Magic Rock was recently selected by YouTube to participate in their content partner program, allowing us to SELL streaming videos on YT.  This is an exciting opportunity for us to expose our client’s films–feature lengths or shorts–to YouTube’s large number of viewers.  There are some implementation requirements and setup of Google Checkout to process the rental purchases.  We are studying the requirements now in order to craft our program to Neoflix clients.   Towards the middle-to-end of August we will announce the new YT marketing program to clients.  Stay tuned!

Irwindale, Calif., July 15, 2010 – Magic Rock Entertainment, a distribution and branding partner for independent filmmakers and other clients, today announces the expanded Active Toolbox solution for independent filmmakers. Offering new ecommerce and marketing tools to maximize profit potential through digital and physical distribution, Active Toolbox provides content owners with the means to independently and profitably distribute films and other creative content.

Filmmakers and producers seeking control of their sales strategy will be able to customize the newly expanded Active Toolbox software to manage the marketing, distribution and fulfillment of their work. Using the branded Neoflix store, filmmakers can already offer physical DVDs, merchandise, and digital streams for purchase, as well as using other Active Toolbox tools to order and fulfill physical products from Magic Rock’s US and European manufacturers and warehouses. Artists seeking maximum audience exposure can also utilize Magic Rock’s Indieclix affiliate marketing tool and Box Office Widget contact capture tool, and access accurate post-sale analytics from the Box Office Metrix service.

Magic Rock is announcing the following new proprietary additions to the Active Toolbox portfolio:

Media-On-Demand and Video Streaming with Backstage

Backstage, a new and flexible digital content management tool, enables filmmakers to control digital sales to consumers, using Magic Rock’s familiar Neoflix storefront and dashboard to manage all transactions and fulfillment. Clients can integrate digital media assets and live event broadcasts to connect with existing fanbases and to reach out to viewers directly with convenient, rapid streaming options, easily embedded into external websites or blogs. Backstage supports single-ticket viewings, VIP packages with special features, subscriptions for multi-episode works, rentals with customizable viewing terms, live event broadcasts, behind-the-scenes peeks, cast interviews and other high-demand elements. Backstage improves on traditional physical distribution and third-party VOD distribution business models by offering independent filmmakers and producers a platform to monetize their releases throughout the live, online, and offline spheres.

Connecting Films and Fans with Turnout

Turnout, a new social marketing service, connects filmmakers, distributors, and content owners directly with their audience. Creating an affordable and seamless way to consistently engage and update multiple messaging platforms, Turnout allows independent artists the opportunity to build a significant fanbase online without large advertising budgets.

Turnout is a fee-based service, harnessing the power of Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and other popular social media platforms. The tool assists clients with systematic and consistent daily or weekly updates and other activities to create, expand, and engage an audience. On signing up, Turnout clients receive a personalized briefing by trained consultants to determine audience targeting, keyword and message planning. The resulting customized social media program  will launch within two to three weeks of the initial meeting and remain active throughout the entire promotional campaign. Turnout allows artists to start or join in highly-relevant online conversations, build event or topic awareness and engage mainstream, genre, or special-interest audiences. Clients can continue to work on their film projects with confidence that their social media outreach remains in high gear to engage their audience throughout and beyond their promotional and release windows.

New Client Releases from Magic Rock Entertainment

Magic Rock Entertainment is pleased to announce recent and upcoming client films:

• “BloodMoney”, David K. Kyle’s examination of issues surrounding abortion in America

• “Cover Girl Culture“, Nicole Clark’s film on the influence of media on girls and young women, highly recommended by Parents Television Council

• “Tales of An Ancient Empire“, Albert Pyun’s long-awaited follow up to his 1982 classic, ”The Sword And The Sorcerer”

• “Tapped”, Stephanie Soeghtig’s award-winning and unflinching examination of the bottled water industry and its profound impact on the global condition

• “Pelada”, Luke Boughen and Rebekah Fergusson’s look at another side of soccer from Bolivia to Iran, stripped down to its core as a global pick-up game

Magic Rock Entertainment is proud to be a partner to each of these compelling films and congratulates each filmmaker on their accomplishments.

