IFH 343: The Dark Underbelly of Predatory Film Distributors - BEWARE!

Indie Film Hustle® - A Filmmaking Podcast - A podcast by Indie Film Hustle - Tuesdays

I'm pissed off guys. I'm tired of getting emails, messages, and calls from filmmakers who have been or are going to get taken advantage of by a traditional film distributor. THIS NEEDS TO STOP! So many filmmakers have been taken advantage of by predatory film distributors over the years that is has become a punchline. It's not funny.These predatory film distributors are destroying the lives of filmmakers. I know filmmakers with families that extended themselves financially to make their films. Then once they sign on the dotted line with a predatory film distributor never heard from them again. This poor filmmaker has little to no recourse. They basically made a non-tax deductible donation to the distributor.It's disgusting and it needs to stop. In this episode, I expose a lot of tricks these predatory film distributors use to con and steal from filmmakers. I also talk about some other options filmmakers have and discuss what a good film distributor looks like. I even call out one of the good guys in the film distributor game.Even self distribution is not safe. I’ve been a big supporter of the film aggregator Distribber over the years because they were of great help releasing my film This is Meg. But many of the people I worked with there have left the company. The Distribber I promoted for years is not the same company that is in business today. I have been hearing way too many stories about filmmakers not getting paid, can't get anyone to return their calls, and I just need to call this out. I NO LONGER recommend the ANY filmmaker use Distribber to self distribute their film. This is just a taste of what you can expect to hear in this episode. I truly hope this helps filmmakers out there and please spread the word.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.