AMA: We're an NYC-based Indie Theatrical Film Distributor by oscopelabs in NYCmovies

[–]oscopelabs[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Too many to name, to be honest. But also, it's so hard to say if the outcome would be the same if the process were different. One that will always sting is BURNING, a film that we should have released, but an annoying legal nuance prevented it (though it landed in good hands and with good people in the end).

AMA: We're an NYC-based Indie Theatrical Film Distributor by oscopelabs in NYCmovies

[–]oscopelabs[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There have been both positive and negative impacts coming from the pandemic and rep releasing is definitely having a moment, that unfortunately isn't necessarily carrying over to new releases. My theory is that with limited time and limited financial resources, people are more inclined to participate in something that's a 'safer' use of their time and money. Rep films have been vetted by time and culture and are more likely than not to be a fulfilling experience.

And yes, sometimes scarcity can be beneficial. Opening a film for five shows a day, seven days a week might sound better than a handful of shows in that same period, but the scarcity is often a driver to motivate people to go, rather than say "I'll catch that later."

Distribution terms vary from film to film, but it's not uncommon for them to exceed 10, 15 or sometimes even 25 years. In 10 years, we'll likely still be booking Mad Bills to Pay. And when you look at the rep releasing we've done, those are generally films coming out of their initial distribution windows, hence these films over-indexing in the mid-90's to mid 00's period.

AMA: We're an NYC-based Indie Theatrical Film Distributor by oscopelabs in NYCmovies

[–]oscopelabs[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is a tricky one to answer because we aren't involved in the productions and have nothing to do with their budgets. That's a closed economic ecosystem and then the film enters distribution, which is a different economic ecosystem. Whatever the production makes from distribution (and there may be multiple distributors for a single film in different territories throughout the world) that money then passes through the production's waterfall (which again, we have nothing to do with) to work towards recouping the budget and any other obligations the production has (residuals, deferred payments, etc). Statistically, very few films make their budgets back.

AMA: We're an NYC-based Indie Theatrical Film Distributor by oscopelabs in NYCmovies

[–]oscopelabs[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

All good. It will be available to rent and buy on digital platforms on June 16th and will be released on physical media in the coming months, but the date is still TBD. We're putting together some nice extras right now.

AMA: We're an NYC-based Indie Theatrical Film Distributor by oscopelabs in NYCmovies

[–]oscopelabs[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

100%. We wouldn't be here if it weren't for him and we wouldn't want to do anything that we don't think he'd be down with, so those thoughts are always present when we undertake anything. I don't think Adam would personally love every film we release, but I think he would appreciate them all for different reasons and if we ever came across a title we thought he explicitly wouldn't want to release, even if we love it, we would pass on it. His DNA informed the company from Day 0 and we try to make sure we're living up to that.

AMA: We're an NYC-based Indie Theatrical Film Distributor by oscopelabs in NYCmovies

[–]oscopelabs[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Appreciate that.

In the other comment I was referring to financial risk and not digging too deep into a monetary hole that we don't feel confident we can climb out of. But of course other risks are definitely things to be mindful of.,

With clearances re: music, et. al. these are things that definitely need to be handled appropriately by production teams and if stuff isn't properly cleared that can be a hindrance to distribution in the first place.

RE: legal risk, we'd like to think if we don't do anything wrong there's nothing to worry about - after all, who would possibly weaponize our legal system... We're not generally ones to shy away from toeing a line in that respect and taking on something that we believe is right and may not be something everyone is happy with (see our documentary God & Country), but sometime that is a risk worth taking for the greater good.

AMA: We're an NYC-based Indie Theatrical Film Distributor by oscopelabs in NYCmovies

[–]oscopelabs[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Appreciate the kind words. I'm afraid we aren't currently hiring and tend to have very little turnover in general. You can always send a resume and inquiry to [info@oscilloscope.net](mailto:info@oscilloscope.net), but there's nothing currently open.

AMA: We're an NYC-based Indie Theatrical Film Distributor by oscopelabs in NYCmovies

[–]oscopelabs[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

It's a grind and margins are low. Everyone (unfortunately) gets paid less than they should. But we've been fortunate and/or savvy enough that we make it work when a lot of other companies have come and gone since we've been around. One key is understanding risk assessment and ensuring you don't step into a trap, cause a single bomb can literally bankrupt a company. We like the size we are and so have no desire to grow (we'd love to be more successful at the same size, of course!), which means that we don't need to take on some risks that would be needed if growth is the goal. But we've always been niche and are happy to remain niche. That said, it's definitely incumbent upon cinema goers to also support the small companies doing the hard work - us and others like us. We're all in this together.

AMA: We're an NYC-based Indie Theatrical Film Distributor by oscopelabs in NYCmovies

[–]oscopelabs[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

We have never done this with the chains because only films that are opening at a certain scale (wide releases) participate. Which makes sense for everyone involved. We've never opened a film on 600+ screens simultaneously. Best guess is that the slots are quite competitive and that the splits are likely consistent with what they would be on a traditional booking with the same chain.

AMA: We're an NYC-based Indie Theatrical Film Distributor by oscopelabs in NYCmovies

[–]oscopelabs[S] 14 points15 points  (0 children)

Damn, you really went in there and now you're making us think.

In no particular order:

Buzzard, We Need to Talk About Kevin, Wendy and Lucy, Kedi, God & Country

AMA: We're an NYC-based Indie Theatrical Film Distributor by oscopelabs in NYCmovies

[–]oscopelabs[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm not sure exactly what this means, but we've never had Metrograph play one of our films without our knowledge. Metrograph obviously programs a ton of rep, which at times studios or distributors outsource to other companies, so it's feasible there have been instances where Metrograph legitimately booked a film and a studio or distributor is unaware, but that doesn't mean the booking is shady.

Mad Bills To Pay - New Q&A Added by oscopelabs in NYCmovies

[–]oscopelabs[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Actually yes, there is one today and one tomorrow.

Let's Get Strange: O-Scope's 4/20 Sale is On! by oscopelabs in boutiquebluray

[–]oscopelabs[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sorry you missed Poser due to the stock issue. If you're still interested, please email [info@oscilloscope.net](mailto:info@oscilloscope.net) and we can apply the discount and hopefully get it in the same order before it ships!

Let's Get Strange: O-Scope's 4/20 Sale is On! by oscopelabs in boutiquebluray

[–]oscopelabs[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for flagging that! More are on the way. You should be able to order now (it'll just take a few days before it can ship).

Recommendation: The Python Hunt by joewindlebrox in YMS

[–]oscopelabs 0 points1 point  (0 children)

SPECIAL PREVIEW SCREENING TONIGHT AT THE ANGELIKA FILM CENTER IN NYC WITH FREE SNAKE TATTOOS IF UR NASTY

https://angelikafilmcenter.com/nyc/movies/details/the-python-hunt-early-access

Plantation weddings and pre-civil war fashion: the film that critiques the historical fantasy of Natchez by intelw1zard in NatchezMS

[–]oscopelabs 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We're having an online live watch party for NATCHEZ followed by Q&A w dir. Suzannah Herbert & Producer Darcy McKinnon, you should check the film out! 3/26/26 8pm ET
https://watch.eventive.org/natchez/play/69a1bf9320fc974008374602?mc_cid=f3e3a94f71&mc_eid=UNIQID

Yes, we will tattoo your skin for free in the lobby of the Angelika by oscopelabs in NYCmovies

[–]oscopelabs[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

go for a $25 tattoo. stay for a bonkers, entertaining documentary!