Hello Caveh,

I agree with your gut on this one. Have a nice day.

I don't know who designed the poster for theatrical release, but that person is extremely talented. It tells you that the film is going to be sexy and clever.

The DVD cover makes your film look like soft porn or a B film.

I've been enjoying reading your blog but admittedly don't remember/know what you'd prefer instead of this cover. I'm curious though, to find out. I totally support the idea Sujewa suggested of communicating the comic and light aspects on the cover, and definitely agree that this version is misleading precisely because it leaves them out, which, as you seem to understandably be worried about, does not accurately represent the film in its entirety. Though I'm not sure I think a film--a changing, temporal, yet enduring, and sort of constantly-renewing-itself-during-spectation work of art, if you will--can be accurately represented in one shot/one poster or DVD cover. Although on the other hand, to be honest, I do think 'sex addict' could be represented more accurately...anyway, putting my own internal conflicts regarding representation aside, I'd like to know what's important for you about accurate representation of the film on the DVD cover and what, in particular would you like to see that you're not seeing, and/or what're you seeing that you'd prefer not to see in the current draft? (hope this helps at least a little)

Josh,
Thanks. I would just like it to express the essence of the film, whatever that is. I think it has to do with playfulness at the same time as grittiness.

I own a DVD store. I'd rent the fuck outta that DVD cover. Yes, it's got the nudity on the cover, but it also has all the markings of an "indie" film, (which should read "sexy, but intelligent").

Yes, it's got the sexy cover, but the tilted picture, the quote at the bottom and (of course) the IFC logo on the top tells me, (and will tell my customers) that it's something better than that.

I think its a double edge sword. My recommendation - let IFC put out the first run of DVDs. Then maybe later in the game you can put out your own version (special edition) - for your true fans. Its not also about selling DVDs. Its about selling DVDs to a wider unknown never heard of Caveh before audience. IFC does know the DVD game. I understand to a filmmaker everything means something. Everything is apart of the original concept of the movie. But the the DVD audience doesn't care. They just want the front of the DVD to catch their attention. Getting people to watch your DVD is apart of the game. Yes its not all morally sound but sometimes being a filmmaker means sneaking through the door right under people's noses.

Hey Caveh. I think the cover is okay but it loses most of the humor of your film. I always liked the original poster-- that made me want to see your film.

Take care-
Usama

Caveh, you must fight for this. if you would like i would be willing to write to IFC. IFC should be for the filmmakers. if not them, who? I, as a customer, expect an IFC dvd to be "director approved". I am not exaggerating when i say this is an outrage. the cover is very important. you are clearly right on this topic. i am willing, as a consumer/dvd lover/fan, to fight with you.