Edward Burns says digital is future of indie films
More news [from AP] on the digital distribution front from filmmaker Edward Burns:
Edward Burns revisits his indie roots — with a modern twist — in his latest project, “Nice Guy Johnny.”
The 42-year-old actor-filmmaker leaped onto the scene in 1995 with the Sundance Film Festival darling “The Brothers McMullen.” Fresh out of college, Burns said he used anything he could for free: He filmed in his parents’ home and used editing facilities at “Entertainment Tonight,” where he was working as a production assistant.
Fifteen years later, the star of “Saving Private Ryan” and “27 Dresses” has gone back to basics with another small-budget project.
“I decided we wanted to capture a little bit of that renegade sprit that we had on ‘Brothers McMullen,’” says Burns. “So we set some parameters on this film. We wouldn’t spend more than $25,000, we’d only work with a three-man crew, we wanted to hire all unknowns, and there would be no hair, no makeup, wear your own clothes, shot in my parents’ house again.”
“Nice Guy Johnny” is the story of sports radio host Johnny Rizzo, who must choose between following his broadcasting dreams or satisfying his fiancee by taking a well-paid corporate gig.
But he [Burns] says digital platforms have helped ease some of the financial pressure, allowing films like “Johnny” to reach millions of viewers at home and online. Instead of a costly theatrical release, the film will be released Oct. 26 on iTunes, Netflix and Video on Demand.
“Distribution models are starting to dismantle. For every indie film that does a decent number at the box office, there are dozens who do no business,” he says. “If these new revenue streams weren’t being uncovered, I know I would be out of business. The kind of stories I like to tell, I would be incapable of telling them.”
Diana Kerekes, Comcast’s VP of Entertainment Services, says the company’s number of indie offerings on demand has grown from 26 films in 2006 to more than 2,000. And with more than 200,000 indie purchases a month, she says the appetite for niche films is growing.
“There’s a real thirst for these stories,” Burns says. “The great filmmakers of tomorrow, they get their start by scraping together a couple of thousand dollars, making that first film, getting some exposure. And all of a sudden you’re the kid who made a little movie and now you’re directing ‘X-Men’ a la Bryan Singer.
I’ve been following Burns on Twitter and for months he’s been preaching the idea that there is no need for indie filmmakers to do a theatrical release. In fact, for many movies it makes little sense financially. The key, at least at this early stage in the creation of a digital distribution network, is a super low budget and viral marketing. Of course, in Burns’ case, it helps that he is an established name.
Here’s an AP news video re Nice Guy Johnny:
The movie’s trailer:
The movie’s website.
The film will be released today on iTunes, Netflix and Video on Demand.
For more of the AP article, go here.
Yet another article: The Movie Cricket [Salt Lake Tribune]
UPDATE: From Ed Burns tweet:
#NiceGuyJohnny cracks the Top 30 in iTunes Top Movie Sales! No studio, no mini-major backing us. #indiefilm will survive! Thx for support
Looks like a successful launch.
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