We love K & R · @DrownInIt
9th Nov 2010 from Twitlonger
Just catching up on #WTTR update (via altfilmguide)-
Just like TR could not be laid at the feet of Kristen *fans*, neither can Rileys.
Reality 1- it is a tough marketplace for independent films. Tougher for indies that go out theatrically. Tougher for indies that don't have a clear logline, clear narrative and/or are a tough sell.
Reality 2- WTTR was not a studio indie. It didn't even go out through a mini major like LGF or TWC. 127 Hours and NLMG are ridiculous comparisons, they went out via studio. Sony put up money for P&A for WTTR, they did not release the film.
Reality 3- Goldwyn didn't do anything to position it. TYH didn't do much for them (despite IMO being a really quality film) and another kind of sad, small cast character study didn't inspire them. It hurt that advertising was more expensive because of the election.
Reality 4- The film got very mixed reviews. Pretty much all critics agreed that the best thing about it was the performances and for some, that wasn't enough to sell them on it.
Reality 5- the internet, while a nice sampling, is not a good indication of where real dollars come from. People online are rabid (us included) in their support and exaggerate general interest. Viral campaigns only work if they start to reach people not online. We all love talking to each other, but very, very few of us were in the position to extend #WTTR marketing beyond the already existent online fanbase.
Reality 6- PayTV and VOD have inhibited indie theatrical release considerably. If you live in a major city, why go to the theater when you can see a variety of relatively new (or brand new in some cases) smaller indies on your TV at home? Only if you've been given reason ie; critical acclaim or word of mouth.
Kristen's fanbase was not and should not have been part of the discussion of the film's success. It would have been a nice bump, but WTTR needed adult urbanites who go to the theaters on any given weekend to show up and for any one of the reasons above, they didn't.
It is a good movie and it will be seen but so much of its potential was out of the control of any one entity (fans def included.)
The movie will likely do well on DVD and VOD and make some real money via those platforms.