Where do we go from here?

With the film having been completed in the summer, many people are asking what happens now? The truth is that it's a long (and often frustrating) process getting the film to an audience.

The vast majority of independent filmmakers choose to follow the festival circuit, hoping that a distributor will snap up their film so they can move on to another project. Just as the record industry and undergone massive changes, the film world is undergoing a revolution and this can be a positive or negative thing depending on your viewpoint (and who you work for).

These days, the chance of securing a lucrative distribution deal are virtually non-existent. Budgets have been cut and documentaries are lucky if they make their money back. Filmmakers are having to become more pro-active and reach out to their niche audiences. Generally, this means a lot of work, more expense and a different set of skills to market the film. But it can also mean that the film gets seen by the right people and not left in the hands of an incompetent distributor.

So, it is with some excitement and trepidation that we are developing our strategy. We don't want to be reliant on over-hyped film festivals that fail to deliver benefits. It's important that we have a plan that doesn't hinge on getting accepted into certain festivals. Of course, if we are invited to any then that would be great, but we will see it as a bonus and not a necessity.

After talking with a number of people we have decided to organise a semi-theatrical tour for the summer of 2011. This will include one-off screenings at venues such as schools, universities, clubs, libraries, small theatres etc... Each screening will be an 'event' encompassing other activities and with the support of local non-profit organisations.

Ultimately, our aim is to have the film broadcast on TV so we can reach as many people as possible and hopefully, raise awareness of the stigma that is destroying so many lives.

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