Met Film Now Into Distribution

A new film distribution set-up has been launched.
Met Film has now set up Met Film Distribution, which will provide a set of services for independent filmmakers seeking to distribute their own films.
This is said to be an example of Met Film's 'vertical integration', particularly now that their education, production, post-production and distribution 'strands' are 'under one roof' at Ealing Studios.
The first project will be 'Heavy Load', Met Film's latest feature documentary which follows a punk band with learning disabilities.
Heavy Load is a co-production with the BBC, IFC and ITVS, and is directed by Jerry Rothwell and produced by Al Morrow and Jonny Persey. It recently won the Audience Award at Britdoc.
Luke Montagu, Chief Executive Officer of Met Film, said: "We firmly believe that there are commercial opportunities for producers to distribute films themselves using Internet marketing and distribution but we know that most producers do not have these skills and have set up Met Film Distribution to help.
"I would encourage producers raising finance for niche films to include self-distribution costs in the budget so that they can guarantee a release."
Met Film Distribution's services will include managing a limited digital theatrical release, handling PR, creating deliverables and running an online marketing campaign.
Mr Montagu asserts that this approach is only suitable for high quality films with audiences that can be reached directly via the Internet and other targeted marketing.
Independent films such as Heavy Load lend themselves to this new distribution model as they not only have a broad appeal among indie cinema-goers but also have a particular appeal for clearly identifiable audiences - in this case individuals who are connected to learning disability communities as well as punk rock enthusiasts.
Most of the revenue is expected to come from direct sales of DVDs and downloads from a dedicated website.
'Heavy Load' will premiere at the ICA on 1st October 2008.
(BmcC)