Neoflix Client Idea:

IFC Article on the release of Albert Pyun’s “Tales of an Ancient Empire”

In the independent filmmaking world, Albert Pyun is a little more independent than most. Having made his directorial debut with “The Sword and the Sorcerer” in 1982 after serving an apprenticeship under Akira Kurosawa, Pyun carved out a unique niche as a director of low-budget, high-concept genre films starring casts slightly past their prime.

Some will think that’s a charitable description for Pyun, who has been derided as “the new Ed Wood,” but consider that his pairings of rap stars and action stars (beginning with the 1997 Ice-T/Christopher Lambert team-up “Mean Guns”) begat the trend Joel Silver popularized in the early naughts, and he was once just two weeks shy of directing “Spider-Man” (which he’ll explain below).

(read more…)

This is a PDF of the presentation slides shown at the LA Film Festival DIY Symposium by our CEO, John Chang. LAFF Final

Other notes from JC’s presentation:

1. Of the 250 clients, 2 have surpassed $200,000 in DVD and merchandise sales.  One of these films had a theatrical run, one did not.  8-10 clients have reached over $100,000 in sales, 50 clients have reached between $10,000 to $100,000 in sales.

2. In JC’s opinion, there is not a one-size fits all solution for filmmakers in terms of a direct to consumer strategy.  Each film needs to figure out its marketing marketing strategy.  The common denominator for sales is consistency of the marketing efforts.  If the filmmaker or activities surrounding the film is out there consistently, sales will come in.  If the effort is stopped, then sales will stop soon.

3. Filmmakers with the most success off-the-bat are those with a large qualified email list.  Facebook friends do not result in conversion to sales.  JC gave an example where he believes if he sends a request for all of Neoflix’s FB friends to buy a film, only 10 to 20 out of 1000, or 1-2%, would respond.

4. The location of the warehouse within the United States is not as critical as the location to your or your source of manufacturing.  One hidden cost is the transportation of the finished goods to warehouse, which may costs an extra few hundred dollars that is not within your budget.

5. The pike and drop in initial sales can be combated with a “long tail” strategy to marketing and windowing products.  Many filmmakers are considering dropping the DVD window until much later in order to forestall piracy.

6. Selling DVDs during festivals is probably a good idea since that’s where filmmakers will experience buzz.  One Neoflix client had attended over 140 festivals, won over 40 awards, and did not sell the DVDs.  The client lamented to JC that if he had a chance to do it over, he’d sell DVDs during the festival circuit.

‘Tales of An Ancient Empire’ to be distributed digitally via Active Distribution Platform

Irwindale, Calif., May 26, 2010 – Magic Rock Entertainment, developer of the Active Distribution solution for independent filmmakers, today announces Curnan Pictures’ ‘Tales of An Ancient Empire’ as the first widespread release to use its Backstage streaming service.  This long-awaited production from director Albert Pyun builds on a film history that began with 1982 fan favorite ‘The Sword and the Sorcerer”, and continues the saga with streaming and pre-order VIP packages.

Featuring ‘Hercules’ star Kevin Sorbo (‘Hercules’, ‘Andromeda’), Melissa Ordway (‘The Last Song’, ‘17 Again’) and Victoria Maurette (‘Left For Dead” ‘Bulletface’), ‘Tales of An Ancient Empire’ is a thrilling throwback to the 80s-era action-fantasy movie genre. Described by its director as a “grindhouse matinee film”, and shot in Los Angeles, the epic story centers around a princess recruiting the greatest warriors in the world to avenge the murder of her sister at the hands and fangs of a stunningly evil vampire sorceress. Brimming with sorcery, lust, vampires and swashbuckling action, ‘Tales of An Ancient Empire’ blends fantasy and action with an edge of horror.

The release of ‘Tales of An Ancient Empire’ cements the relationship between Pyun/ Curnan Pictures and Magic Rock Entertainment, which began with the well-received crime thriller, “Bulletface,” which was released in March of this year. Upcoming releases include Pyun’s ‘Streets of Fire’ homage ‘Road to Hell’ with Michael Pare’ (‘Streets of Fire’, ‘Eddie and the Cruisers’), Clare Kramer (‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’), and Deborah Van Valkenburgh (‘Streets of Fire’, ‘Company of Two’); and ‘Cool Air’, Pyun’s adaption of H. P. Lovecraft’s short story of the same title.

