““b8 Services has been integral in developing two of my feature film projects and has been working hand in hand with me on budgets, scheduling and financing for the films. There input and expertise is always spot-on and it’s a pleasure working with such a great group of people.”
Mike GreeneFilm & Network TV Producer
““The team at b8 Services is my first stop on each of my independent feature films. I trust their judgement and guidance in regards to areas pertaining to budgeting, production and financing and look forward to continued success with them by my side.”
Franco SamaExecutive TV & Film Producer
““b8 Services consistently provides professional, efficient and creative solutions for any type of production challenge. Their honest, hands-on approach goes unrivaled in this industry making them the most important ally of all: one that is trustworthy.”
Joe EddyDirector of COYOTE feature film
““The b8 Services team consists of very passionate and hardworking professionals. They are outside the box thinkers that never fail to deliver for their clients.”
Jeff CollinsFilm producer & director
““I am truly happy with the services of b8 Services. They created a Budget for my feature film, as well as a strong Business Plan. And, they did so in a timely manner. Without hesitation, I plan on utilizing b8 Services for their production services as well.”
Marie BrandtFilm & TV Producer
““The b8 Services team took our portfolio of concepts and ideas packaged, pitched and found homes for them. From film and television distribution, editing, and financing their team has the expertise and connections to ensure your project is realized.”
Laurel LevineProducer & Manager
““It has been a pleasure working with b8 Services. Joe Aliberti and Justin Lothrop were efficient in the services provided, addressing each of my questions / concerns with helpful advice and an expert knowledge of the business. The budget, schedule and business plan for my film look great and I can’t thank them enough. I appreciate their service, and look forward to a continued relationship in the future. Thank you b8 Services.”
Aaron FjellmanFilm producer & director
““b8 Services has a great crew among them. Joe Aliberti and Justin Lothrop have been such a pleasure to work with. They both make you feel at ease and address every question and concern with knowledge, ease and professionalism. The service provided by b8 Services has been amazing and I look forward to a long lasting relationship with them. Thank you so much.”
Amanda RuizFilm producer
““I enjoyed working with Joe and his team at b8 Services. They offer a very unique service that I haven’t seen anywhere else. They provided my production with a budget, a schedule, and best of all, a business plan. The plan was very well thought out, and showed me how to take advantage of rebates and tax deductions. I hope to continue working with Joe and his team on future projects. ”
Ervin PeterFilm Producer
““Luke Taylor and everyone at b8 Services were so knowledgeable and easy to work with. They really guided us through the process of putting together a budget and business plan and the end result was a body of material that truly represented our project and vision. I hope our creative paths continue to cross in the future!”
Katie Feathersonstar of PARANORMAL ACTIVITY
1639 11th St. #160
Santa Monica, CA 90404
(213) 204-6552
info@Buffalo8.com
© 2024 Buffalo 8. Trusted by Wimgo.
B8 Services are suited for early stage producers through veterans looking to further the development or structuring, financing, packaging or selling of a film or TV project.
B8 Services reviews each project to determine three critical components:
B8 Services is able to tailor our services to best suit projects of any size, genre or need.
B8 Services requests the script, packaging / presentation documents and any current attachments to begin the process.
B8 Services always works to include the requested packaging elements. While there may be instances that this makes the project a more difficult “sell” our team remains honest / transparent with this process.
No, B8 Services is assessing project engagement on three levels: (1) reviewing the material to determine there is quality and commercial value in the project, (2) assessing whether the project is well suited for the B8 Services suite of services, relationships, and process (3) determining if the team involved in the project are well suited for a B8 Services partnership.
Buffalo 8 is not currently looking to option material but has worked with B8 Service client projects in the past all the way through successful productions as producers when appropriate.
B8 does not take ownership in any B8 Service projects but is engaged as a work-for-hire contractor.
B8 has an in-house Head of Development Services experienced in development, production, financing and sales who will oversee the daily communications.
B8 Services generally turns around the first draft of materials within 2-4 weeks depending on the complexity of the project needs.
