IndieFlix Newsletter

December 2005

FOUNDERS' NOTE

Well, it appears that independent filmmakers can no longer fly below the radar. Recent articles in the New York Times and International Herald Tribune catapulted IndieFlix onto the scene as one of the companies at the forefront of the indies-for-all revolution.

The added media exposure meant more people visiting IndieFlix. We had to scramble to make sure our newborn site was ready to welcome the increase in traffic. Thankfully it was! It's in beta-testing at the moment. In a few weeks, the official IndieFlix site will be up and running, complete with fun search options, clips and trailers, special offerings, community, and a slew of new movies.

Now is definitely a time of change. More and more people are discovering IndieFlix. New films and functionality are popping up on the site everyday. Filmmaker-based institutions continue to show their support. It's all extremely validating. As we grow and evolve, we are determined to maintain our commitment to seek out the most reliable and responsible means of serving the filmmakers and the audience. Creating IndieFlix has been an honor and a job we have enjoyed beyond belief. Thank you for all of your unwavering support. This is only the beginning...

Carlo Scandiuzzi & Scilla Andreen
CO-FOUNDERS INDIEFLIX

INDIE NEWS

Big Kudos from a Big Name: Straight Talk From Bob Berney

"No one believes you when you say, 'If only people had a chance to see my film, they'd love it ... If only people knew' - IndieFlix is like 'No more excuses.'" Read full article.
-- Bob Berney, Picturehouse and distributor of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," "Memento," "Whale Rider," and "The Last Temptation of Christ."

Bob Berney. He's a man who knows how to spot a good idea, and bring it out for all to see. In fact, that's exactly what he did for IndieFlix in a recent New York Times article. We found his words particularly inspiring. After all, he leads the way when it comes to bringing unknown talent into the spotlight, and giving independent filmmakers the recognition they deserve.

Fair Trade for Filmmakers: First IndieFlix Royalty Checks Mailed
Artists getting paid for their work? Believe it or not, it's happening. IndieFlix is thrilled to report that it sent out its first round of royalty checks to filmmakers last month, proof that Fair Trade isn't just for coffee growers.

A Duo Worth Documenting: IDA Endorses IndieFlix
IndieFlix is proud to announce that the International Documentary Association (IDA) has endorsed us. We also welcome IDA General Counsel, Michael Donaldson, to the IndieFlix Advisory Board. Michael is a popular Keynote speaker and best selling author on the subject of copyright, film and negotiating. He has spoken at the Cannes, Sundance, Seattle, Palm Springs and Vancouver Film Festivals just to name a few. He wrote Negotiating For Dummies, Do It Yourself! Trademarks & Copyrights and Clearance & Copyright: Everything the Filmmaker Needs to Know. We are excited to be associated with an organization that supports and shares our respect for documentaries and the talented individuals who make them. For more about IDA, visit www.documentary.org.

MEDIA BUZZ

Word's Out: IndieFlix in the News
IndieFlix is generating lots of positive press, which is great news for our filmmakers and our community. Take a look at some of the highlights:

New York Times, October 23, 2005: "Once It Was Direct To Video, Now It's Direct to the Web." Read article.
International Herald Tribune, October 23, 2005: "New route for movies: Direct to Web." Read article.
Video Business, October 27, 2005: "IndieFlix offers on-demand DVDs: Seattle company launches Web sales of indie films." Read article.

FILMMAKER FORUM

Paying It Forward: Filmmaker Donates Her Film's Royalties
One of our own, filmmaker Patricia Boiko, has generously donated her film's royalties to Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility. Her film, "Bombs Away, Millions A Day" is an eight-minute film that shows the final irony of our country's production of weapons of mass destruction. Learn more.

Carpe Diem: Seize Those Promotion Opportunities
Congrats to all those filmmakers who have seen an increase of up to 200% in sales by sending out emails and promoting their films on IndieFlix. Their efforts are paying off. Plus, they've helped increase traffic to the site while building the independent film community in the process. Hats off to you.

More Funds for Filmmakers: IndieFlix Awards Cash Prizes at TVIFF
If there's extra cash in our kitty, we like to put it back in the filmmaker's pocket. We recently awarded cash prizes to the Audience Choice Award winners at the Temecula Valley International Film Festival: $1,000 for Best Feature Film, $500 for Best Documentary, $250 for Best Animation, $250 for Best Short Film, and $250 for Best Student Film. Here's to the winners and their well-deserved successes. Learn about the winners.

WORKS IN PROGRESS

Streaming Video: Downloadable Soon
You asked for it. And we're working on it. Soon all shorts will be available to download. We'll give you a heads up when the functionality is up and running.

Trailers & Clips: On Their Way
Sometimes words just aren't enough. Film lovers will soon be able to view trailers and clips of the movies they're interested in purchasing.

Live Performance Genre: Check It Out
Wish live performances could live on after the curtain falls? Done. We've just added Live Performance to our list of available genres as well as Music Video and Home Movies.

Indie-Wear: Gear Up for the Holidays
The holidays are near. 'Tis the time for us to get on the ball and make sure we have IndieFlix gift certificates, t-shirts, and knitted beanies for you to share with everyone on your list. Once our holiday store is open, we'll let you know.

Tell us what you think.
IndieFlix exists to unite filmmakers and audiences. You are central to our success. So if you have ideas about how we could improve the site or service, please send us an email at info@indieflix.com.

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