1. What is Film Threat DVD?

Film Threat DVD is a distribution venture launched by Chris Gore, the founder and editor-in-chief of Film Threat, the premier resource on independent film.

The genesis of Film Threat DVD was in Chris's frustration with the tremendous number of great independent films which went ignored. He was appalled that great independent and underground films, made by passionate filmmakers, were becoming "cineorphans" (no distribution), because the current system isn't designed to give these film's a chance. He offers that if "Clerks" was made today -- a black and white, low-budget, no-stars, shot in 16mm -- it wouldn't get a distribution deal.

For Chris's complete "manifesto" on why he created Film Threat DVD, read his Gorey Details column on it.

2.What kind of films does Film Threat DVD distribute?

Good ones. And features (sorry, no shorts right now).

We don't care about the genre (as long as it's not porn), we just want great films made by passionate filmmakers.

Certainly, our ideal films will have had some kind of festival run under their belts, but it's really all about the movie itself.

3. Is there any reason you will not consider a film?

As we said, no porn. Nothing against porn, it's just not our business.

Also, you must have all of your music, actors, etc. cleared in order for us to distribute the film. No exceptions.

4. Where does Film Threat DVD distribute its films?

Film Threat DVD distributes films by first offering them for sale on the Film Threat website in the Film Threat Shop, and then expanding the release to video stores and other retail outlets.

5. You mean, like, Blockbuster?

Well, pretty much everywhere but Blockbuster. Through our joint venture with a prominent music distributor, as of January 2005, many Film Threat DVD titles can be found at major retail outlets across the U.S. and Canada.

Film Threat DVD also targets the 10,000 or so indie video stores that are traditionally more open and friendly to indie films.

And, of course, Film Threat DVD makes use of major online retail outlets.

6. Does anyone visit the Film Threat site?

Yes. More than 300,000 unique visitors a month generating over 15 million page views. In fact, in terms of traffic, Film Threat is the top independent film web site on the net and among the top movie web sites overall.

7. Do you distribute any film that is submitted to you?

Unfortunately, we cannot. If a film has the Film Threat DVD name on it, we want our customers to know that it means that it is one of the best films out there that did not get a distribution deal.

8. Does Film Threat DVD take over the rights to the film?

No. Film Threat DVD simply licenses the right to sell the DVDs.

For some sales, it is kind of a "collective" arrangement. When Film Threat DVD sells a DVD, we buy the DVD from the filmmaker at a contractually-agreed price.

For other sales, the filmmaker does not have to put up the money for the DVD and receives a contractually-agreed flat fee per sale.

It depends on the type of sale.

9. What is the price?

Again, it depends on the type of sale.

For the "collective" deals, the filmmaker gets about twice the price it costs the filmmaker to make the DVD.

On the other sales, where the filmmaker does not pay the production costs of the DVD, the filmmaker gets the contractually-agreed flat fee.

10. How often do filmmakers get paid for sales?

Twice a year.

11. Does Film Threat DVD cross-promote its titles?

Yes. Every Film Threat DVD title includes trailers of other Film Threat DVD titles.

12. What about branding?

Yup. The packaging of every Film Threat DVD title will conform to the Film Threat DVD style, so anyone looking at the DVD will know it is a Film Threat DVD title (and thus, a great film).

13. What about publicity and marketing?

Film Threat DVD's primary strategy is to leverage the deep contacts, exposure and following of Film Threat and Chris Gore to drive traffic, buzz and attention to the Film Threat DVD library.

Film Threat DVD also will undertake other more conventional approaches to generating publicity and marketing for the library and the individual titles.

Titles being sold through our joint venture with the music distributor will have specific marketing plans that will be put together before the DVD is presented to retail.

Also, check out the banner ads for our titles in the marketing section of this site.

While we do a great job getting the word out about our titles, don't look for any full-page ads in the trades.

14. Does Film Threat DVD pay for production and authoring?

Unfortunately, the filmmaker has to bear those costs. But, Film Threat DVD has been able to secure a great price for its filmmakers. And, many filmmakers have been able to find a company to sponsor the costs. Film Threat DVD is extremely accommodating to filmmakers to help them make a sponsorship deal happen.

But, the filmmaker does not have to front the production costs for copies of the DVD sold through the joint venture. Those costs are paid by the joint venture.

15. If my film is distributed by Film Threat DVD, do I get any of the DVDs to do my own marketing?

Yes! We give half of the first crop of DVDs to the filmmaker so he/she can help generate interest in his/her title.

16. How much money will I make?

That depends on how many DVDs you sell. It will take only about 800 sales for the filmmaker to break even and start making a profit.

But, if you do not have a distribution deal for your film, money is far from the only issue involved. Film Threat DVD allows its film to be rescued from being "cineorphans," allowing filmmakers to show that their films got U.S. distribution and sold a certain amount of copies. This will be invaluable when the filmmaker goes out to try and get his/her next movie made.

17. How do you differ from your competition?

If a distribution company offers you an advance and the costs of authoring and production, we advise that filmmaker to take the deal.

But, if a filmmaker does not have any such offers, we believe Film Threat is the best option of its kind. Why? Because none of the other companies that have a similar approach can offer the branding and support of the Film Threat name. While they try and build a name for themselves, Film Threat DVD can take advantage of the already-in-place reputation and following of Film Threat.

And, because of our joint venture with the music distributor, we have more reach to retail than other DVD distributors of our size.

18. Do you guys take great care with the design of the DVDs?

Yes! If a film does not have any name actors, the cover and the synopsis are the most important sales features the film can offer.

19. Does a filmmaker have any say on the design?

Of course. We will work with you to make the design the best it can be.

20. Will you consider my movie?

Of course. Please send a synopsis, festival history, and other relevant press-related information about your film to Mitchell Bard, Film Threat DVD's Head of Acquisitions, at mbard@filmthreat.com. Please include all information in the body of the e-mail, no attachments.