Season 1 DVD for $12?
Bismillah ar-Rahmaan ar-Raheem,
After reading the comments and emails, I thinking about putting all 10 episodes on one DVD (high quality format), so the videos won't be just limited to viewers with Internet access. Some viewers have requested that I put the videos on DVD so they can show it in presentations, conferences, get togethers, etc...
I'm thinking of doing a short run of DVD's. The only drawback is that whenever you do short runs, they cost much more per DVD. The basic rule of thumb is that the more you make, the cheaper it is. I'm thinking of a short run of 50.
I did a quick search on an Islamic website to see how much it costs for an average DVD. I noticed that some of these Islamic DVD's are quite expensive? Is everyone doing short runs? Uh...I don't think so. So I would guess they charge more because they figure the customer will buy one and make copies to everyone they know, which reduced potential sales. Some DVDs are like $26 on sale?? hello?? That's sounds way too expensive to me. Personally, I think Islamic DVD prices should be less expensive so people are more likely to buy them and if they are very reasonable, they are less likely to copy them like crazy.
How does $12 sound for Season 1 on DVD?
If I put the Season 1 on DVD, I want to sell it at a reasonable price InshAllah but I don't want to sell it at a price so that I'm always in negative. (know what I'm saying??). The only drawback is that I can't add any more episodes or footage because I have too many things on my plate right now. So what would be on the DVD is the 10 episodes in a high quality format.
Anyways, I have no idea how many people would be interested in purchasing a DVD so I decided to put up this post to find out. So if you are interested, please let me know via email or via the comment of this post.
Comments are always appreciated.
JazakAllah khair
posted by Baba Ali @ 5:24 PM
52 comments
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52 Comments:
sounds good, I just have a remarks.
are these videos subtitles-enabled for those who don't speak English as their native language?
did you make an introduction video to explain your purpose from these videos? if not I think that it is essential.
of course you have made menus for the DVDs, right?
let me know if you need any help ;)
oh yeah and if you are interested, my friend can produce these DVDs for you for a very cheap price (less than 2 bucks).
tested and with labels printed on the DVDs and their cases.
Salaam Alaikum bro,
AMAZING stuff you have here. I work for Sound Vision and I'd like to say that our Adam's World DVD's are very competitively priced at $19.95 (cheaper if you buy 'em at our Canadian store) :)
But you are definitely right, DVD's with Islamic content are far more expensive than any other media - and this is in large part (but not completely) because the very concentrated market for these DVD's and on top of that there is a lot of pirating going on unfortunately.
Perhaps you can do a video blog on that? ;-)
Again, May Allah reward you -- keep up the excellent work my friend.
assalamu alaikum,
i would buy it, i think up to about $15 is reasonable.
thanks for the comments so far.
the issue is time because for the next few months, my schedule is crazy. I would like to put an intro up but the issue is time. If I had free time, I would be making more video blogs.
as in regards of getting them done where you are (canada if I remember correctly), they will be a import tax (if I'm not mistaken), shipping to Los Angeles expenses, and time factor of shipping. Keep in mind that I'm only thinking of 50 copies at the current time.
I found a local place for printing. Let me see what he says InshAllah.
As in regards of Adam's world, that is the price the brother told me, I should I have check it first before I made the post, so I'm going to edit the post now.
i don't know ali if making it into dvd and selling them is a good idea. Everyone has watched it on the net. those who havn't will be told by their friends to check it online. If you can get the cd's cheaper aim for 25 cds (that's if you really want to)Because like you said only private organizations will buy them. Also a lot of muslims will faint by looking at teh shipping and handling fees. If there is more demand then do another 25
P.s the t-shirt is a good idea and is something muslims woin't mind giving a little extra money too. people willl know that the people who are wearing the ummahdfilms t-shirts are supporting something by Wearing it and showing it puublicly. HEY where can i get mecca2madinah t-shirt? i saw the interview...
(just go easy with the dvds. i don't want you to go in loss)
As-salaamu `alaikum,
What Brother Firas suggested is what I have told Baba Ali to do for a while now. It's great to have like a brief intro to the videos done by members of Ummah Films, explaining BRIEFLY the purpose behind creating UF, doing the blogs and future plans insha Allah.
We might do it insha Allah, but we can't promise anything.
While many people have seen the blogs in the Internet, it is still a good idea to have them on DVD for several reasons.
1. One, we have something tangible, professional and presentable to people. People can watch all the videos on a DVD without having Internet access.
2. Classes can watch the videos without having to crowd around a computer monitor.
There are many other benefits of having a DVD, but I think that the viewing it with friends, family or even in a classroom setting is much more convenient when you have a DVD as opposed to just Internet.
That's why I believe we need to add a feature (like I mentioned about the intro video) to make it more professional.
Asalaamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Baraakatu,
I think they would make great eid presents!!!! and since Ramadan is coming up hey...... I think subtitles would be col but everything doesnt sound so great when its translated into another language! I would deff buy one and everyone does not have access to the internet
Even at $25 I would buy it...
Here is what is invovled with each video: I usually spend the first part of the week coming up with the clip idea and putting together pieces of info that I would like to include on that subject. By the end of the week, I have notes on what I want to do and start filming it (which takes about 1 hour). I actually memorize pieces of the script, and then film it (if you notice, things are not really read). I think listening to someone reading something can become really boring really fast. Anyways, the editing part of each video takes a lot of time (between 4 to 5 hours) because of the numbers of cuts.