“Albert Pyun and Curnan Pictures are proving that filmmakers have better choices than ever to reach their audiences,” said JC Chang, CEO of Magic Rock Entertainment. “With more than forty films released through traditional channels, Pyun chose to assume control with his latest films and to build his brand using Magic Rock Entertainment’s Active Distribution platform for VOD streaming, fanbase acquisition, and sales and marketing services. We at Magic Rock Entertainment are proud to connect his work with his substantial thrill-seeking fanbase, and to work together with him to develop a sustainable business model for independent filmmakers.”

“Most independent filmmakers lack the means to support their films vigorously for an extended period as a studio would and are exposed to piracy which dilutes the value of their works, and thus they suffer financially” said Albert Pyun, director of ‘Tales of An Ancient Empire’. “Companies like Magic Rock Entertainment open up paths to build a fanbase across multiple mediums, and to create ongoing sources of revenue that can provide a living wage for independent filmmakers. I’m excited to be breaking new ground in leveraging streaming and other technologies to truly control the marketing and rights of my work. I look forward to a long and profitable partnership with Magic Rock Entertainment”.

Pyun will use Magic Rock Entertainment’s Active Distribution platform, including the Neoflix integrated commerce solution handling content and merchandise fulfillment and related customer service, and the newly-launched Backstage digital streaming tool. Initial VOD release, rental, serial, and special-feature streams for ‘Tales of An Ancient Empire’ during June 2010 will be followed by a rollout of DVD and other fan merchandise.  Curnan Pictures is scheduling Albert Pyun for a full calendar of promotional events for ‘Tales of An Ancient Empire’, including the film’s premiere and screenings in select cities throughout North America.

For more information on Magic Rock’s Active Distribution solutions and on upcoming releases, visit www.magicrock.com.

For more information on the launch of ‘Tales of An Ancient Empire’ and to view the trailer, visit www.albertpyunmovies.com.

###
About Magic Rock Entertainment

Based in Irwindale, CA, Magic Rock Entertainment offers cost-effective and flexible distribution and marketing solutions to independent creative artists seeking to maximize their sales channels and audience. Working with more than 200 filmmakers, Magic Rock Entertainment enables them to directly reach their audience via brand-building and sales channel management tools. For more information visit www.magicrock.com.

About Curnan Pictures

Based in Henderson, Nevada, Curnan Pictures is a mobile production services company specializing in assisting genre and low-to-mid budget independent filmmakers to produce, promote, and distribute their work.

First Collaborative Project Is Racehorse Picture, “John Henry: The Steel Driving Racehorse”

IRWINDALE, CA–(Marketwire – May 13, 2010) –  Magic Rock Entertainment, a branding and distribution partner for independent filmmakers, today announced a distribution alliance with Rainstorm Entertainment Inc., a feature film development, production, finance and sales company.

Beverly Hills based Rainstorm will be leveraging Magic Rock Entertainment’s Active Distribution platform for the direct-to-consumer delivery of films handled by their Launchpad Releasing brand. In addition, the company will utilize Magic Rock Entertainment’s marketing tools and channel partnerships, including Neoflix, a transaction and digital asset platform, to bring their newest film releases directly to target audiences.

This convergence of high-quality, story-driven films with the latest in independent film distribution and marketing technology provides a ‘win-win’ solution, allowing Rainstorm to extend and broaden Launchpad’s reach within the digital and home video markets. Magic Rock offers cost-effective and flexible distribution and marketing solutions to enable independent films, such as those that Launchpad distributes, to expand their sales channels and fan base while maximizing profit.

“We are delighted to be in partnership with Rainstorm and leverage our Active Distribution platform to extend the reach of their thought-provoking and engaging films,” said John Chang, CEO, Magic Rock Entertainment. “The Rainstorm and Launchpad team truly understands how to develop and position each film to maximize its market and lifecycle, and we look forward to working with them on a variety of projects.”

