New Indie Distribution Model: Bass Ackwards

Most independent films get produced and then seek distribution through the festival circuit, hoping to stand on their own merit and attract attention from buyers.  Of the thousands of indie films produced each year by idealistic, desperate and part-time filmmakers, only a few hundred get screened at Sundance.  Of those films, just a couple dozen get distribution deals.  Of those couple dozen, only a handful are profitable.

The new film, “Bass Ackwards,” is one of the few forward thinking films at Sundance Twenty Ten; they plan to release it through new media channels the day after Sundance.

Everybody who gets into Sundance wants to capitalize on the recognition – and “Bass Ackwards” has an interesting maverick approach. They’re hitting up the blogs and press releases with their catchy idea. No doubt, it will bring a curious audience to their film at Sundance. And if the film is at all good, it could very well secure them some more distribution. It’s got Mark Duplass as “Executive Producer” and it look sure to follow in the “mumblecore” tradition of improvised acting and slice-of-life scenarios.  The film is described as “a captivating and consummately human film that reminds us that whatever we think the road is about; the trip is probably about something else.”

Zipline Entertainment specializes in leveraging social media and online channels for publicity.   And I’d say they’re doing something right.  At least I’m writing about the film.