Talking Film Distribution with Director Kevin Smith
Movie fans are familiar with the standard routine -- a movie is promoted for months through TV, print advertising, and trailers building anticipation for its theatrical release. The film is then released to movie theaters around the country with the number of screens varying from title to title. Depending on the movie, it can be widely released across the US or limited to “art house cinemas” in select cities. After several months, the movie is made available for home viewing on DVD and Blu-ray discs, and through digital Video On-Demand services. Films are then often available through premium cable channels (like HBO) and eventually, broadcast and basic cable channels.
This lifecycle of movie distribution “windows” has remained relatively unchanged for some time. But now, the proliferation of high-speed broadband and Internet-connectable devices in consumer homes has opened a new movie distribution portal for filmmakers, and more consumption alternatives for movie fans. One filmmaker embracing these possibilities is Kevin Smith, director of films such as Clerks, Chasing Amy, Cop Out, and the upcoming Red State. I recently had a chance to speak to Kevin about the Internet's effect on the movie business and his new film.
Written and directed by Smith, Red State premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January and releases today through Video On-Demand outlets BEFORE its scheduled theatrical release on September 23. It is also scheduled to be released on DVD October 18, only four weeks after its release in theaters (much sooner than the typical three to four month delay). "We live in a world in which it is increasingly difficult to get people’s attention," Smith said describing this strategy, "You have to reach the audience where they are. You have to figure out a way to get your art in the hands of the people.”
Smith went on to describe why the movie business is unique in its dependence on multiple channels of distribution. “Filmmaking is an expensive art form. If I was a singer and I wanted to express myself to you, I would simply sing a song; if I was an artist and I wanted to express myself, I would get a canvas and some paint; but to make a film, I need millions of dollars and a large cast and crew.” When asked about the potential he sees in Internet distribution of movies, Smith (who also hosts a weekly podcast with longtime producer Scott Mosier) replied, “It’s an opportunity to create new viewer experiences” and “on-demand entertainment. Smith also added that “Video On-Demand could be the new art house cinema.” That’s a revolutionary concept and could mean that the opportunity to see select independent films on their release date may no longer be limited to those in New York or Los Angeles.
Describing the R-rated horror/thriller film Red State, Smith says it’s a movie of “tragic decisions.” When asked how he wants the audience to walk away from the film (which certainly does not have the typical Hollywood ending), Smith hopes viewers appreciate "great performances" by the cast and maybe even walk away "inspired to make some art" of their own. Smith encourages filmmakers to keep innovating and utilizing technology to stay relevant. “I’m a great commercial for trying what you want to do,” says Smith.
Another upcoming film experimenting with the traditional release windows is Trespass, starring Nicolas Cage and Nicole Kidman, which is scheduled to be released in both theaters and through Video On-Demand on October 14.
Watch Red State today on Amazon Instant Video before it hits theaters on September 23. You get to watch it at home, but you’ll have to make your own popcorn.
