Independent Film Distribution: That critical endgame.

In chess the endgame is most important because one wrong move will cause you to stalemate.  For an independent filmmaker it's the same problem.

 Every year countless indies are submitted to film festivals where one of two things happen.  Either they get in or they're rejected.  I could go on a rant pertaining to film festivals.  That's a blog for another time.  Film distribution has always been complicated because there are multiple ways to get your work seen.  Think of distribution as an open flea market where your trying to sale your digital product. 

Start by asking yourself what are you looking to accomplish.  Are you seeking fame or money?  Both are noble but there are benefits and limitations.  Fame will get you work but it might not get you money and fame costs money.  Money will get you paid but you'll be scratching for another gig so it's important to know what you're trying to accomplish with your content.  I'm going to list new distribution models that I think work in the internet age.

 
Mass email blast (assuming you know lots of people who like you)
Get mainstream success and acclaim (Wining the Oscar helps)
Blogs (Create a great blog)
Podcast-create an awesome show and grow a fan base
Showing your film on a portable device at a networking mixer
Sticker/graffiti projects
Priemum digital download/Try before you buy version (Mdot Strange)
Become a celebrity and sell directly your audience
Upload to Itunes/road trip your movie promoting it in theaters
Win awards at prestigious film festivals because your movie is that damn good.
Tom Leykis method- Create your own web channel provide your own content/premium content exclusive to subscribers and paid advertising (must become a celebrity)

The main idea here is to cultivate an audience and sell yourself and your content to them because your that damn good or interesting.