Netflix has a built-in audience so the chance of getting your film seen via this online option is more likely then a site like Amazon which, in effect, is a needle in a haystack scenario for indie films.
Repeatedly, we watch independent filmmakers pushing so hard to get onto Netflix you can feel the labor pains... but to what avail?
Repeatedly, we watch independent filmmakers pushing so hard to get onto Netflix you can feel the labor pains... but to what avail?
From what I've read Netflix buys dvds from indie filmmakers in lots of 100 and pays anywhere from $4-16 per dvd. I have not heard any numbers of what Netflix pays for streaming. If you have please comment and let us know. Knowledge is power. Let's get independent filmmakers educated about the facts of the game so they know whether or not it is the right game (ie. distribution option) for them.
Back to the numbers. If Netflix pays a filmmaker $4 per dvd at 100 dvds per pop, the filmmaker has only made a paltry $400 for the feature film. On the high end, Netflix is willing to pay $1600. If you've heard higher numbers for independent film payouts through Netflix please let us know. We'd all like to know that the numbers are much higher than a measly $400-1600 for all the hard work that goes into making a film.
These incredibly low standards and self-imposed expectations are why filmmakers sing to the chorus of "It's not about the money, it's about getting your film seen." and "Don't expect to making a living off your work." Dumb songs if you ask me. It's time we start hearing filmmakers singing to the chorus of "I'm living off the profits of my film." and "I made enough from my last film to support me and I'm working on my next project." and how about "I love my career and the life it affords me." and "It's great to share my work with so many and make a living from it."
Netflix is not a winning scenario for filmmaker. Just wait. Better is right around the corner. Netflix helps themselves, not indie filmmakers (not even studios or the industry, as a whole, for that matter). Don't be in a hurry to sell yourself short.
Oh... and if Netflix reorders an independent film from the distributor they'll just buy replacements because the dvds that were in stock were damaged or destroyed. That's really all Netflix has to offer independent filmmakers and quite honestly, it's not worth it.
Be patient. Better is coming. Don't be in such a hurry to get rid of your rights. You can move forward with your next project with or without giving up the rights to your film or selling yourself short. So hold tight, trust and allow yourself the possibility to earn a reasonable living off your work in the future. The times are changing. Be part of the change in a positive way that will monetarily benefit you and your future.
Let's say you decide the $400-$1600 is worth it. Did you figure in the cost of the distributor, the dvds, shipping? Really? If that's the best the industry has to offer you're too good for it, deserve better and should hold out for better. It's coming. I promise you. Do not sell yourself short. Demand and wait for better. Good movies are always good. Those companies snagging your films as they tell you the films aren't worth anything understand how valuable your work it. You should, too! Stop listening to thieves if you don't want to get ripped off!
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