Author Archives: Chris Dorr

About Chris Dorr

I consult with companies on digital media strategy and business development. Clients include Samsung, MTV Networks, Tribeca Film Festival, Shaw Media and Canadian Film Center. I created the Future of Film blog for Tribeca. I have worked in the movie business for Disney Studios, Universal Pictures, Scott Free and in the digital media business for Intertainer, Sony and Nokia. Contact me at [email protected] or follow me at @chrisdorr

The Movie Studios: Blinded by Piracy

Posted on May 21, 2014 by Chris Dorr

When a bull enters the ring, the matador pulls out a red cape and waves it in front of his eyes.  Predictably the bull goes mad and charges toward the cape.  He leaves all his better instincts behind.  We all … Continue reading →

Posted in Distribution, Hollywood, Independent Film, Innovation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Indie Film needs an Open Internet

Posted on May 19, 2014 by Chris Dorr

Recently I watched the new movie IN YOUR EYES on my large screen TV in HD.  I paid $5 to rent it from Vimeo and stream it on my Apple TV.  The movie was very good and the experience was … Continue reading →

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How Cable TV Invented Crowd Funding

Posted on May 14, 2014 by Chris Dorr

We assume that crowd funding first appeared when Kickstarter launched five years ago. We may be wrong. You see, the cable television business invented crowd funding a long time ago, when they created the basic cable bundle. The basic cable … Continue reading →

Posted in Cable, Distribution, Innovation, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Pay by the Size of the Screen? Not Likely

Posted on May 1, 2014 by Chris Dorr

This was recently reported by Variety. “DreamWorks Animation chief Jeffrey Katzenberg thinks the windowing model of feature films will become a “pay by the inch you watch.” During the Entrepreneurial Leadership in the Corporate World panel at the Milken Global … Continue reading →

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The Audience Fund for Indie Film

Posted on March 28, 2014 by Chris Dorr

“If you’re gonna make it, LEARN HOW TO SELL IT!” Bob Lefsetz Platforms, like Kickstarter, IndieGoGo, VHX, Vimeo, Tugg and YouTube are designed for indies who are prepared to reach their audience through “direct distribution”. It is not the responsibility … Continue reading →

Posted in Audience, Distribution, Independent Film, Innovation, Social Media | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 25 Comments

The Indie Film World Needs 100 Amanda Palmers

Posted on March 13, 2014 by Chris Dorr

The challenge presented to each indie filmmaker is the same. How do I get my work discovered? Typically, an indie film travels to success with the aid of a small group of usual suspects.  The 2012 version of that trip … Continue reading →

Posted in Distribution, Independent Film, Innovation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 17 Comments

Two Distribution Scenarios for Successful Indie Films

Posted on March 6, 2014 by Chris Dorr

Here are two scenarios. Scenario A Your film gets into Sundance. Audiences love it and distributors swarm all over you.  The film gets nominated for multiple Academy Awards and it grosses over $20 million dollars. You never get a dime. … Continue reading →

Posted in Distribution, Independent Film, Innovation | Tagged , , , , , | 16 Comments

The Denial at the Heart of Indie Film

Posted on February 28, 2014 by Chris Dorr

It is almost a cliché it is so true. The Internet changes every part of the media world. No media creator or company escapes from this reality.  There are two groups of people within this world. Those who deny the … Continue reading →

Posted in Distribution, Independent Film, Innovation | Tagged , , , , , , | 15 Comments

When TV Viewers Get Control

Posted on February 18, 2014 by Chris Dorr

Netflix released the second season of the House of Cards Friday February 14, 2014.  All thirteen episodes were immediately available. My wife and I viewed 5 of them in one afternoon.  We plan to complete the season within the next … Continue reading →

Posted in Cable, Distribution, Hollywood, Innovation, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

We Own Our Own Copyrights

Posted on February 4, 2014 by Chris Dorr

The simplest distinction often tells us all we need to know.  In the music and film worlds there are artists who own the copyrights to their work and those who do not.  The music industry just honored Paul McGuiness, the … Continue reading →

Posted in Distribution, Independent Film, Innovation, Internet | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments