short film tv channel

[kevry_rogeo]

I have a question for all you short film makers out there.

My company is investigating the possibility of launching a cable tv channel exclusively featuring short films. As the audience for short films is currently small (non existent in TV terms), the only business model that works is one in which the makers provide films free of charge to the channel, (until viewer numbers grow to an economically viable level).

I know you're all thinking 'why the hell should I bother if it won't make me a penny', but the fact is, if at all successful this channel can reach a nationwide audience - including film industry movers and shakers. Instead of films being seen by a tiny, elitist festival audience and having a tiny chance of being picked up by a producer, they will eventually be seen by millions of people.

The company doesn't expect people to sign away rights for years either. Just make the film available for broadcast for a few months.

I think it's a fair trade. You get viewer numbers and publicity you couldn't possibly afford to buy and the channel gets films to bring in viewers.

That's enough sales pitch from me. Let me know what you think. Would you be willing to give the channel the right to broadcast your film for a short period, free of charge? And if not, why?

For obvious security reasons I can't go into too much detail. However, I'm not asking anyone to sign anything! Just give me your opinion on the concept (assuming this is a genuine project requires a small leap of faith, but what do you have to lose?)

I look forward to your replies.

Cheers

Kristian Rogers

[This message has been edited by kevry_rogeo (edited December 20, 2001).]

[Roy Baty]

To quote 'If it seems too good to be true, then it is.'
I dont want to be sceptical but I think that proof of your Bona Fides are needed. Does your company have a web site? Not real proof I know but its a step in the right direction.

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Your'll never eat a minted lamb bagel with onions in this town again!

[This message has been edited by Roy Baty (edited December 20, 2001).]

[Kathy S]

it sounds interesting- but you'd have to tell us more about yourself and what makes you think you can do it.

K

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[miker]

I certainly wouldn't have a problem with that.

I think watching shorts on TV through your stereo system is infinitely better than any highly-compressed low-band internet medium.

It gets my vote, in concept.

But what cable company would ever sign up to it??!!

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[Davis]

LOL Roy, go back and read your quote again.

I agree with miker, on paper that's a great idea. I don't see why any one wouldn't allow the channel to show their film for free, when they have to pay film festivals to show theirs.

But, also like Roy said, everyone'd need a lot of proof you do own a company and aren't just trying to get a stockhold of free short films sent to you for some other purpose.

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[Roy Baty]

Quote amended......ooops!

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Your'll never eat a minted lamb bagel with onions in this town again!

[Generic Skinhead]

I think it's a great idea, but how on earth could you market such a channel?

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How many bones has a body got? A child's got more bones than a grown ups got. And that's a natural law!

[thepreacher_naric]

Have you considered producing a show on how short films are made. The life of short film makers that went on to make larger films. The storys behind what they had to do to get where they are now. What drives them to keep going after spending all their money and going broke. That sort of thing.

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The pay-off from struggle is the most sweetest revenge.

[steven_craig]

what are you going to do with the profits from advertisers? if/when a film/filmmaker becomes sucessfull will we have to give you money/credits etc.

i'm a sceptic right - but i agree with the general concensus that we need more info first...

it seems like a very good idea, and you have my support 100%... so go on, tell us more!

P.S. where is your company based and what name do you go by?

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My preciousssssss!

[sn-films]

Actually, in the states, there are a few shows that feature indie films. Barring the "Sundance" channel on digital cable, there are a bunch of other shows that keep appearing at odd hours of the night. Ironicly, there is a show on the SciFi channel out here that has a show called "Exposure". They run indie films, and have soundbites from the directors talking about production, inspiration for the film, etc. That's actually one of the better formats that I've seen. As far as I know, its got a fairly strong cult following... If you'd be willing to run American submissions, I would wholeheartedly support the effort.

As far as the legal stuff, I think some of us would agree to a limited run. For example, we could give you permission to run a film ___ number of times over a __ month period. Your organization would not be able to distribute recorded media (tapes, DVD's, etc.) without express written consent of the film's producer, blah, blah, blah. That might be a good starting point.

Good luck!


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www.sn-films.com