A 'free' distribution case study "Sita Sings the Blues" - Nina Paley

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The document summarizes the earnings from various distribution channels for a documentary film from February 2009 to October 2009. The theatrical distribution earned around $22,350 with expenses reducing the amount to around $3,000. DVD distribution through one company earned $14,061 with expenses of $7,727, providing a share of $2,911. Broadcast rights earned $3,000. Independent theaters provided around $3,000 initially, growing to around $4,000. Store sales, donations, and other revenue grew the total earnings to around $55,000 by October 2009. Speaking engagements were also noted as a source of additional earnings.

Entertainment & Humor Business

Total Sita Distribution Project donations
February 2009 - present

~ $23,000

QuestionCopyright e-store
June 3 – July 31 (approx. 2 months)
Store revenues: $25,100.00
- Store expenses: $8,500.00 (appx)
_______________________________
=Store prof ts: $16,600
i (appx)

UPDATE OCT. 10
Estimated prof ts:
i $19,000

QuestionCopyright e-store
June 3 – July 31 (approx. 2 months)

UNITED STATES
THEATRICAL DISTRIBUTION
approx. May through September 2009

~$22,350 total box offce to date
Minus a boatload of expenses: cinemas', distributors', etc. =

~$3,000 for me

FILMKARAVAN/VISTA INDIA
DVD DISTRIBUTION
July 30, 2009

Gross: $14,061
Expenses: 7,727
Net: 6,334
Music licensor royalties: 2,135
FilmKaravan royalty: 1,294.00

My share = $2,911(should be less?)

“There were a number of people who were relieved to know
you were getting a cut after seeing the CC disclaimer.
They appreciated that we didn't just use the flm and keep all the money.”

Kevin Spitzer
Central Cinema
Seattle, WA

Direct Payments from
Independent Theaters = approx

$3,000

August 1 2009:
Donations: $21,000
Store prof ts: $16,600
i
Broadcast: $3,000
Publishing: $0
Direct Theaters: $3,000
____________
Total: $43,600

UPDATED OCT 1. 2009
Donations: $23,000
Store prof ts: $19,000
i
Broadcast: $3,000
Publishing: $0
Theatrical Distributors: $3,000
Additional DVD dist.: $3,000
Direct Theaters: $4,000
____________
Total: $55,000

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