Understanding the Distinct Economies: Hollywood vs. Independent Films
The Hollywood and Independent Film Business Models are fundamentally different. Independent Film Business Models, particularly Video-on-Demand (VOD) platforms, struggle to generate enough revenue to support marketing efforts and adequately compensate filmmakers. Unlike Hollywood, which benefits from large upfront payments and extensive distribution networks, independent VOD platforms face significant financial constraints.
Hollywood isn’t just limited to LA or NYC; filmmakers worldwide can break into this market if their films are purchased for broadcast. This entry comes with substantial upfront payments for film rights, with major distributors handling the marketing and exclusivity. In contrast, independent filmmakers rely on smaller VOD platforms where payment is based on viewing time. However, these platforms often lack the necessary funds to effectively market and attract a substantial subscriber base, leading to minimal financial returns for filmmakers.
The Inherent Flaw in Independent Film VODs
The payment models used by all VODs in the independent film sector have a critical flaw that inhibits effective monetization for filmmakers. Over two years of research and re-education in film distribution, it became evident that these models are fundamentally flawed. Conversations with numerous independent filmmakers, such as Janet, revealed that while initial releases see some success, viewership, and thus revenue, rapidly declines in subsequent months. This trend underscores the unsustainable nature of the current VOD payment systems.
The core issue lies in the standard point-of-sale (POS) payment systems, which fail to connect subscribers with the filmmakers who referred them. This lack of financial connection discourages filmmakers from promoting the platform, thereby limiting subscriber growth and income potential for both the filmmakers and the VOD platforms.
Challenges in Monetizing Non-Mainstream and Short Films
Promoting and monetizing films that deviate from mainstream cinema poses a significant challenge, and short films fare even worse. Hollywood’s mass marketing tactics often overlook the nuanced and niche markets that independent films cater to. These films require targeted promotion to reach specific audiences, a task that usually falls on the filmmakers themselves due to the industry’s lack of marketing resources.
Short films, which make up a significant portion of independent films, face inherent disadvantages in a model that prioritizes viewing time. This results in minimal financial returns for short films on VOD platforms dedicated to independent content.
Innovative Solutions: The OPPRIMEtv Referral Link
Inspired by a friend who promoted his music through DVDs, the OPPRIMEtv Referral Link offers a modern solution for independent filmmakers. This innovation empowers filmmakers to monetize their films assertively and effectively by leveraging direct connections with their audience.
A Filmmaker's Testimonial: Mike Rodriguez
"I created a 6-minute short film, 'A Fly on the Wall,' and uploaded it to www.opprime.tv. I received my first commission payment of $112.50 within 30 days and continued to earn the same amount monthly, totaling $1,350.00 by the end of the year."
How OPPRIMEtv Empowers Filmmakers
OPPRIMEtv provides filmmakers with a secure platform to upload and manage their films. Each film is assigned a unique Referral Link, enabling filmmakers to crowd-fund directly from their network. This system empowers filmmakers to maintain control over their film's monetization, ensuring continuous income beyond the initial release.
Mike Rodriguez's Film Page for "A Fly on the Wall" on www.opprime.tv.
Setting Up Your Filmmaker Dashboard on OPPRIME.tv
I've hosted my short film, "A Fly on the Wall," on my personal dashboard at OPPRIME.tv. By simply clicking the copy icon, I got the unique Referral Link for my film. Here’s the link:
When fans click this link, they can subscribe to OPPRIME.tv and access my film along with over 1,200 other movies. Their subscription directly supports my work, and I am deeply thankful for their backing.
Understanding the Referral Link
The Referral Link is a tool for fans to subscribe to OPPRIME.tv. Through this link, they can use MC, Visa, Discover, or Amex to watch not only your film but also our extensive library of award-winning independent films for just $5.00 per month. As the filmmaker, you receive your commission royalties directly through PayPal, Venmo, or Cash App.