The first Launchpad film to benefit from Magic Rock Entertainment’s Active Distribution solution is “John Henry: The Steel Driving Racehorse,” which made its North American theatrical debut at Kentucky Horse Park in Louisville on May 2^nd, 2010, the day after the 136^th annual Kentucky Derby. Chronicling the life and legacy of celebrated racehorse John Henry, who earned more than $6.5 million during his racing years of 1977-1984 and was even included in People Magazine’s 1984 ‘Top People’ roundup, the film includes interviews with celebrities, dignitaries and jockeys. “John Henry: The Steel Driving Racehorse” will be screened over the next few months in a promotional roadshow at major race tracks across the country, while simultaneously being available directly to consumers through Neoflix.

“We have a full pipeline of innovative films in all different phases of the funding-distribution lifecycle, and Magic Rock’s technical solutions allow us to reach out and connect these films directly to their audience more effectively than ever,” said Steve Kaplan, CEO, Rainstorm Entertainment. “By minimizing our financial outlay in the new media marketplace, while simultaneously maximizing outreach through innovative channels, Magic Rock’s solutions will allow us to keep nimble, leverage our resources and ready for the next great project.”

For more information on Magic Rock’s Active Distribution solutions and on upcoming releases from Rainstorm and Launchpad, visit www.magicrock.com.

About Magic Rock Entertainment
Based in Irwindale, CA, Magic Rock Entertainment offers cost-effective and flexible independent distribution and marketing solutions to filmmakers and creative artists seeking to maximize their sales channels and audience. Currently working with more than 200 clients, Magic Rock Entertainment enables content owners to directly reach their audience via brand-building and channel management tools. For more information visit www.magicrock.com.

About Rainstorm Entertainment Inc. and Launchpad Releasing
Based in Beverly Hills, CA, Rainstorm Entertainment Inc. is a privately financed feature film development, production, finance and sales company. Rainstorm partners with other capital sources, including equity investors and distributors, to bring recognition to original, story-driven feature films and documentaries. Founded in 2002, Rainstorm Entertainment Inc., and its distribution subsidiary Launchpad Releasing, have served as producers and financiers for critically acclaimed film projects including “The Big Empty,” “Big Bad Wolf,” “F*CK,” “State of Control,” as well as the WWII documentary “Red White Black & Blue.” For more information visit www.rainstormentertainment.com

1. Virtual Terminal for Processing Credit Cards. Start processing credit cards at events, tradeshows or at home–wherever you are selling products directly to your fans.  Neoflix added a new feature called Virtual Terminal.  This feature charges only for the product and assumes that you are handing the merchandise to the buyer on the spot.  No shipping will be added, however, if the buyer’s address is in the state where you collect sales tax, the tax will be added to the total.  You can locate this feature from your administration console, under the “Place Order” menu tab.  When you click on this button, you will see two options.  The Virtual Terminal is the first option – “Process Transaction”.  Once you click on the radio button and submit, you will be taken to your Neoflix store.  Just select the product that the buyer is ordering, the quantity and enter the buyer’s info and credit card information.  The process is very similar to how someone buys from your Neoflix store, except you hand the product at the end of the process rather than have us ship it.  It’s easy–give it a try when you are at your next event.

2. Adding font style to your store and extended product descriptions.  The text in the store description, extended description, cast, festival info, and production credits can all now be stylized as you see fit.  The options are BOLD, Italics, Underline, Size and Color. See it in action at www.neoflix.com/store/cur08 (note the red text and the underline)

3. Single Page Checkout Widget. Neoflix has now a one page checkout option where you can create a buy button that takes a buyer to a single buy page for any product that you are selling (note, only one item in your store can be assigned to a widget.)  Go to the “Marketing” menu button, and click on “Widget Mechanic”.  Select the “Express Checkout” option.  On the “Express Checkout Coupon Widget” page, start by selecting the product you plan to sell, then the quantity.  Next, design you widget by adding text (note, the default text is “Buy Now”, but you can change the button text to another name like “Support Us” or “Click Here”), determining the color for the button, and the color of the text.  There are color palettes provided to make the last two steps easy to accomplish.  When you are satisfied with the result, click on “Generate Code”.  The code will appear at the bottom window.  Cut and paste this code to your website, html e-mail blast, blog, or any HTML driven page.  If you want to change anything about the widget, just come back and make the changes and generate code again.  No HTML or programming knowledge necessary!

