Re: Giving name of requestor to distrib/producer?

Appalshop@aol.com
Thu, 13 Nov 1997 10:46:42 -0500 (EST)

In regard to the question asked -- Why does Appalshop want to know who
prompted the order. Appalshop only produces documentary film and video and
is very selective about the work it produces. Our goal is to produce film
and video that we feel may have, or make, an impact on the world as a whole.
As many of you already know Appalshop is a non-profit organization and
funding for documentary productions are becoming more and more scarce. It
is helpful for us in making decisions for new releases to know how our work
is used, even in the classroom. We ask everyone who places an order with us,
irregardless of professor, community group, church, individual, etc. how the
video or film will be used, the prompter of the order, the department, and if
possible, how that work will, or may, be used. FYI 90% of Appalshop's film &
video college and university purchases are prompted by a professor for a
specific class.

Refer to the article about Appalshop in November '97 The Independent Film &
Video Monthly. One part of my interview that was cut was my comment, "We'd
give our work away, instead of selling it, if we could figure out how to
obtain funding for give-away programs." We do receive small grants
(occasionally) to give tapes to groups who ordinarily cannot afford them.

We understand the protection (or territory) of the library or media center.
We know that the library or media center is usually the purchaser and the
receiver, and we know that that the library and media center is where the
video is usually housed, etc. If the "library purchasing agent" is not
comfortable "or is forbidden" to give us the information of who prompted the
order, or which class it may be used (after we explain how and why we use the
information) we understand. We consider users or buyers of our work "our
friends." If we have bothered, or offended anyone, we apologize.

I welcome your comments.

Carolyn H. Sturgill, Appalshop Film & Video Distributor, 306 Madison Street,
Whitesburg, KY 41858 Phone 606-633-0108; FAX 633-1009; e-mail:
appalshop@aol.com.