. Alex is right, you could make a living with "good enough" 10 years ago. Not any more. Unless you are convinced you have a dynamite script that is literally on fire don't get the camera out. All of the filmmakers you love were highly selective about their choices, they did not choose "good enough" scripts or stories. How many films did Kubrick make? You have to be that picky. You have got to be that picky when it costs so much time and effort. Alex was too kind to say it but I will, most indi films do not make money, because they are crap, but even "good" indi films will struggle, especially drama's without talent attached.
@dhruvbahri99424 ай бұрын
HOW CAN I BOOK 10 MINTUES WITH YOU?
@BillionDollarPhone13 жыл бұрын
IN ORDER TO BE TRULY INDIE YOU SHOULDNT RELY ON MAJOR DISTRO START YOUR OWN STREAMING SERVICE
@JamesAllred-Parasauce3 жыл бұрын
The idea that the market is changing so fast that you can't create a film is bad advice. Good stories make good films. People will always respond to a good story.
@jeffknite1892 жыл бұрын
Good luck with that train of thought. You can tell the greatest story ever told. If nobody knows that your film exists, than how will people respond to it. You're the exact fimmmaker that distributors prey upon.. gullible.
@JamesAllred-Parasauce2 жыл бұрын
@@jeffknite189 😂😂😂
@kasperwabinski2 ай бұрын
Please script ur videos they are repetitive comments in a circle.
@21stcenturyscots7 ай бұрын
That is a lot of talk without actual Numbers and dollars. Please make a table with the actual sales distribution and earning numbers US Europe and worldwide with earnings of indie movies by distribution for cinema DVD and other means of 2022. Post the link in the description. Without that your video is useless. Nobody has any idea about what you actually talking about. Thank you very much
@DocBoon Жыл бұрын
Yep. I've been telling filmmakers this for years. Fantasy vs reality. Even when I first started making movies, I ran into filmmakers who had made good movies for $600,000 and their films were distributed the same places as a feature made for $1,000. And they received just as little money back. What I've wanted to know and have never been able to find out is how Jason Blum can have a network set up wherein he knows that he can get back $4,000,000 on a film even if it bombs. Nowhere have I seen an explanation for how he does that. I'd like to see what his setup is. Now, after having some pretty major films, I'm sure he can attract money directly from foreign companies and top distribution networks, but who are the people he's working with? Because they aren't the people low budget independent filmmakers are dealing with. The people we have are happy to take on our films as long as they don't have to actually spend any money on it and we do all the marketing and sales for them. And the film market isn't the only business going down that road. Novelists and musicians are facing the same type of we'll-take-it-but-you-sell-it-for-us-and-then-we-keep-any-money-it-makes approach. It's a bit like that old joke about how to become a millionaire and pay no taxes. Step 1) Get a million dollars. Step 2) Don't pay any taxes. The independent film business often seems to be saying the same thing: Step 1) make a movie Step 2) sell a million copies Step 3) then sign with us and we'll keep the money. I suspect that now filmmakers would have a better shot if they got an internship at a major studio like Paramount, worked their way up to a position with some pull, and then casually mentioned over coffee with someone in power that they would like to direct.