IAC DISCUSSION FORUMS

Most of the best amateur movies get shown far too rarely.

They will run at a club comp, a regional and maybe two or three national/international
competitions ... and at any talks the maker gives. Some clubs hire tapes
from the IAC library so a film chosen for inclusion in the library might
get a few extra showings.

Then what?

We need to find some way in which movies can be shown that does not involve
a competition but does allow new audiences to enjoy them and the maker to
get occasional feedback. Maybe on the internet when everyone has broadband???

One BIG snag for most forms of wider distribution is copyright restrictions
on the music used. Even so-called "copyright free" music may be sold with
terms which prohibit any commercial use ... and renting out copies, even
at a minimal charge, might be breaking those terms.

Some people run public shows, or tour events like WI meetings, schools, hospitals,
retirement homes etc. That helps a bit.

Any ideas out there ... on how we can get our films out there?


Dave McPuzzled Watterson

"Dave Watterson" <forums@theiac.org.uk> wrote:

Most of the best amateur movies get shown far too rarely.

They will run at a club comp, a regional and maybe two or three national/international
competitions ... and at any talks the maker gives. Some clubs hire tapes
from the IAC library so a film chosen for inclusion in the library might
get a few extra showings.

Then what?

We need to find some way in which movies can be shown that does not involve
a competition but does allow new audiences to enjoy them and the maker to
get occasional feedback. Maybe on the internet when everyone has broadband???

One BIG snag for most forms of wider distribution is copyright restrictions
on the music used. Even so-called "copyright free" music may be sold with
terms which prohibit any commercial use ... and renting out copies, even
at a minimal charge, might be breaking those terms.

Some people run public shows, or tour events like WI meetings, schools,
hospitals,
retirement homes etc. That helps a bit.

Any ideas out there ... on how we can get our films out there?

Great idea Dave but music copyright is a problem if the film is charged for
in any way.
Certainly the internet might raise more problems. ALL film makers who use
music should
take out all three licenses that the IAC offers (have to join first!).
This does give certain protection
and only costs about £27 per year.

Michael Slowe.

"Dave Watterson" <forums@theiac.org.uk> wrote:

Most of the best amateur movies get shown far too rarely.

They will run at a club comp, a regional and maybe two or three national/international
competitions ... and at any talks the maker gives. Some clubs hire tapes
from the IAC library so a film chosen for inclusion in the library might
get a few extra showings.

Then what?

As we have said before on this site, a film is seen by more people when it
achieves success in competitions. Other films are seen at club shows or at
our premiere night, but the "big hitters" get wide distribution. Years ago,
our films were only seen by family and friends, perhaps 30 people or so.
Nowadays, many are seen by several hundred, which isn`t bad. (Now that "Dropping
Off" has gone off on it`s own, flown the nest and set out on it`s world tour,
who knows how many people will see it?)
We still get asked to show films to a club we haven`t been to before, so
even older films (the ones we dare show!) get an airing from time to time.
But yes, Dave is right, we need to get our films "out there" to be seen
Ken

p.s. My e-mail at home is acting up at present..... in case you have sent
something and I haven`t replied. Ken.

When Dave mentioned this issue, it rang a bell that this really is an important
issue that IAC should look into...

The film making world has changed. Video cameras are getting easier to use
every day. Technical know-how can be found in book stores and on the internet.
What do our members and would-be members mostly want from local clubs and
assoications like IAC? Distribution is a hot issue.

IAC can take a lead in exploring this area. Host more film shows targeting
general audience outside film making circle? work with local councils? cabel
TV? Publish DVD/Video CD? Internet streaming?

Copyright - i believe when people see there are channels to show their films,
they will be more careful about the use of music. I started to find people
to write music for my films 3 years ago when I learnt that my films will
be stuck at college film nights otherwise...

If IAC distributes movies at production cost price, could it be counted as
non-commercial and granted permission on copyright materials? There must
be rooms for some negotiations.