Replication and Distribution

DVD Replication and Distribution

Replication setup:
(All costs are estimates for 3000 discs. If you have a smaller run, the costs will be higher):

DLT tape
Glass masters ($200 a title)
Encryption ($100 a title)
DVD-9 replication (86 cents a piece)
Amaray case wraps (18 cents each)
Dual Disc Amaray cases (25 cents each)
Insertion of DVDs and Case Wraps into Cases (3 cents)
Cellowrap (3 cents)
Film, setup and proofs for cover/inserts ($300)
Shipping and taxes

Approximate price for two DVD-9 disc set in Amaray packaging is about $2.50 each. See handouts for more examples.

Replicators:

http://www.dvdmadeeasy.com/business/.

Recommended replicators:

CAV Distributing Corp. in San Francisco
Custom Flix allows you to distribute DVDs on demand (these are duplicated DVDs not replicated): http://www.customflix.com/.
DiscMakers
DubIt in Los Angeles
FurnaceCD has a nice collection of templates to explore for your packaging design

Distribution:
If you do it yourself, you will probably be pounding the pavement for a long time to make sales. However several local stores seem amenable to accepting discs from individuals. They include:

Find a Distributor:
Most stores would prefer that you go through another distributor. There are several DVD distributors out there, from medium-to-large sized. They include:

Facets Video: One of the nation's largest distributors of foreign, classic, cult, art, and hard-to-find videos.

First Run Features: Foreign, independent and documentary films

Microcinema: Local distributor of individual films, long and short films, short film compilations and packaged, commercial-ready media (DVD, VHS, Books).

New Video: Class television, cutting-edge documentary, independent films and children programming.

Tapeworm: Independent distributors of independent feature films and special interest titles.

Women Make Movies: The leading distributor of women's films and videotapes in North America, Women Make Movies works with organizations and institutions that utilize non-commercial, educational media in their programs.

Ventura Distribution: Wholesale distributor of feature films, anime, classic television, cult and foreign films, youth lifestyle, martial arts, documentaries, sports, family entertainment, music video and fitness. With business operations in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia.

Zeitgeist: Foreign and independent feature films and documentaries.

Large distributors to major chainstores:
Baker and Taylor: Worldwide distributor of books, video, music, and games. One of the main large, commercial distributors of DVDs.

Ingram Entertainment: Ingram Entertainment Inc. services over 10,000 retail accounts including video specialty stores, Internet retailers, drugstores and supermarkets.

VPD (Video Product Distributors): Wholesale distributor of DVDs, VHS and related products. VPD services over 3500 video retailers and other sellers of video from its ten facilities located throughout the US.

Notes on distribution:
How will you structure your deal?

Exclusive or non-exclusive deal (i.e., is that one distributor the only means of distribution or are you going to allow several sources distribute your DVD?)

Who is your market?

Home use
Education
Libraries
Museums gift stores
Bookstores

Get Publicity:

Release party
Press kits/reviews from local and national press
Online marketing/stores: Amazon.com, ebay.com, your own web site