IndiePix announces almost 6-fold increase in sales of independent films across its web platform in 2008

  • IndiePix growth in the fourth quarter of 2008 more than double annual rate
  • Year-on-Year growth points to recognition of festival accredited titles and diverse net distribution techniques
  • Achieves commercial position as theatrical exhibitor with top 10 opening weekend for The End Of America in New York; opens direct accounts with major wholesalers; now represented across all major on-line and retail channels
New York, US – 28 January, 2009 – IndiePix, the Internet-based distributor of independent films, has today announced almost a 6-fold increase in unit sales for the full year 2008 compared to 2007. The sale of fiction and non-fiction independent films rose dramatically towards the end of 2008 with Q4 sales figures jumping 12 times that of the same period in 2007. During 2008, IndiePix transformed its Internet platform by enabling film fans to choose whether they want to download, stream or rent a title straight to their PC or iPod – and IndiePix's strong sales growth underpins the success of this unique net distribution technique.

Throughout 2008, IndiePix expanded its efforts to restructure the economics of the independent film industry. Commenting on the many closings and failures among indie film labels, Bob Alexander, President at IndiePix, said: "They failed because their business models failed – their economics were simply not in line with today's market realities. Trying to be a middle ground player between Hollywood and true independent films is not a good place to be."  

The exposure and sales success that IndiePix, and the independent community as a whole, received throughout 2008 has provided solid foundations for the coming year. IndiePix Studios is soon to release is 2009 Production and Release Slate, following the success of its recent films, including The End of America, which achieved Top 10 opening weekend in New York. IndiePix is now represented across all major on-line and retail channels as it continues to strengthen its partnerships with like-minded companies, such as SnagFilms and iTunes.

"2008 was the year that the web-based distribution model, which we laid out when IndiePix was first founded, demonstrated its potential in the market," continued Bob Alexander, President of the company. "Our performance throughout 2008 was based on three elements; our technology, including our website, burn-to-own technology, and discovery capability, which smoothly supported the growth in sales this year; the steady growth of our Internet marketing capability, which helped increase the visibility of our titles; and our extraordinary relationships with our filmmakers, whose work is the sole focus of our efforts.

"We want to deliver value for the filmmaker through partnering with them in the distribution of their film. With such strong internet sales, we can now confidently tell filmmakers that we can deliver them $10 thousand to $50 thousand from our focused distribution in less than a year. Most deals at Cannes this year for universal rights to a title were not in that range. Maintaining transparency in accounting and reporting is central to maintaining our partnerships.

"2008 really has been an important year in building the new world of independent film. Mid-sized companies have failed, the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) experiment has floundered, new forms of digital distribution have been introduced and new platforms – especially the mobile platforms – have gained attention. We're energized to be part of this rapidly developing business and to be pioneering ways to deliver great movies to fans and commercial benefits to filmmakers," concluded Bob Alexander.

For more information please visit www.indiepixfilms.com

About IndiePix
IndiePix is a New York-based distributor that delivers a highly-curated collection of the best Independent Films from around the world. Offering a hand-picked catalog of over 3,000 independent film gems - art-house, foreign, and documentary – the IndiePix team selects the best titles from the international festival circuit. Avenues for distribution include IndiePix's patented Burn-to-Own technology, delivery of DVD by mail, various retail channels and theatrical screenings and exhibitions.

The company is committed to supporting the Independent Film industry through its production arm, IndiePix Studios, its unique business model that returns the highest share of sales straight to the filmmaker, and its support of the film festival community.

For more information, please visit www.indiepixfilms.com

Liz Ogilvie
Head of Marketing, IndiePix
Tel: 212-684-2333
Email: liz@indiepix.net

Louise Sambells
IBA – PR for IndiePix
Tel:+44(0)1780 721433
Email: lsambells@iba-americas.com

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