We are staying with Tom Burstyn and Barbara Sumner for a few days. What a wonderful inspirational couple they are. Their devotion to filmmaking includes not only making some of the most original and evocative work ever to be produced in New Zealand, but they are taking control of the entire process of getting their work out to audiences. While many in the industry think their job is done once the film is made, Tom and Barbara are entering new indie territory by also tackling distribution.

Their approach to it is completely motivating. Distribution is the missing link in the new age of filmmaking – way too scary and involved for most people. But as I write, they have This Way of Life on 25 screens in NZ, with another 5 shortly to come on stream. They are up against films with huge P&A budgets, extensive newspaper advertising, and yet are giving them a run for the money – up to 13th in the country this last week! It’s not accidental – they have a carefully thought out strategy, identifying interest groups, promoting web awareness, and building word of mouth.

It’s a new way of operating, and a necessary part of the Frugal Filmmaking philosophy. While requiring a new set of skills, the approach is the way of the future for taking on the big boys with quality material. Audiences don’t arrive without some thought given to attracting them. As we plan a strategy for the release of The Insatiable Moon, we’re taking great encouragement from those who have gone before us.

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