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The
Aim
To set up a
non-broadcast, educational distribution mechanism
for independent films.
The
Plan
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1.
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The distribution
mechanism or centre will distribute films (mainly
videos) on behalf of film makers.
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2.
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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.)
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3.
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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.
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4.
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The costs of
distribution - of publicity, making copies, sending
tapes - will be borne by MLF.
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5.
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To recover this
cost MLF will retain 35% of the revenue earned by
the sale and remit 65% to the film maker as
royalty.
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6.
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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.
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7.
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The film maker must
own the rights for non-commercial, educational
distribution before s/he enters into a contractual
agreement with MLF.
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8.
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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.
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9.
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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.
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10.
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MLF will distribute
the film in VHS, VCD or DVD formats.
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11.
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The film maker can
decide the price of copies with MLF.
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12.
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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.
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13.
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Film makers will be
provided quarterly reports of sales and royalty
generated too will be paid quarterly.
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14.
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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.
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Where
are we today?
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1.
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We have named this
initiative Under Construction and are
requesting filmmakers and producers to make their
films available to us for distribution.
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2.
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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.
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3.
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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.
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4.
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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.
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5.
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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.
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6.
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We are looking into
language versions and issues of rights around
that.
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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.
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