4. Facebook Ad Conversion Tracking. Along with tracking for Indie Clix, Google Analytics, Google Adwords, Google Affiliate Network, Yahoo! Search, and Offershot affiliate tracking, we are adding another Ad tracking to the Neoflix shopping cart: Facebook!  You can find the setup code for tracking all these services under the “Marketing” tab, “Tracking”.  (Note, you need to have setup those other services first before they provide you the tracking code to cut and paste into your Neoflix account.).

5. Client Requested Shipments to Third Parties: “Place Order” feature. Have you ever want to send your DVD or merchandise to a friend, but don’t have time to go to the post office?  Now you can do it online and have our fulfillment do it for you!  We do NOT charge you for the product or any transaction fees, we charge only for the shipping (for example, one DVD is $4.99, including postage and handling).  This is a convenience service we provide to clients.  You can find the “Ship Products” feature from the “Place Order” menu.

IRWINDALE, CA–(Marketwire – April 1, 2010) –  Magic Rock Entertainment, a branding and distribution partner for independent filmmakers, today announced the appointment of two key additions to its corporate executive team.

As senior vice president of marketing and vice president of business development respectively, Shannon Brown and Patrick Barry will be responsible for developing and driving new client services and channel alliances, enhancing Magic Rock’s leadership in providing tools and maximizing revenue streams for independent filmmakers and other content providers.

Prior to joining Magic Rock, Shannon Brown was president of Equity Marketing, as well as head of worldwide operations for parent company EMAK Worldwide. She oversaw all agency activity on the company’s Burger King account including its Kids Meal tie-in business, and expanded the reach of the company’s Asia operations, including growth in Hong Kong and China. Prior to EMAK, Brown was general manager of EPI Marketing, a boutique agency specializing in NGO and sports partnerships.

Patrick Barry’s background in emerging media includes experience in Web syndication, distribution, licensing, content alliances, and media/entertainment joint ventures involving film, music, TV, animation, social media and games. Barry has fostered online and new media strategies for brands including “American Idol” and “Speed Racer” at companies including Warner Music, Warner Advanced Media, and Warner Bros., Brilliant Digital, SK Telecom Americas, and most recently Big Stage Entertainment, a venture-backed avatar technology firm.

“We are excited to announce the expansion of our corporate team, particularly as we look forward to launching additional channels and services throughout 2010 to enhance the profitability and branding of our clients,” said John “JC” Chang, CEO of Magic Rock Entertainment. “Both Shannon Brown and Patrick Barry bring diverse industry experience as well as deep marketing and distribution insight, and we look forward to adding their expertise to our leadership team.”

LA-based Magic Rock Entertainment is a resource for the independent filmmaker, offering everything from distribution to marketing. As a valued partner for independent artists, Magic Rock Entertainment creates and provides tools for independent artists including e-commerce transaction platforms, marketing and operational management tools and business services that smoothly power artists’ independent distribution efforts.

About Magic Rock Entertainment
Based in Irwindale, CA, Magic Rock Entertainment offers cost-effective and flexible independent distribution and marketing solutions to independent creative artists seeking to maximize their sales channels and audience. Currently working with more than 200 filmmakers, musicians and authors, Magic Rock Entertainment enables independent artists to directly reach their audience brand-building and channel management tools. For more information visit www.magicrock.com.

In response to inquiries from filmmakers interested in switching to Neoflix in light of the Create Space change of rules (to withhold buyer information), Magic Rock is granting a special account to Create Space filmmakers who are considering an alternative service.    This offer applies only to filmmakers who can demonstrate they have had a Create Space account for more than 3 months.

