The do it your-selfers out there in film are pioneering new methods of distribution. The real question is can self-distributing filmmakers see a profit with their films? Moreover, can they reach the amount of audiences they would with traditional models of distribution?

These are questions that many of us in the “Home Depot Moviemaking Generation” have been asking ourselves for a few years now. Lets face it. Distributors are not thinking of our best interests when they are acquiring our movies. In addition, giving an outside company full control of your film can be a horrifying experience. But before I go any further, let me disclose… A distributor has screwed me in the past, so my opinions of distributors are very low. Nonetheless, I have also had enough experience self-distributing my own content to know that it’s not for the faint of heart. There are many things to consider before making that choice. You never want to sell yourself short, but you also don’t want to be delusional. I have learned that you have to take certain steps before you can make good decisions with distribution. Here are a few.