Distributors are not interested in quality they look for and count on quaintly. They also resist new talent and unproven production companies. But I'm sure you know all of that. I could go on an on about distribution companies the low ball prices they pay, late payers, and no payers but I won't go on a rant.
To offer some advice, here is what is helping us. Recently, we have started placing small ads in local papers in markets that we choose to target. We give a general description of our company an leave on site www.platinumpicturesinc.com . We are choosing to bring people off line on line. It is very difficult to attract traditional porn customers; they have been so used to traditional porn they often skip amateur porn. Word of mouth will be your best advertisement.
By the way, because I put so much effort into my work I used to be insulted by the term amateur. Hell, I've seen so called professional porn with equal or less production values. Then I turned that around. I embraced our difference. It's the difference between Paramount Pictures and a independent film company. More and more people are seeking independent films because many are growing tired of the same Hollywood format movies. I believe the same thing will take pace in porn. The biggest thing you can do is to adjust your expiations and how you define yourself and your work. A loyal fan base is want you need. Trying to satisfy the larger market will kill you.
In an over-saturated market you can not compete with volume. I encourage you not to give into to the pressure to mass produce your specialty product . That pressure will come from all levels especially the fans. Stay strong and sell direct to your customer. Too many of us are eating spam just for the privilege of having our stuff in a store. $3.00- $5.00 per unit for a company that only has a few titles is not going to work. If you wish to discount your product give that discount to the people who really matter; the end customer. Do not try to be a porn Wall-Mart be a custom boutique of porn. Assembly line porn is a expensive and untimely unrewarding experience for most. Despite the hype, very few actually see large returns on investment.
This is one of the hardest ventures I've ever endured. I'm still far from a profit but I no longer see as much red as I used too. We are on the right track and hope you find yours.
I wish you well and want you to know that you are not alone. I wish you good luck and many sales.
Baby Boss
CEO
Platinum Pictures Inc.
Edited by - baby boss on 6/21/2004 9:17:56 PM
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