B8 has worked on projects ranging from Sundance winners (2016’s “AS YOU ARE” and “LITTLE MEN”) to Academy Award Winning directed features (Rob Reiner’s “BEING CHARLIE”) to fully packaged and produced projects that began as B8 Service packages and evolved in to production (“LAND OF LEOPOLD”).
B8 Services keeps clients looped in on email, phone and in person discussions across the board and engaged to make all decisions as a joint team..
B8 Services has worked with hundreds of companies and producers in a collaborative fashion and welcomes partners who are well suited to move the project forward.
B8 Services work to prepare each project for senior debt financing (pre-sales, tax credits, limited gap) at BondIt Media Capital. In the event the project is not the right for BondIt, B8 Services will work to re-position the project elsewhere.
Guaranteeing financing for a project is simply not possible but guaranteeing that a project will be fully prepared for presentations to the right / best suited sales, packaging and financing partners is the B8 Services guarantee.
B8 Services is a small and dynamic team that has fixed costs with preparing projects for the marketplace. Further, the landscape of independent producing has changed and therefore a commitment from B8 Service to engage in the project is mutually fulfilled with the service retainer.
B8 Services requires full payment of the retainer (similar to a law firm) prior to engaging in service work.
B8 Services’ upfront retainer fee is the only cost incurred to the production / producers.
B8 Services welcomes the tailoring and specifying of how best the services can assist each unique project.
B8 Services requires up front payment to engage in any third party project.
When looking to distribute your film, there are two main options: Self-distribute or partner with a traditional distributor to release the film on a revenue share. We have experience with both and can help you either way.
Signing with a distributor means entrusting people with your film. Can they handle the legwork of its release? This means distributing the film within a pre-defined list of territories for a period of several years (five, seven, and ten are typical terms). While the specifics of distribution agreements can vary greatly, it’s most common for a distributor to recoup its expenses before splitting any remaining revenue with you.
Alternatively, you can forego working with a distributor altogether and distribute the film yourself. You can deliver your film to the major online retailers (iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, and more) via a content aggregator and keep all ownership and revenue, but you are ultimately responsible for all aspects of your film’s release.
Neither is better, and both have their pros and cons.
The upside of working with a distributor is knowing your film’s release will be supported and carried out by a team of professionals. The downsides, however, are that you are relinquishing control of your film and sharing revenue with another company.
Self-distribution has its own advantages and disadvantages as well. Instead of giving up control, you retain ownership of the film’s release and the revenue it generates. However, to perform well, you need time, money, and a strong understanding of navigating releases and promotions.
Many filmmakers will utilize a sales representative to bring the film to distributors and other buyers. Other times, a distributor seeks out a film / filmmaker often buying films at film festivals.
Some distributors have been known to take advantage of filmmakers by overcharging for services or by cutting corners on the work expected of them. The best way to prepare for this is by knowing exactly what you want for your film when you sign. Ask a ton of questions. Stay involved in the process. By working together, you can ensure the film achieves the milestones you set from the beginning.
The most important step you can take in self-distributing is planning ahead. Simply making your film publicly available does not ensure people will watch it. To give your film the best chance to succeed, make sure you have a distribution strategy in place. This means having a promotion tactic synchronized with proper release windows.
When your film is released within certain parameters (e.g. domestic theatrical, transactional VOD, subscription, etc.), this is known as a window. By staggering these windows strategically, you can maximize exposure and the revenue that transpires.
The possibilities are endless. For independent filmmakers working within a tiny budget – event-based marketing can be hugely effective. Bolster local screenings by inviting your talent, utilizing social media, organizing press releases, and deploying targeted digital advertising campaigns.
Some of the major platforms, such as iTunes, Amazon, and Google are open retailers. This means they can go live, via an aggregator, if all technical specifications are met. Other retailers, such as Netflix and Hulu, are curated. This means content needs to be submitted, reviewed, and approved before it appears in store.
Depending on where your film is being delivered, asset requirements may vary. However, as a general rule, the core assets are ProRes masters of the feature and green band trailer, a Closed Caption file, and a piece of vertical key art.