F: Is for the fundementals of securing an audience

In 2006, about 15% of the films that made it to release are from independent studios. Distinguished by their content or style, the creative vision of the writer or director's is for the most part maintained in the final cut. These films often are produced by subsidiaries of larger studios, so for a small independent studio whose director has put up most of his own money making it to the big time is rare. “My Brother” is one of those unique films that has broken the barriers. Predominately staring an African American cast, two of whom are developmentally disabled, these odds make this film ”The little engine that could”. Or can it? Marketing your product is a science of knowing your audience, the odds against you and being creative. It takes just as much creativity to get your product to launch as it does to make it. But I’m getting ahead of my self. Lets describe the product in full detail. “My Brother” follows two brothers, one developmentally disabled,as they live their lives together created by a bond of love established in their youth by their mother. Driven by impoverishment and adversity,events happen that set in motion a turn of events that will set the clock backwards to reveal how this bond was forged. This moving and courageous film shows hope at overcoming adversity at every level. This really is a wonderful film and worthy of a run, but that doesn’t guarantee its success. Jumping the 1st hurdle after two years and numerous awards at independent film festivals they found a distributor “Codeblack”. If you go on to “Codeblacks” website www.codeblackentertainment.com you can not find “My Brother” under its theatrical releases. Its not even listed under the 24 DVD’s soon to be released. Was this an oversight? However “Shadow Boxer”has not even been released and it is under both theatrical and DVD. Why? Its stars Helen Miren and Cuba Gooding Jr and DVD’s bring in more money than a theatrical release. My question to marketing and or PR team of this film is why have you not noticed this and done something about it? This is a red light warning. Who is supporting your film. What do you do when your film goes into major release on Friday March 16th? I can give you the answers but would you listen? You have 4 days left to promote your own film. I would suggest a press kit or have a site where you can download? The most important part of a press kit is including the right materials? Find a street team who loves your film or that you can buy with $$ to be in love? St. Patrick’s Day is the 17th a jammed packed opportunity. Will you take advantage? What about church? Considering that this was written, directed and produced out of Liberty Studios, the oldest continually running film studio in New York City, this is a movie New Yorkers especially should promote and attend. When you take into consideration that a large percentage of New Yorkers make their craft and or earning from the creative arts shouldn’t we call upon each other for support. This is a hint: to all of you out there trying to promote or produce excellent craftsmanship and are looking for an audience, look in you own backyard. If this film succeeds beyond step one it is due to the developmentally disabled community. It was thanks to them that I could offer pictures. That I could read articles and as a reporter make the F.A.C.T.S come alive for you. I support this remarkable film and urge you to do the same. You can attend screenings at the following theaters in NY AMC BAY PLAZA CINEMAS, AMC EMPIRE 25, (42nd ST), AMC MAGIC JOHNSON HARLEM 9 and AMC LOEWS 34TH STREET 14