Earning Royalties from Referral Link Subscriptions
With each $5.00 monthly subscription, the royalty splits are:
$2.25 goes to you, the filmmaker
$2.25 goes to OPPRIME.tv
$0.50 covers payment processing
Mike Rodriguez's Success with a Simple Email Campaign
Mike Rodriguez, a filmmaker, shares his success story: "I compiled a list of friends, family, cast, and crew. I sent them an email asking for their support by subscribing to OPPRIME.tv. I highlighted that most of their subscription fee supports my filmmaking efforts. For just $5.00 per month, they get access to my film and a library of 1,200 award-winning independent films. This simple email campaign helped me earn $1,350.00 over a year."
Simple & Amazing – How the Math Works!
The monthly subscription fee is $5.00. A total of fifty friends, family, cast, crew and fans responded to Mike's email and subscribed in the first month. Mike's subscribed fans enjoyed the programming and maintained their subscription past the first year.
· 50 subscribers X $5.00 (monthly subscription fee) = $250.00 per month gross income.
· 50 subscribers X $2.25 (Mike’s split per transaction) = $112.50 (Mike earns per month).
· www.opprime.tv earns $2.25 per transaction/month = $112.50 per month
· The payment processor charges .50¢ for processing the payment per transaction.
In 12 months, Mike earned $1,350.00 ($112.50 per month X 12 Months) from "A Fly on the Wall," his 6-minute short film."
Note: The income earned from “A Fly on the Wall,” will be summed up with the income generated from all other films uploaded by Mike Rodriguez to www.opprime.tv. In addition, this income generated by subscriptions reached by his email campaigns, will be added to the income from subscribers reached through Mike’s social media posts.
The Referral Link Works on A Social Media Post
"I produced a 12-minute short documentary called "Terrorism Persists." OPPRIME.tv and I started promoting my film on our respective Twitter pages with the Referral Link prominently located on the post. After that, I didn't think anything of it.
I was shocked! After the first month, the commission payment PayPal'ed to me was $22.50. In the first month, the Twitter posts enticed a combined 10 people to click on the Referral Link to subscribe and see my film. In month #2, I became more aggressive on social media. A year from that date, my film attracted an average of 20 subscribers per month, and I made $540.00."
-- Emmett Haydell, Documentary Filmmaker.
Emmett Haydell's Social Media Post for Terrorism Persists on Twitter.
Continuous Royalties from Referral Links
The royalty payments from Referral Links persist throughout the subscription's duration. Either party can terminate the agreement at any time, regardless of whether the film is removed from the platform or the relationship between the parties is terminated. Even if a subscriber cancels their membership with OPPRIME.tv, the filmmaker continues to receive commissions from that Referral Link for the duration of each subscription.
Monthly Commission Payments and Email Notifications
Empowering Your Fanbase Growth via Email Engagement
Your monthly commission payments via PayPal or other digital wallets are facilitated through our referral link. Additionally, our referral link collects valuable email data from your fans, enabling you to receive comprehensive reports. These insights empower you to effectively manage and expand your fan base.
In a recent conversation with a Lionsgate VP, I gained valuable insight: “When faced with two films—one excellent and another outstanding—if the production company behind the excellent film boasts a substantial social media following and an extensive email database of tens of thousands of fans, we tend to lean towards the excellent film.
By Sal Framondi,
CEO/Founder, OPPRIME.tv
Producer, Black Filmmakers Matter
Discover Black Filmmakers Matter, a vibrant space dedicated to amplifying black filmmakers' voices and narratives worldwide. Powered by OPPRIME.tv, our channel serves as a vital platform for independent filmmakers to showcase their work globally. Together, we champion diversity in filmmaking, offering unparalleled distribution support, industry connections, and meaningful cultural contributions. Explore how we empower filmmakers to make a lasting impact on the cinematic landscape.
Video-on-Demand: www.opprime.tv
Visit our filmmaker resource page: www.opprimetv.co