In the theme of 2011 being incredibly different from 2010 – we’re starting out January with a bang. This weekend, a film I co-produced has it’s theatrical premiere. So if you’re in Texas, go to the opening weekend… seriously. Opening weekend is make or break for theatrical indie films. Not bullshit “Fox Searchlight” indie films that have a 15 million dollar P&A budget, but real indie films. Seriously. The opening weekend often determines if it goes wider at all, or stays in theaters. For those of you interested in how some of this stuff actually works – films like this raise a limited P&A budget, and determine a release plan. This release plan often includes the measured ability to “platform” or take it theatrical to more markets then it starts out in. However, this comes with a caveat. The platforming usually won’t happen if the film doesn’t make certain dollar amount per screen averages in the places it first opens in. So you, as a consumer of film, have a direct effect on the success of this kind of indie film. When you see something in your hometown that is being released by a non-major, if you are thinking about seeing it, go opening weekend. It’s the best way to directly support indie film – by raising the opening weekend per screen average.
Down For Life - Texas theatrical opening
Now, there is a ton more to say about this film. Anybody who knew me during the time I was running the theatrical division of the company that produced the film knows that that time changed my life, my view of Hollywood, and is what made me the producer I am today…committed to dealing with the industry with integrity, compassion, and honesty. At the end of the day…I’m proud of the story that came through in the film. The writer, the fabulous Trina Calderon, has a beautiful, true, real voice and I can honestly say it is a career highlight of mine to have found her, worked countless drafts with her, and forced her first film into existence.
So, I hope if you’re around where it is playing, you’ll go see it, and comment to let me know what you think.
Tags: down for life, film, hispanic, in theaters, marketing, premiere, producing, texas, true story, work life