The Aim

To set up a non-broadcast, educational distribution mechanism for independent films.

The Plan

1.

The distribution mechanism or centre will distribute films (mainly videos) on behalf of film makers.

2.

The distribution centre will undertake three kinds of distribution activities:

• Distribute Indian films to Indian audiences, mainly NGOs, schools, colleges, institutions, organisations, individuals and specific government departments.
• Distribute foreign films to Indian audiences.

Distribute specific Indian films (curated topic-wise) to foreign buyers like universities. NGOs and groups etc. (However, this activity will begin a year or so after the distribution centre begins functioning.)

3.

Distribution will be done through sale of individual copies of films. This model of distribution borrows heavily from a few such mechanisms in the US as well as publishers like the Sage in India.

4.

The costs of distribution - of publicity, making copies, sending tapes - will be borne by MLF.

5.

To recover this cost MLF will retain 35% of the revenue earned by the sale and remit 65% to the film maker as royalty.

6.

To facilitate distribution MLF will get into a contractual relation with film makers. This contractual arrangement will not preclude the filmmaker from selling his/ her films individually, entering into festivals, screenings, giving free copies or inhibit the etitlement and wnjoyment of the intellectual property rights. However, this arrangement will preclude getting into similar arrangements for distribution with other distributors in the territories where MLF is given the right to distribute.

7.

The film maker must own the rights for non-commercial, educational distribution before s/he enters into a contractual agreement with MLF.

8.

Once the film maker agrees to be a part of this initiative s/he will sign the contract and give MLF a master tape (in Beta SP, mini DV or DV Cam format) for making copies.

9.

The contract provides clauses for dissolution based on a few reasonable restrictions and can be dissoved by either parties at anytime provided reasons for such terminations are warranted.

10.

MLF will distribute the film in VHS, VCD or DVD formats.

11.

The film maker can decide the price of copies with MLF.

12.

In consultation with the film makers MLF will develop a shifting scale of pricing depending on the format of distribution as well as the user. The price structure will be reviewed periodically.

13.

Film makers will be provided quarterly reports of sales and royalty generated too will be paid quarterly.

14.

Sales will be done through the following methods:

• Direct sales. A quarterly brochure will be sent out to a growing-mailing list. Depending on responses tapes/ VCDs will be sent. Additionally, MLF will put up stalls at meetings and screenings for selling.
• Through the internet. The MLF site will host details of the films. This will be accessible to all. And MLF will add links to this site. Simultaneously, the site will contain a detailed data base of India documentaries.
• Through established networks on institutions like schools, colleges, and other social institutions.
• By associating with and/ or creating small scale, regional film festivals.
• By associating with different campaigns in India.

Through the different networks of social movements, trade unions and grassroots organisations.

Where are we today?

1.

We have named this initiative Under Construction and are requesting filmmakers and producers to make their films available to us for distribution.

2.

We have developed a contract that underlines terms and conditions mutually agreeable to the film maker or producer and MLF. We have tried to be as fair as possible with most of the rights resting with the filmmaker or producer.

3.

We have been regularly paying royalties to filmmakers in India. There are some technical issues for making payments to foreign producers, which we are working on.

4.

We are working to develop a accounting system that is transparent and easily accessible, even by film makers who are not residents of New Delhi.

5.

We are still working on technical issues like video streaming - trying to see if its possible to upload clips of films that are on for distribution - and at an affordable cost.

6.

We are looking into language versions and issues of rights around that.

Plan of Action

We have with us 65 films that we are distributing. We have announced the lauch of this initiative through a printed newsletter cum catalogue that has gone out to 5000 groups all over the country. The plan is now to increase this reach, to 20,000 as well as cater to the responses to the catalogue. We are also sending regular updates to our users on the new releases. Simultaneously, we are also trying to raise the number of films available to us for distribution.