3) Beware the Shady Distributor
Hopefully you'll have a lot of distributors coming up to you and wanting your film. That way you have an advantage in negotiations.
However, if you only have a few distributors contacting you. Beware of what they are offering.
A) There should be no upfront cost to you.
They'll say things like, this is industry standard. BS. If they believe in your film, then they'll invest the money it takes for reproduction of film, creating artwork, etc.
B) You can get on Amazon yourself.
Netflix has a submission page. Amazon you can get on by using create space. You could even get on Hulu by distributing through Indie Flix.
C) Research them
See other films they've distributed. Where they are available. How are they being marketed. Today, you can self distribute in this digital age. You don't need distributors. They need us. Remember that.
1) Get the right software
If you have no experience editing then we suggest either taking a class or more importantly hiring an editor.
If you chose to edit yourself then make sure you have the right software. Sony Vegas, Avid or Final Cut is what the professionals use. So it's what you should use.
That's just the beginning, there's also sound edting programs, Special Effects Programs, Coloring Programs, etc.
But with a bare bones budget, have to go bare bones on software.
Final Cut is the most user friendly and easiest to pick up. While we don't condone downloading software for free.
Using this link will connect you to a video that will show you how to get Final Cut for free.
2) Film Festival Strategy
Form one. Film Festivals are expensive. They average $50 per submission. Choose wisely.
Use withoutabox.com - It's a great website that allows you to submit to multiple film festivals while only filling out one form.
It also gives info on each festival so that you can research easier.
Chris Gore's film festival book use to be essential, but withoutabox has made it totally unecesarry.
While Sundance, Cannes and Toronto are probably on everyone's list, you shouldn't exclude the smaller regional film festivals.
You never know who you are going to meet at these festivals, not just "stars", but investors, other filmmakers, people that can really help your career.
Don't just look for the Home Run. Sometimes hitting a bunch of singles is just as good if not better.