THE LIBERTINES: THERE ARE NO INNOCENT BYSTANDERS is an engaging
and honest music documentary by legendary photographer turned
filmmaker, Roger Sargent. The film offers an intimate look at the
band's 2010 reunion with unrivaled access, starting at Sargent's
NME cover shoot announcing the big festival appearance at Reading
and Leeds, through the rehearsals and celebrated warm up shows, to
being on stage on the big night. Sargent's relationship with
the band has enabled him to create the definitive film about
arguably one of the most influential groups of its generation,
exploring the passion, drive, love and laughter of The Libertines'
story.
Pulse approach to
self-release:
Despite receiving multiple offers for UK rights,
Pulse made the exciting decision to self release the film in the UK
and deal with international sales territory by territory. This is a
natural next step for Pulse that sees the company developing film
projects from inception, arranging finance and then devising the
distribution and release strategy.
New platforms and emerging business models have
allowed Pulse to build audiences directly and efficiently through
social media and other tools, and to capture a greater share of the
value that we create through our film projects. Where a film like
The Libertines has a clearly defined and accessible audience, Pulse
is ideally positioned to release and market the film in house. In
addition to the commercial benefits, this release strategy also
gives value back to the modern fan base via a positive and focused
release plan involving live events, physical sales via an online
platform, DTO/DTR and television.
The UK Release: Spring
2012
To celebrate the launch of the film in the UK Pulse
partnered with Pledgemusic.com to launch a direct to consumer
release where a number of different product bundles are available
from standard to premium price points. Premium product will
include, amongst other things, the Forum live show as a bonus disc
and a limited run of signed and framed stills used in the film. The
film then screened in 58 cinemas nationwide on a one night only
release on the 27th March and
to promote the release of the retail DVD on general release at the
beginning of May, it is touring the O2 Academy venues in a series
of screenings for fans partnering with regional club nights.
Following this Pulse has arranged deals to exploit the DTO/DTR/SVOD
rights and is looking forward to a UK terrestrial broadcast late in
2012.
Self releasing in the UK has not only reaped
financial rewards but has also allowed us to remain in control of
the entire distribution process. It has allowed us complete control
on the costs and we have stayed in close contact with fans via
social media so have been able maintain conversations with the fans
base and react to any changes in mood.
International:
The documentary opened London's East End Film
Festival in April and has been on a highly successful tour of the
international film festival circuit, having screened at following
festivals: London East End Film Festival 2011, BFI LUFF London
2011, In-Edit Barcelona 2011, CHH:DOX 2011, Forum des Images Paris
2012. The film has been accepted to play at Ambulante Mexico City
2012, In Edit Chile 2012, Argentina - Buenos Aires Independent Film
Festival 2012.
Exposure on the international film festival
circuit has built interest in the world wide rights. Pulse have to
date partnered with like-minded distributors in North America,
France and Japan. We are working with a sales agent on all
available rights for the rest of the world.