In light of recent discussions about self-distribution, I wanted to post in about New Day Films and let filmmakers know a little about the alternative business model. It’s self-distribution but within a structure, and with the advice of other independent documentary filmmakers. There are about 100 filmmakers involved and it has been in business for about 35 years. I’ve been distributing a film called WET DREAMS AND FALSE IMAGES with New Day and it’s been an interesting learning curve. Learning to wear a “business hat” was a strange thing in the beginning, but ultimately it’s been very important to me to be able do the distribution myself – profits depend on the work I put in, but are a higher percentage than with regular distributors (60-70%), and I get to have direct contact with people who use the film. If you have a social issue documentary film and want to know more about this distribution model, for educational distribution, the best person to contact is Alice Elliot or check out the website.

[Editor’s Note: For more on Epstein and her work, there is a great interview with her at Still in Motion by Pamela Cohn.]