The Aim

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

The Plan

1.

The distribution mechanism or centre will distribute films 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.

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, packaging - 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 non-exclusive 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. Being a non-exclusive contractual arrangement, filmmakers are free to provide their films to other distributors in the same territories as those granted to MLF.

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 VCD or DVD formats.

11.

In consultation with the film makers MLF develops a differential scale of pricing depending on the format as well as the user. The price structure is reviewed periodically.

13.

Film makers are provided quarterly reports of sales. However, the royalty generated is paid twice in a year, in January and July.

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. Royalty to foreign filmmakers is held until it crosses an equivalent sum of USD 200, after which the payment is made in consultation with the filmmaker.

4.

We have tried to develop an 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.

Plan of Action

We have with us a little over 200 films that we are distributing. We initially announced the lauch of this initiative through a printed newsletter cum catalogue that went out to 5000 individuals and groups all over the country. Over the years, there has been a substantial visibility of Under Construction through the sale points that we set up at film festivals and important events all across the country. Our website has also played an important role in making our presence felt in the viewers' minds. We have also curated two editions of the Persistence Resistance film festival that primarily showcases the films being distributed by Under Construction. The plan is now to increase this reach to at least 50,000 viewers, as well as cater to the growing enquiries from our viewers. 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, not only in numbers but also in terms of the quality of films that stand out in their themes, aesthetics and experimentations..