Distrify and The D-Word announce strategic partnership

I see what you're saying when I try to buy a DVD. However, I could swear that the first time, when I chose "streaming rental", it asked me for my name and city in addition to my email, and only then did it present me with payment options. Does that make sense?

Otherwise, I'm impressed with how much thought has been put into this. I'm considering embedding a YouTube trailer on my frontpage, but then having a link to embed the film, and using Distrify code for that. And of course, I'd use the Distrify version one on other sites.

Could you clarify how money transfers to the filmmaker typically works? Somewhere it indicated that there might be fees involved. Is that always the case with Paypal or bank accounts?

Another question: Where in the app do you link to the filmmaker's site? I don't see it in your example, but I think I saw it in some others.

In case you missed it in the IDFA craziness:

"Films Transit International has announced it is set to start making its documentaries available for public viewing on the web through a new strategic partnership with Scottish VOD specialist Distrify."

http://idfa.nl/industry/Festival/latest-news/idfa-daily-2011/news-and-background/19-11-11-films-transit-to-web.aspx

way to go Peter! You had traces of cream round your non moustache at Mezrab – didn't guess.

The reason I would embed YouTube on my own site is that I'm assuming that most viewers would watch it without clicking through to YouTube. Then, if they choose to purchase the $25 DVD, it's natural to follow the buy link on my site, which will direct them to Paypal and net me $23.98. If, on the other hand, there is a buy link in the trailer itself, they will just as likely click on that, and their purchase through Distrify will only net me $17.50.

Encountering the trailer on Facebook, a blog, or some other site, is naturally a different situation.

Regarding ZashPay, is the $1 fee their 75¢ fee + 25¢ to Distrify?

It would be good if there was a more obvious link to the filmmaker's site in the app. Many buyers want to learn more about the film beyond the trailer before purchasing. Doing a Google search for the title is one more step that may be considered to be not worth their while in the midst of a busy day. The fact that the share link brings them to my site would not help in such a case.

Well selling DVD's through Distrify is the wrong approach to me. Distrify is for instant gratification – stream now... watch now! I sell DVDs direct from my website and process credit cards in the site without leaving but DVD sales have plunged – in the last year over 40% from my site. We have cut the price 3 times and offered free shipping on my ten titles. Same with our Amazon sales – so It's across the board.
So we just moved to the streaming method and the ability to get the movie player and payment method on other websites and social networks.... thats where Distrify comes in – not with DVD's.

Chocolate cake?

Sex toys?

Congrats, btw, on the deal with Film Transit. I take it that they have exclusive digital rights to the films that they are putting up. Otherwise, one would think that the filmmakers would prefer to do it themselves, rather than having to split the money with a distributor. After all, that's the model that you're pushing.

This may be a better question for the streaming topic, but with the rising popularity of streaming/downloading, do you find that most people are watching the films on their laptops, tablets, and phones? I'm in the minority of people that have a dedicated home theater PC hooked up to my plasma TV (and both my TV and blu-ray player connect to certain streaming services), so I always try to watch films on the TV. I have a sense that most people don't connect their laptop to the TV either. That means that even if they have Apple TV or the Roku box, they won't be watching content from providers like Distrify on their TV.

Peter, can you post the other announcement here yet? I read about it before boarding the train yesterday...

This one?

Feels like we were pioneers on The D-Word once again... but who gives us credit? :-)

which saturday?

Wow, I was completely unaware of this collaboration until just now!

Yes indeed, myself as well.

Have there been new developments since November 28, 2011 that I might want to learn about?

Yes indeed, we have something pretty cool to announce very soon. Stay tuned!

Thanks Ben, will do, I'll check this channel regularly!

I finally read through this topic and the various Distrify examples and links. This looks great. I am very interested in hearing the new announcement. I also would like to hear what has developed for offering free screenings via Distrify. Earlier posters talked about their willingness to pay the associated costs if they offered streaming free to select viewers. I wonder if free viewings could be available on a wider basis via Distrify – say I want to have some free titles on my site, using the same platform and interface as my pay titles. Is there a way to price that type of service where it makes sense for the filmmaker and for Distrify?

I just saw this too. I spoke with someone at Distrify last year and it sounded great so I'm interesting in hearing more about this collaboration with D-Word. Guess I need to hang out here more often as well since it's filled with fellow doc makers