self-distribution
Bypassing traditional middlemen
Self-distribution is the practice of releasing and selling creative work—typically films, music, or books—without going through traditional distributors or publishers.
Independent filmmakers who self-distribute handle their own theatrical bookings, streaming deals, and DVD sales: After no studio showed interest, she chose self-distribution for her documentary.
The approach trades industry infrastructure for creative control and a larger share of revenue.
Free from external control
- filmmakerOne who makes movies
- DIYAmateur home projects
- theatricalExaggeratedly emotional for effect
- streamingReal-time digital delivery
rights · revenue · exhibition · platform · marketing · producer · release · cinema
One who produces goods
- direct-to-consumerSelling without retail intermediaries
- wholesaleBulk sales to merchants
- logisticsCoordination of complex activities
- fulfillmentState of achieved purpose
inventory · warehouse · shipping · retailer · supply-chain · e-commerce · middleman · margin
independent
Free from external control
- filmmakerOne who makes movies
- DIYAmateur home projects
- theatricalExaggeratedly emotional for effect
streaming · rights · revenue · exhibition · platform · marketing · producer · release · cinema · festival
manufacturer
One who produces goods
- direct-to-consumerSelling without retail intermediaries
- wholesaleBulk sales to merchants
- logisticsCoordination of complex activities
fulfillment · inventory · warehouse · shipping · retailer · supply-chain · e-commerce · middleman · margin · storefront
author
Creator of written works
- ebookDownloadable text file
- AmazonGreek warrior women
- print-on-demandProduction upon order placement
ISBN · royalties · Kindle · bookstore · marketing · manuscript · paperback · Lulu · retailer · pricing
artist
Maker of creative works
- BandcampIndependent music distribution site
- SpotifyMusic streaming platform
- streamingReal-time digital delivery
album · royalties · upload · release · playlist · SoundCloud · merchandise · fanbase · digital · promotion