Nothing about the creation of the veteran-made zombie-comedy film "Range 15" has followed the traditional Hollywood script. The movie's nationwide distribution won't be any different.
Thanks to a partnership with movie distributor Tugg, the crowd-funded feature from the minds behind apparel-makers Ranger Up and Article 15 Clothing could be screened in hundreds of theaters June 15. But don't make your popcorn plans just yet.
Unlike traditional distribution houses, Tugg relies on ticket pre-orders to determine which theaters will show which movies. The "Range 15" website lists about 250 scheduled screenings for the film on opening night, but those will only take place if enough tickets are sold by June 8 to meet Tugg's pre-set threshold. If the number isn't met, customers aren't charged.
That might not last long, as both the filmmakers and the distributor have expressed gratitude for the massive fan interest so far.
Other potential perks to this type of distribution deal include the chance for fans to schedule their own screening if one isn't available nearby, and earn money as a promoter (depending on ticket sales). It also allows for an open-ended theater run for the movie — as long as demand warrants the screenings continue.
"They know their audience, and they have a way of reaching their audience," he said. "Why not keep the power in their hands and democratize the distribution? That's how the conversation began."
For fans thinking about hosting a screening, Parsons suggests scheduling a weekday evening or matinee showing. Doing so will lower the ticket threshold required to show the movie, he said, and will avoid potential conflicts with summer blockbusters that could limit theater access.
From viral videos to Hollywood
Ranger Up founder and "Range 15" producer/star Nick Palmisciano joined Article 15 boss and fellow producer/star Mat Best to announce the deal in a not-safe-for-work Facebook video, similar in tone to the web-only productions seen by millions of followers of both companies.
Along with a main cast familiar to fans of Ranger Up and Article 15's online escapades, the feature will star William Shatner, Danny Trejo, Sean Astin and other Hollywood notables, as well as MMA legend Randy Couture, UFC fighter and Texas Army National Guardsman Tim Kennedy, Medal of Honor recipients Leroy Petry and Clint Romesha, and "Lone Survior" Marcus Luttrell.
Not every "Range 15" fan will have to wait until June 15 to see the final version. Some backers of the Indiegogo campaign will receive advance digital copies of the film as thanks for their donation, and advance screenings near Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and Fort Hood, Texas, are set for next month.
The film's official world premiere takes place May 27 as part of the GI Film Festival in Washington, D.C. Tickets for that red-carpet event, with an after-party and a scheduled appearance by Trejo, cost $120 each, about 10 times the cost of a ticket to a regular screening.
Kevin Lilley is the features editor of Military Times.