Your Own Branded E-Commerce Store and Still be on Amazon

Neoflix allows client to brand their own e-commerce store, which means the merchant-customer relationship is established between the filmmaker and their fans.  This allows Neoflix to provide clients all buyer information (name, address, e-mail, tel).   At the same time, filmmakers may place their products on Amazon on the Neoflix Amazon store for free.  This gives filmmakers access to Amazon’s large consumer base.  Neoflix’s Amazon store ratings are near perfect: 100% satisfaction last 90 days, 98% last 365 days, 403 ratings.

What Filmmakers Earn on Neoflix

[1] Sales from filmmaker’s own branded Neoflix store: Clients keep 88%.  For example for a DVD selling at $20, clients keeps 88% of the product price or a minimum $2 transaction fee.  Clients establishes their own product price.

[2] Sales from Neoflix’s Amazon Store: Filmmakers keep 60%.  Neoflix handles all fulfillment.  Sales data from sales that occur on Neoflix’s Amazon store is provided to client.

[3] Library, Institutional, Streaming, VOD, and other channels are optional services that clients may Opt-in.  These services have different fee/commission structures.

Neoflix Cost

Neoflix’s normal pricing is listed here

Setup Fee is discounted from $238 to $100 (use coupon)

Transaction fees stays the same as standard account

Monthly service fee is reduced to $25/month (normally $35)

E-Commerce Store Setup Requirements: (Budget 1-2 weeks for setup)

1. The e-commerce store takes about forty-five minutes to setup with a Neoflix representative walking you through the process.  The appointment schedule with a Neoflix setup representative is currently 1 week out.

2. Clients need to have one product image (305 x 424 pixels, jpg format) and one website banner image (780 pixels maximum, jpg format)

–Knowledge of HTML not necessary.  Most existing filmmaker clients are able to setup the store without much assistance.  This is what a basic Neoflix store looks like.   You may option for a customized store if you have a webmaster who is familiar with cascading style sheets.  With a little effort, you may create an advanced-customized Neoflix store.

3. Filmmakers to send minimum 30 DVDs for inventory to Neoflix.  Filmmakers have local duplicators manufacture their DVDs.  All DVDs must consist of at least: (a) Print on DVD disc (b) DVD case cover print sheet (min 1 color) (c) DVD case must have cello-wrapping outside the DVD case, also call “retail-ready” packaging.  [Magic Rock has a manufacturing arm called DVD Baby for quantities of 500 or more.]

Increasing Sales Channels

Aside from a store on Amazon, Magic Rock has opened and is opening sales channels to a variety of consumer points-of-consumption so our clients can sell to more products widely in the formats that a varied consumer base may want.  For example:

1. Library Order -  A program for public and high school libraries.  Magic Rock provides outreach and manual processing for orders received by fax or mail.

2. Institutional Order -  A program for academic and educational institutions (e.g. Universities, community colleges, trade colleges).  Magic Rock provides outreach and manual processing for orders received by fax or mail.

3. Streaming from your e-commerce store (Available April 2010)

4. Cable/Satellite VOD (Available May 2010)

5. Set-top boxes (Available Q4 2010)

We are currently developing a relationship with online rental sites and regional brick and mortar retailers.

Non-Exclusive, No Minimums

The e-commerce store relationship is non-exclusive, and there is no monthly minimum fee or minimum time committments.   Optional channels services, if you select to participate, may entail a minimum time commitment.

How to Sign-Up a Magic Rock/Neoflix Account

[1] Go to http://my.magicrock.com/ to create a Magic Rock account ID.  (Note, there is a check-box to the MR terms of service which is not applicable.  All Neoflix Terms of Service is covered in the next step).  After you create the MR ID, the system will send an email to you to activate the account.

[2] Once the account is activated, you can log in at http://my.magicrock.com/ to get into the Dashboard panel.  In the Dashboard, click on the Neoflix icon to complete the sign-up process.

–The tax rate is your local/state tax rate

–We will also e-mail you the Neoflix agreement to sign and return.  The text that appears in the box is for your reference.

–Use Coupon Code “csmar10″ (without the quotation) to receive the discount from $238 down to $100

[3] Once you make the payment, you can log into the account at www.neoflix.com, using the orange Sign-In button.

[4] Within 1-2 business days, you will receive a welcome notification from the MR Client Services Director to schedule the appointment for the setup call.