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.. |