Dogwoof Films

Dogwoof Indie

"The traditional film distribution model is broken.”

Dogwoof Indie was setup so that filmmakers can get a better deal. The first two releases using this Hybrid Film distribution model were The Age of Stupid and The End of the Line.

Using a fresh approach, we are helping filmmakers to help themselves by partnering with them to give them direct access to professional film distribution services, whilst letting them retain the rights to their film, controlling costs, and actually having the chance of seeing revenues and profits. The film experience is changing and we intend to help filmmakers set the new rules. This is an innovative proposition and one we feel strongly about as it is too rare that filmmakers and distributors actually work together. Much like other industries, digital technology and the internet are going to make significant differences to the industry players. For many established players this can prove to be a significant threat as it is harder for them to adapt to new technologies, and they have much to lose. For Dogwoof it provides significant opportunities for us to establish new processes and approaches into the industry.

Dogwoof is the leading UK film distributor specialising in social issue films. Documentaries, independent films and world cinema. We release our films nationwide, on over 80 cinemas, backing the release with major campaigns. The aim of this approach is to trigger change, and get people to Take action. And the best way to do this, is by making the film available at cinemas and venues around the country, including our record breaking release of The Age of Stupid. Our main focus is ethical documentaries, such as The Age of Stupid, Black Gold, Burma VJ, and The End of the Line. We are also contantly trying new technologies, and new business models, which offer endless opportunities for independent distribution. Dogwoof has the freedom and the will to exploit them. The company intends to build on the success of the last seven years and its vision is to develop, expand and, above all, innovate.

As a leading distributor in the UK, Dogwoof offers a strong execution capability for releasing films. Some notable firsts already achieved:

- Dogwoof released The Age Of Stupid with Spanner Films with a 65 cinema satellite linked Premiere in 2009.

- Dogwoof launched the first film on the UK Film Council Digital Screen Network, bringing digital technology into cinemas throughout the UK with Kings Game in 2005.

- Dogwoof simultaneously released the film EMR at cinemas, on DVD and through the internet – a worldwide first, also achieved in 2005. 

We will work with you at all stages of the release, and produce together a release plan with agreed costs. Throughout the release we will monitor and report back to you so you know where the film stands and how much profit you will make (and receive!).

About Dogwoof Indie

A LITTLE THOUGHT: You got the Funding, then you got the Film made, and Edited and in the can (or hard drive). Now you can sit back and enjoy the fame and fortune. Unfortunately not. Today it is as hard as ever to get your film released. Which we think is unfair. So we’ve come up with a way to help Filmmakers redress the balance.

WHY: The Traditional distribution system is a wounded animal. Digital is changing the rules every day. Whilst filmmaking is getting easier, getting your film a decent release is a still a challenge. Social Networking sites like Facebook and Twitter  are helping to raise awareness, but there is still a lot of work to be done in getting a decent release for your film. So we want to offer our experience and services to new and emerging filmmakers and give them the chance they deserve, beginning with a Theatrical release.

SERVICES: We offer our services across several areas:

- Publicity (PR and marketing)

- Film bookings (cinemas)

- TV sales - DVD sales, authoring and distribution

- Online distribution (download, VOD)

- Relationships with distributors in other territories (Europe and USA)

BENEFITS: The benefits are clear. Getting your film into cinemas, and out on DVD, in a cost effective manner, whilst maintaining control of your film. We will work with you at all stages of the release, and produce together a release plan with agreed costs. Throughout the release we will monitor and report back to you so you know where the film stands.

DOGWOOF’s EXPERIENCE: As an established distributor in the UK, Dogwoof offers a strong execution capability for releasing films.

DOGWOOF MANIFESTO: So what is the ethos of Dogwoof? Thanks to the internet and new technology, people are becoming better informed, smarter, and more demanding of qualities missing from most organisations.

1. Markets are conversations. We want to build communities.

2. Companies need to come down from their Ivory Towers and talk to the people with whom they hope to create relationships.

3. We want to talk to you.

4. To traditional corporations, networked conversations may sound confusing.

5. We have better tools, we have new ideas and no rules to slow us down.

Why dogwoof indie?

Here are a few reasons we think dogwoof indie is a good idea. See what you think.

No overhead responsibility except a monthly retainer or flat fee with additional screen fees.

If you decide to change your business plan or do not have a release for a year, you’re not paying large executive salaries and avoid the associated overheads.

To put a full theatrical team together with the level of experience you’d be getting from dogwoof, you’d need to hire Senior Management, Film Bookers, Marketing Executive, Publicity Agents and so on…

You could do it yourself, but do you have the time to learn the ropes.

With 5 years experience, dogwoof specialises in theatrical releasing for independent films either as limited releases or nationwide campaigns.

Our wide network of contacts and experts is available instantly to ensure your release goes to plan.

We will keep track of all revenue and collect the money for you.

With our big book of contacts we know who to ask for help with each type of releases. From cinemas to promotions companies, key art to web designers, trailer and TV spot companies.

We have worked with Odeon, Cineworld, Vue and all major independent cinemas across the UK

The former top Executive you plan to hire from a studio won’t be used to getting their hands dirty and will need many foot soldiers to work for them to get their job done.

Independents understand how to stretch your money and get extra bang for your buck.

We understand online and have pioneered online promotion.

What service does Dogwoof Indie Provide?

We consult in all aspects of the release of the film, including:

Choosing the release date

Booking all cinemas PR and Promotion Planning and organising the Media Buying

Delivering the Online campaign Managing the DVD release

Other services include:

Setting up trade screenings for exhibitors

Delivery of all prints, trailers, and posters and in-theatre promotions

Direction of all newspaper Ad placement

Design of all media including print, posters, TV spots, and radio spots

Gathering all grosses and reporting grosses on a daily basis

Collecting all film rentals due Creating reports

For more information email us at info@dogwoof.com