The ugly truth in Hollywood is that filmmakers don't make a penny from theatrical screenings... assuming they're "lucky" enough to even get a distributor. There are so many hands in the pot, there's just nothing left.

So if you're not going to make any money in theaters, then you should maximize your public screenings to drive publicity for your film, right? Charging $10 admission just makes it less likely anyone will see it.

The answer? Let anyone screen your film.

The screening host has a great film for their event (and the adulation of all their friends for being so cool), the venue owner gets people in the door, you get the best word-of-mouth marketing money can't buy (some might even call it "buzz"), and the civilians gets to see a movie and socialize. Everybody wins!

Except the Hollywood studios.

So forget the cineplex. Forget the studios. Join the people-powered movie revolution today!

How does it work?

You fill out an online form to create your own site at [yourfilm].bravenewtheaters.com. See Iraq for Sale's BNT site for an example. It's then up to you to figure out how to get people to screen your movie. There are many ways to do this.

I already have a website... does it work with that too?

Yep. We actually assume you have a website for your film already (if you don't, that's fine too), so we provide a variety of ways to hook your Brave New Theaters website in with your film website, and vice versa.

1. When you sign-up, you will be asked for links to buy the DVD, your film trailer, etc. These can point anywhere -- your film website, Amazon, YouTube, etc. -- and they will be linked prominently throughout your BNT website.

2. Then on your film website (or any website), you can put little snippets of HTML code that will do a variety of cool things. The most important is one that shows the upcoming screenings nearest to the person visiting your site. Someone in North Carolina will see different screenings than someone in California.

To see this in action, go to The Big Buy's film website.

How much does it cost?

Nothing! It's free. We want to make you money... and uh, wreak a little havoc on the corporate media. Plus, we figure you're broke and trying to pay back the credit card companies who were "gracious" enough to fund your production. Just don't forget to remember us when you win your Oscar!

If you still don't believe me, read the fine print:

Yes, it's really free! I'm not completely sure what I need to do to get you to stop reading this. So sign-up already!

Do I still own the rights to my movie?

Of course! Didn't you read the fine print?

Do screening hosts have to pay to screen my film?

That's up to you. We generally assume screening hosts should just buy a DVD like everyone else. But whatever webpage you put as your 'purchase link' is what they will get. So if you want to charge screening hosts more or less, you can handle all of that yourself from that page.

What if my DVD isn't available online to purchase yet?

If you still want to let people screen it, just leave the 'purchase link' blank, and you will get an email when someone signs up to screen your film and you have to work out with them how they will get a copy to screen. A notice will be on your film page saying that the DVD is not available online and to contact you on how to get it.

That should get you jump started, but then it's up to you. There are no easy answers on how to find an audience for your film. You can learn more about our methods and experiences by checking out a few excerpts from the book about the making of the Wal-Mart movie.

I'm still not quite convinced.

See, what this realliy boils down to is.. as a filmmaker, are you going to take control of your own destiny? Or are you still waiting for some corporate big-wig to do the work for you?

At Brave New Films, we've had great success using these tools, and we're making them available to you because we know there are countless stories out there that need to be heard. Please join our community of filmmakers, movie lovers, bloggers, grassroots organizations, and activists as we change the world... one movie at a time.

Okay, I'm signed up. I've got more quesitons for you..

How do I get my film on the home page?

It happens automatically based on the number of upcoming screenings for your film. It is not an editorial decision. You can check your standing on the films page. The top 3 get their posters, and the top 5 (generally) get on the marquee. There's frequently a delay in this getting updated since it's not entirely automated, but just be patient.