American Film Market Dailies

Hundreds of companies do business at the American Film Market, but how many filmmakers will actually see profits from their films?  There are all kinds of movies up for sale and worldwide distribution, many of which will not see any success, be it critical acclaim or profitability. Suites at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel are filled with sales reps and buyers galore and there are also tons of people in the lobby, networking and pitching projects.

Fred Williamson aka “The Hammer” was in the lobby chatting with numerous colleagues and fans. He and the Exec Producer of the family comedy “How to Beat a Bully” were heatedly discussing the situation of whether movies can make any money. The Hammer said he distributes his own films – he makes deals directly with theaters – because once distributors get involved, no one else on the team can make a dime.

He made a bet with Marilyn Anderson, Executive Producer and co-writer of ‘How to Beat a Bully” that she would never see a dime (other than her upfront writer’s fee) from the film. Anderson came back at him that she and the investors would definitely see profits, and that her film has all kinds of potential because it’s a smart family comedy with a worthy theme: anti-bullying.

The Hammer insisted, “No way will you see a dime.  How much does the distributor get?  A huge percentage. Then there are the distributor’s ‘expenses.’” Yada yada yada.

It’s common knowledge that studios do creative bookkeeping, but can a small independent film make a profit… or even make its money back?

Fred Williamson bet Marilyn Anderson

Fred Williamson doesn’t think so, unless you distribute it yourself. He has been making action movies – starring, directing, producing and distributing for years. But he’s got a specific niche and a fan base. Anderson thinks her film “How to Beat a Bully” will be profitable; in fact, she and the other producers are going to offer it to anti-bullying groups and charities for screenings and fundraisers, as well as making it available in other commercial markets. Anderson and her writing partner, Richard Rossner, say they love making people laugh, but are happy that their film is also a way to get the word out on the topic of bullying. 

So what is “the bet?” The Hammer and Ms. How to Beat a Bully (Fred Williamson and Marilyn Anderson) are going to meet next year at AFM at the same table in the lobby to see who wins the bet. The stakes are high: $20.00 and a pizza! Will the producers of “How to Beat a Bully” ever see a dime… or not?   Who do YOU bet on …. The Hammer or The Bully?

Here’s the one-liner on the film: A new kid in town protects himself from school bullies by fibbing that his father is a hit man for the mob.

“How to Beat a Bully” is presented by Dream Factory Entertainment and repped at AFM by Blairwood Entertainment. It was directed by Doug Bilitch and produced by Sofia L. Monroe and Paul Rocha.  Executive Producers are Robert Dudelson, Stephen Langford, Marilyn Anderson, Jackeline Olivier and Wes Underwood. It has a musical score by Emmy-Award winning composer, Misha Segal, with songs by the pop rock group, REVERSE ORDER, a semi-finalist on “America’s Got Talent.”