The Selling of Uncle Louie

OK, so we created a film. A full length feature film. It was quite a feat, and turned out quite well for the small budget and novice team we had. Like every independent filmmaker we have one last hurdle, and an intense one at that, selling the film to a distributor. That's what the "independent" part is all about; making a film without a big distributor (read major studio), backing it. It gives the filmmakers a chance to create with freedom. It lets them use their own style, and pick the cast and crew without interference. Independents don't have to worry about some big jerk like Louis B. Mayer, or Sam Warner telling us how to do things or changing the movie to their liking. Nope, we did it all ourselves. But, the down side is now we want them to buy it. We need them to get it to all those theaters across the country. It's the Hollywood hierarchy, and as much as some of us hate it, it works. No distribution systems, and filmmakers end up like starving artists. They'll be lucky to get a thousand bucks for their movie. I, for one, have been around it, and believe me, for the big money the system works. Some say it keeps the little guy out, but if the film is good, you'll find a buyer.

The process involves sending 'Uncle Louie" to as many film festivals as possible, and hopefully get accepted for screening. Once selected it exposes the film to people in the business, and if liked, those people make offers to buy the movie. Now, not all the festivals will choose us, but a few will, and you only need one or two. It doesn't even have to win an award (but I hope it does), just a screening is sometimes enough. Sure there's competition, but like I said, good films will make it. Besides this, the producers can also use all the connections possible to contact distributors, and get them to view it privately. After all, you gotta pull out all the stops. While we can't show the film to the public until after it's bought, the producers can also market the film and stir up interest among the public through a website like this, Facebook, YouTube, etc. As more of the public starts asking to see the whole movie, the word gets out. Distributors pick up the public reaction, and believe me with the Internet today they do, and can approach the producers to buy it. That's even better.

Now, I pretty much laid it out in a couple paragraphs, but it does take work. What I rely on now is "Uncle Louie" fans , to help. Help spread the word. Get your friends to check out the trailer, and become a fan. "Uncle Louie" will sell, but every positive push helps. Of course, if Uncle Louie himself knows you have personally helped, he just might manage to buy you a nice Italian dinner- cannoli's and all!!

Interview with Director Al Russell

The producers, editors and director have been working hard for the last 2 months to complete the film. The music written for the film has been added and the film is about 99% complete.
Watch for a new trailer soon.
In the meantime, here is a clip from a short interview with the director, Al Russell.