We know from our experience in crowd-funding on other movie projects, that the biggest practical challenge is with delivery of premiums to our backers that involve availability of the actual film.
Believe it or not, there is a definite method to the madness of the film business. Particularly with respect to the indie world. The studios have the resources to release tent-pole blockbusters in theatres worldwide at the same time. Netflix or Amazon can forego theatrical release altogether and just start streaming on their platforms.
The indie world doesn’t work that way (usually). The distribution landscape remains treacherous, uncertain and quirky.
What does this mean for me? (You are probably asking.)
The short answer is Patience. Maybe a lot of patience.
Here’s the longer answer:
A small theatrical release in the U.S. is necessary to build awareness. This can take several months due to availability of screens. Then downloads and video on demand on cable and iTunes and other websites. Then DVD/Blu-Ray release. Then subscription streaming.on platforms like Netflix, Amazon or Hulu.
Could be 90 days from first theatrical release to download or cable video on demand or could be simultaneous. If it’s simultaneous, theatre owners want filmmaker/distributors to “four-wall” - i.e. rent their theatres to offset the risk of low audience turnout because of the film’s availabilty on these pay-per-view/download platforms.
We don’t know if we’ll have the resources to “four-wall”. And since we’re determined to make Out of the Blue first available in theatres, particularly New York and Los Angeles, we may have to abide by the customary “hold-backs.”
At the same time as we’ll be rolling out the movie in the U.S., we’ll be attempting to set up distribution deals country by country in Europe, Asia and elsewhere. Normally, these deal are not made directly - but via sales companies that attend markets like AFM, Cannes, Toronto with slates of both finished film and yet-to-be-produced project. Often, it can take 12-18 months for this sales cycle. And then within each country - UK, France, Japan, Brazil, etc. - local factors make the release pattern different - and unique for every film.
So your patience will be required to receive a Blu-ray/DVD or streaming avail in the U.S. And even MORE patience outside the U.S.
(But who knows? Maybe a deep-pocket streamer like Netflix will want to license the film for a multi-territory premiere. That could be a game changer in our distribution plans and delivery avails.)
We are eager for all our backers - and film lovers everywhere - to experience ‘Out of the Blue’ as soon as possible.
Regarding delivery of premiums — we’ve done our best to guesstimate when we will be able to send backers DVDs, Blu-rays and links to streaming. Delivery dates will be subject to when the restoration version is available commericially in a particular territory, so some of our estimates might be off - even way off.
We will due our utmost to get the movie to you earlier than the ‘expected delivery date’, but it might be later. And we promise to keep you updated before, during and after the campaign!
You are helping to save and preserve Out of the Blue for future audience and generations - that’s the really important thing, isn’t it?
Due to Coronavirus Pandemic closures of theaters, cancellation of festivals, interruptions in distribution, supply chain and manufacturing, there are substantial delays in delivery of premiums. Slacker Backer premiums on this site are on the same delivery timeline as Kickstarter Backers. We provide regular updates as the situation changes. We appreciate your understanding and hope you will nonetheless support the mission.
