As the window between a film’s theatrical opening and when it’s eventually available on home video for rent or purchase (DVD, VOD, SVOD, Blu-ray, etc) continues to shorten, some distribution companies are going one step further by releasing their films in theaters and on home video platforms around the same time – a matter of a week or two, while the film is still in theaters, or day-and-date distribution, as in releasing the film in theaters and on home video on the same day. This is typically done by the smaller, indie distribution companies who aren’t able to open their films on thousands, or even hundreds of screens around the country. A theatrical opening in a small handful of major markets, typically New York and Los Angeles to start, is the norm for these companies. At times, the film might open in just one of those cities. Wider theatrical distribution can be a resource-drain, and unless you’re one of the bigger players in the game, with seemingly bottomless bank accounts, you make the most of what’s available to you; and that includes embracing existing technologies to ensure that your film reaches as wide an audience as possible, as quickly as possible.

Such is the case for these 3 features – all recently released theatrically, but not wide enough to reach every interested audience in the USA. For example, “Morris From America” (distributed by A24) thus far has been released in 9 theaters – its widest reach. And “The Land” (distributed by IFC) has been in as many as 15 theaters in the USA (also its widest).




And while all 3 films continue their theatrical runs, those who are interested in seeing them, but don’t live in cities in which they are screening theatrically, should know that you can watch these films in the comfort of your own homes, on a couple of different platforms – primarily VOD and Digital HD download, for costs that range between $4.99 for a rental and $9.99 to buy outright. Both iTunes and Amazon Video carry all 3 films, so you’re just a few clicks away from streaming or downloading them via whatever method you prefer, like set-top boxes (Roku or Apple TV for example) allowing for seamless viewing on your TV screen; or on your computer, or mobile devices.

So take advantage of their availability if any of these films is on your to-see list.

First, the documentary “Floyd Norman – An Animated Life” – an intimate journey through the celebrated life and career of the legendary animator Floyd Norman, the first African American animator at Disney.

Directed by Michael Fiore and Erik Sharkey, the crowd-pleaser recently won the award for Best documentary at the 2016 San Diego Comic-Con.

Born in 1935 in Santa Barbara, Noman’s love of animation first came when his mother took him to see Disney’s “Bambi” and “Dumbo.” And by the time he was a high schooler, he knew his goal was to be an animator at Disney studios.

After graduation, the brief version of his story goes like this… With the help of a friend Norman got an appointment at Disney and he walked into Disney studios, portfolio in hand, for an interview. But instead of getting a job, he was told to go to school, which Norman said later was the best advice anyone had ever given him. He entered the Art Center College of Design, and two years later, he got a call to go work for Disney. He dropped out of school and started working at the studio the following Monday. He worked on various features, including “Sleeping Beauty,” “The Sword in the Stone,” “The Jungle Book,” and several short subjects. He left Disney after Walt died in 1966, and with Ron Sullivan, formed AfroKids Animation SStudio. Among the other things they created was the first Fat Albert television special, which aired in 1969 on NBC (the later more well known Fat Albert TV series was made by Filmation Associates and not AfroKids). But starting in the early 1970s, Norman returned to Disney to work on projects like “Robin Hood.”

More recently, he has worked on motion pictures for Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios as well, as a story artist on “Toy Story 2,” “Monsters, Inc.,” “Mulan,” “Dinosaur” and “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.” He continues to work for Disney as a freelance consultant on various projects.

For the longer version of Norman’s story, you’ll have to watch the documentary on his life, “Floyd Norman – An Animated Life.” You’re invited to take an intimate journey through the life and career of a man known as the Forrest Gump of the animation industry – Floyd Norman. At 80 years old, see how this Disney legend continues to impact animation and stir up his own brand of trouble.

Check out a clip and trailer below, and click to page 2 at the bottom for details on the second film:

Continue to page 2 at the link…

Second, “Morris From America” – a hit at this year’s Sundance Film Festival (also a winner of the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award, and its star, Craig Robinson, a recipient of the Special Jury Award for Acting for his touching and nuanced performance in his first dramatic role) – centers on Morris Gentry (Markees Christmas, in a breakout performance), a 13-year-old who has just relocated with his single father, Curtis (Robinson) to Heidelberg, Germany. Morris, who fancies himself the next Notorious B.I.G., is a fish-out-of-water – a budding hip-hop star in an EDM (electronic dance music) world. To complicate matters further, Morris quickly falls hard for his cool, rebellious, 15-year-old classmate Katrin (Lina Keller). Morris sets out against all odds to take the hip-hop world by storm and win the girl of his dreams.

Written and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Chad Hartigan (“This Is Martin Bonner”), “Morris From America” is a delightfully original take on growing up, following your dreams, and finding your voice.

The film features an extensive soundtrack of hip-hop standards, including Craig Mack’s “Flava in Ya Ear,” Notorious B.I.G.’s “Juicy,” Jeru the Damaja’s “Come Clean,” and, featured in the trailer, “Nobody Speak” by DJ Shadow (feat. Run the Jewels).

Watch 4 clips from the film and the trailer below; and click to page 3 for details on the 3rd film:

And here’s the trailer:

Continue to page 3 at the link…

And finally, writer/director Steven Caple Jr.’s dramatic feature “The Land,” also made its World Premiere at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. “The Land” follows 4 teenage boys who devote their summer to pursuing their dreams of becoming professional skateboarders, but when they get caught in the web of the local queenpin, their brotherhood is tested, disrupting their summer plans, and potentially more.

The film’s cast includes Jorge Lendeborg Jr., Moises Arias, Rafi Gavron, Ezri Walker, Erykah Badu, and Michael K. Williams.

“With his film The Land, Steven Caple Jr. continues Sundance Selects and IFC Films’ long history of bringing the best of first time filmmakers to the big screen. ‘The Land’ is an authentic and heartfelt drama and we’re delighted to be working with Steven on his amazingly touching debut feature,” said Jonathan Sehring, president of Sundance Selects/IFC Films, after the acquisition.

Lizzie Friedman, Karen Lauder, Greg Little, Tyler Davidson, Stephen “Dr” Love and Blake Pickens produced the film, which was executive produced by Charles D. King.

Nasir “Nas” Jones curated the film’s soundtrack, and also executive produced the project.

Check out the film’s release trailer below: