The first film launched through Titan View’s innovative feature film distribution model, low-budget comedy Codgers, attracted an audience of about 600 people to Parramatta Riverside Theatre last Friday.
The strategy, which was supported by Screen Australia’s innovative distribution fund late last year, aims to screen low-budget films in non-traditional venues while simultaneously selling DVDs and other merchandise.
Titan View chief executive John L Simpson has previously had similar success with 2008 IF Award-winning drama Men’s Group, which was regularly shown in similar non-traditional venues in response to audience demand.
“Wherever the fans are, we’ll deliver the film in whatever format they want and however they want,” he said.
Codgers is based on a popular play and was shot in just four days. It stars Ron Haddrick, Shane Porteous, Rosyln Newman, Jon Lan, Edwin Hodgeman, and Ron Falk.
The red carpet premiere was attended by the local Mayor and included music played by a live band. Tickets sold for $20 each, which included Iced Vo Vos, a glass of wine, party pies, and a Q&A after the screening. Simpson said they also sold about 80 Codgers DVDs on the night, from $29.95 each.
“If they’re lining up at the DVD counter after watching the film you know that that’s the best kind of personal recommendation that people can give,” he said.
Titan View plans to announce other films that it plans to bring to audiences via community centres, church halls, pubs or online, in the next two months.
Meanwhile, the other recipient of Screen Australia’s innovative distribution fund, Gil Scrine and Louise van Rooyen’s beamAfilm, is continuing to build its website and acquire rights to online distribution.
BeamAfilm plans to make documentaries accessible through monetised online streaming.