How safe is it to give a potential distributor a copy of your film?

[Jonesy Jones]

So I just finished my first feature film. My plan all along was self distribution, however, some interest has developed from a potential distributor. They are asking that I send them a copy of the film. They are willing to sign an NDA, but being that this is my first rodeo I just don't know how concerned I need to be about protecting my film. I understand I have some natural copyright protection, but I definitely do not have the resources to protect it legally speaking. Anyone have any experience or advice with this?

 

jonesy

[sunyata]

watermark it with the person who signed the NDA's name on it and give it to them low resolution? that's how i get screener material that hasn't been released yet. if it gets out, someone gets sued, heads roll, people jump off balconies etc. 

[Jonesy Jones]

That just might be the solution right there. Thanks sunyata.

[MattH]

Just a brainstorm idea, but you could invite them to a viewing if youve got a place good enough to do it, then theres no chance. Unless he runs off with the disk/player/laptop.

[Xavier Plagaro Mussard]

What they said! First a projection, but if you must send it, low resolution, big watermark! Good luck, it's good news they are interested!!!

[Jonesy Jones]

That is actually happening as well. However not everyone will be able to attend so they want a copy to show those folks.

[Guest Ebrahim Saadawi]

+1 Sunyata's suggestion. Thanks.

[JohnVid]

Can you tell us anymore about the Film & proposed Distribution, will it be DVD, Blu-Ray, theaters?

[Jonesy Jones]

Yes JohnVid. The film is called Luggage. You can learn more about it at www.seethroughproductions.com or check out the trailer

[JohnVid]

Interesting, liked the sound & visuals, although I wasnt scared by the woman :) Nice shot with the moon.

Do not let your film out there without that watermark(but even that can't stop design pirates intent on stealing ideas & reframing them,

pity the decision maker can't be in the room, but understandably they could be far away.

At least one person from the Distribution Company should attend to show support,

and to see it as intended on a big screen, otherwise it could be shown on some laptop.

I'm not sure I would want to send it though, cant you just point them to a private/secure web page,

that only they can see & you can monitor.

Alternatively wrap it into a secure PDF just to make it awkward.

[Jonesy Jones]

Hmmm. Now I'm even more concerned. :{

 

Well, the next couple weeks/months will be a great learning process that's for sure.

[JohnVid]

You've got this far, what could possibly go wrong, if the Distro company is a known quantity, with some track record then it should be ok, but I have no idea what pitfalls await from the deals these companies make, hopefully they dont follow the same tricks they use to swindle Boy Bands out of  fortunes & tie them into exclusivety. Remember it doesnt have to look or smell like a shark to be a shark :)

 

Hey Xavier is your middle name derived from Plagarism? :huh:

[JohnBarlow]

@Jonesy

 

An actor friend of mine gets screeners sent to him occasionally and I have recently noticed they are going out at reduced framerate like 20p. Just a thought

[Jonesy Jones]

John, that's another solid idea. 

 

Thanks for your help guys. I dunno. Maybe I'll feel them out at the premiere. Still waiting for that moment of clarity. This is one of those things you never think about as a filmmaker. I spend all my time thinking about story and gear and such.

[dafreaking]

Watermark. Watermark Watermark. Occasionally have a watermark run across the screen in an establishing shot or something that doesn't have actors. See at the end of the day, if someone want to leak it there is nothing you can do. So the watermark at least helps you identify who did it. 

 

On a film I worked, we would invite all these guys to our office and show them a copy. Sadly, the film was so bad no one bought it. So as a filmmaker it's also a catch 22 situation.