Tech Start-Up Helps Indie Films Break Into Theaters

Tech Start-Up Helps Indie Films Break Into Theaters
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By: Noah J. Nelson (@noahjnelson)

Tugg, Inc. is an Austin, Texas based start-up that lets filmmakers and film fans book screenings at movie theaters with no real financial risk for anyone involved. Instead of buying out the theater, the promoter puts the film event up on Tugg and pre-sells the tickets. Much like the crowdfunding site Kickstarter, if a certain goal isn't reached the screening doesn't happen-- no harm no foul.

In the case of Tugg the number of tickets needed is set by the theater. Filmmakers who want to use the service to promote their movies don't start seeing profit until the reserve is met.

Nevertheless indie filmmakers are starting to use Tugg to bring their pictures into movie theaters. Filmmakers like writer-director David H. Steinberg (@DavidHSteinberg). We talk with Steinberg about his film Miss Dial, which is headed to select theaters thanks to Tugg ahead of its VOD release in this Google Hangout. Also on hand are my co-host Lucas McNelly (@lmcnelly) and "friend of Turnstyle" Gabriel Diani (@gabediani), who talks about his own experiences with the film festival circuit and indie distribution for his film The Selling.

Originally published on Turnstylenews.com, a digital information service surfacing emerging stories in news, entertainment, art and culture; powered by award-winning journalists.

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