TRYHARD Company: Building a Brand and Breaking into Distribution
- Oklahoma Ward
- Apr 3
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 30
Frontline Reports: The Battle for TRYHARD COMPANY
Evolution of a Brand
As promised, we're taking you behind the scenes of the TRYHARD COMPANY branding process. Below, you'll see two crucial elements in our visual identity:
Website and Social Media Header
This header will soon adorn our website and social media platforms, setting the tone for our online presence. We're still tweaking the design, but we wanted to share the progress with you, our loyal #TANKarmy.
This overlay will be used across all future images related to TRYHARD COMPANY. We're excited to see how it'll enhance our visual storytelling. Again, this is a work-in-progress, but we're eager to share the development process with you.
A Glimpse into the Design Process
Here are some snapshots from the creation of our overlay image:
These fragments give you a peek into the meticulous process of crafting our brand's visual identity. We're perfectionists, and it shows!
Stay tuned for more updates from the frontline of TRYHARD COMPANY's development. Your support means the world to us!
Blood on the Lens: Musings from the Director - Distribution Dilemmas
As an independent filmmaker, navigating the distribution landscape can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it's essential to understand the pros and cons of each path. But before we dive into the different distribution routes, I want to share why I'm writing this blog post.
In my opinion, understanding distribution is the cornerstone of an artistic career. Many filmmakers secretly wish for a studio deal, but few are honest with themselves about what that entails. If you want a studio deal, you need to know what cameras to use, what formats to shoot in, and what kind of content to create.
But here's the thing: most filmmakers lie to themselves about what they want. They make a film, hoping the studio will come knocking, but they haven't done their homework. They haven't considered the barriers to entry, the technical requirements, or the type of content that studios are looking for.
That's why I always tell people: KNOW what path you are going for. Be honest with yourself about what you want. If you want a studio deal, research what it takes to get one. If you want to self-distribute, understand the costs and logistics involved.
Being honest with yourself will save you time, money, and stress. It will help you focus on the right goals and create content that aligns with your vision.
Now, let's explore the different distribution paths available to filmmakers:
1. The Studio Route
The traditional studio route is often the most sought-after, but it can come with creative compromises. One legendary example is Stanley Kubrick's ritual of handing over his finished projects at the California-Nevada border, refusing to step into California to avoid state taxes - but also because once he was finished - and no changes were ever to made to his finished product - he sold and gave it away. He wanted nothing to do with the system from that point forward. This quirky habit became a famous filmmaking lore.
Another example is Christopher Nolan's partnership with Warner Bros. for his Dark Knight trilogy. While Nolan maintained creative control, the studio's support enabled him to produce a cinematic masterpiece.
2. Self-Distribution
Self-distribution allows filmmakers to maintain control, but it requires a significant investment of time and resources. Oren Peli's Paranormal Activity is a prime example. Initially self-distributed, the film gained traction, eventually getting picked up by Paramount Pictures and launching Peli's career.
Robert Rodriguez's El Mariachi is another inspiring example. Made on a shoestring budget, Rodriguez self-distributed the film, which eventually caught the attention of Columbia Pictures.
3. Social Sites and Online Platforms
The rise of social media and online platforms has democratized distribution. Filmmakers can now reach audiences directly, bypassing traditional gatekeepers. Joe Swanberg is a pioneer of this approach, distributing his low-budget indie films and web series online, building a loyal fan base and critical acclaim.
4. Film Festivals and Awards
Premiering at reputable film festivals can attract distributors, critics, and audiences. The Sundance Film Festival is a prime example, having launched the careers of filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino and Kevin Smith.
5. Crowdfunding and Community Support
Platforms like Kickstarter, Indiegogo, or Patreon enable filmmakers to fund and distribute their work, often with a built-in audience. The success of films like Veronica Mars and Super Troopers 2 demonstrates the power of crowdfunding.
6. Direct-to-Streaming
Partnering with streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime provides a wide reach and revenue opportunities. Netflix's acquisition of Roma, for instance, brought Alfonso Cuarón's masterpiece to a global audience.
7. Independent Distributors
Companies like A24, Magnolia Pictures, or IFC Films specialize in distributing independent films, offering an alternative to traditional studios. A24's success with films like Moonlight and Lady Bird demonstrates the impact of independent distributors.
As an independent filmmaker, understanding these distribution paths can help you navigate the ever-changing landscape. Whether you choose the studio route, self-distribution, or online platforms, the key is to find the right fit for your project and audience.
Next week I'll write about my path of distribution for my second film - CRAWL or DIE - and share what I liked about it - and - what I did not. What worked. What did not.
What are your thoughts on distribution? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below!
That's a wrap for today's blog post! We're grateful for your loyalty and support. Please take a moment to LIKE, SHARE, and INTERACT with us on all social media platforms. We deeply appreciate the #TANKarmy and all the love for #TRYHARDcompany - it means the world to us! If you haven't already, please WATCH and SHARE our official teaser trailer to get a glimpse of what's coming.
Until next time,
CREATE FEARLESSLY!
Oklahoma Ward
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