The independent film business, along with the rest of the economy is in turmoil.  We all know that.   The question is what to do to survive and thrive in these challenging times.

Last weekend  I attended Film Independent’s “Filmmaker Forum” at the DGA in Hollywood.    While there was some doom and gloom about the current state of affairs,  there is beginning to emerge a clearer picture of  the way forward.

Because both theatrical and DVD sales have gone over a cliff,  what is beginning to emerge is  a VOD model as a major ancillary (and perhaps, primary) mode of distribution.    We are not there yet mainly because the infrastructure has not been put in place, but it appears it will be within a few years (1-3).

However, distribution companies are now beginning to pay more and more attention to aquiring those rights either separately or as part of a larger package.   This is good news for “Claustrophobia.”      I’m beginning to attract some interest from various distributors, reps, and agents and the VOD rights are a significant part of that interest.  I’m not prepared to be specific yet  about who is expressing interest.   I’m just in the beginning stages of discussions,  but the progress is encouraging.    I’ll talk more about this later.   In the meantime, wish me luck.