Although Mahdi keeps asking me about adding an extra clip to the DVD, he hasn't been able to grasp the amount of time that is involved to make each video. I tried explaining it but maybe I'm not communicating correctly..lol. Recently, some family obligations have come up that I must take care so that is going to keep me busy until Ramadan. Of course, Ramadan is the best time of the year so there are many things going on during that month so my goal is to start Season 2 near November InshAllah.
Nevertheless, it wasn't my idea for the DVD, the suggestion actually came from the numerous emails from viewers that I received. My priority isn't to make this thing into a business, the dawah aspect of it is much more precious to me that a few dollars made from a DVD sale.
This is why I try to put reasonable prices and not one penny of the profit goes into my pocket. If there is any profit made from these DVDs, I want it to goto making future films for Ummah Films InshAllah
Finally, I'm aiming at selling the DVD for about $12. I have yet to find any Islamic DVDs on the web for that price just like I have yet to find any Muslim Long Sleeve shirts on the web for $10. A businessman can tell me that if I raise my prices, I can still sell the products but my goal isn't the money. I would rather make it affordable so the majority of the viewers can afford it InshAllah. At the same time, many products require a minimum order and you have sell a certain amount until you break even. I don't want to go into negative with each product so when I come with a price, I keep all the above variables in consideration.
i think if u donate a portion of the recieved money to a muslim charity of some sort buying the dvd might apeal to more ppl.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Assalamualaikum Brothers,
Do it...just go for it. Do a short run first, see the response and then if it goes like hot cakes, make a bit more, inshahallah.
=)
Wasalam,
Suraya
i hope you continue with the t-shirts. There is a big demand coming up soon insha'allah.
i hope you have A LOT!
P.s is it safe to give out credit card number for the t-shirts? if you say yes i'll trust you.
aslamu aleikum,
the idea of the DVD is an awesome idea just the ten videos would be great.
Hassan Sultan
please don't post your credit card number(its not safe). Legally, you have to enter the credit card number yourself when you goto the purchasing screen.
Just click on the t-shirt on the main page of the blog InshAllah. Shipping is one flat rate no matter how many items you purchase i.e. t-shrirts, glow in the dark MUSLIM wristbands, or the Mecca to Medina game.
inshaAllah I'd be interested in buying it.
I'll wait till someone puts it on a torrent....jk, i'll buy it! hahahah
i think its a great idea but aim for a cheaper price bro. Many people have seen it online and thus they may not purchase it but it is a great gift idea and for presentations and lectures etc.
jazak allah khair for all ur efforts
Assalammualaikum brother..
I'm a Muslim from Malaysia now studying in Adelaide. I put one of your video from Youtube in my blog to promote people to watch your video. I think it can be used as a source of dakwah to fellow Muslims in Adelaide... Especially to my fellow Malaysians. It can be a wakeup call for them to realize that we (Muslim) are distracted and need to realize that they must have better understanding of their religion. This, I hope can make them more closer to Allah swt (after their realize about we are problematic right now, change our lifestyle etc. in order to get the rahmah from Allah swt)...
Insya Allah, may Allah bless you.
assalamu walaikom Brother,
I'm a friend of A'ishah's and I would love to buy the dvds, insha'allah. It's a good idea.
Ma3a Salam.
dude...are you kidding me??? only 50 DVD's with over 150 000 viewers, i think you'll sell them all quickly inshallah ... plus the cover of the DVD case looks hot... and so professional ... why don't you get people to place an order... ahem "me!!" and then you can adjust the numbers of people willing to buy DVDs accordingly... just 1 question, is that 12$ US??
cause i live in australia...so i was wondering if i had to do some adjustment to figure out how much that is in Australian dollars
you know what i'm saying?
looolz ... sorry that is just so funny... it's an iconic phrase...
just reminding you, case you forgot ;-) :P
~~lucky~~
sorry about that verbose response... that's a yes from me!
just out of curiosity if you found islam over again, then shouldn't u call urself a REVERT... since in islam we believe that before you are born we make an oath to Allah(SWT). HMM but these are the best clips ever... my younger brother watches then too and he is only 12 and has already changed into a better muslim... thank you!!
Asalamalaykom,
I like the idea of DVDs. If you are going to present UmmahFilms as legit, then you need a product in hand and numbers of PAYING viewers.
I do like making the DVD more of an experience: subtitles in all the major languages. THAT is doing some serious dawah. You know what I'm saying? And go ahead and put on how to say "shahaddah" and how to do the prayer. Why not?
And, Brother Ali, this plumping up of the DVD doesn't have to fall to you. Maybe if every falls to you, it is going to fall apart.
I also like the idea of giving some proceeds to charity. What about $15 price with $3 of every sale going to Islamic Relief?
Lastly, what if you licensed the DVD to be printed and distributed in different corners of the globe so that you cut down on shipping costs?
I would love to buy one inshallah!
The number of DVDs (50) will be most likely to see how well we do. Many people, including myself have predicted that these 50 DVDs will sell out in no time due to its popularity.
We might insha Allah make more DVDs in the future, especially since demand is so high. But for now, since we basically have NO BUDGET, we will make 50 for now. If we had a budget, then we can much more with no problem.
So bear with us folks and continue to support Ummah Films!
I would love to have season one on DVD inshallah you are able to make it work. Salamun aleikum brother
-->Mayameen
It would be great to get an Audio version on CD for the commute to work!
I'd be willing to be one too, it sounds like a reasonable price to me.
i would definately buy one....possibly more then one so i can give sum to friends as a gift or so...keep it up bro
That sounds good, it would be okay to play them at events etc right?
Hey this DVD idea sounds greeeeat! only problem is I live in England...r u only targeting your American viewers??? i don't mind paying a little extra for shipping etc...
i think thats a fantastic idea .. if it werent for the postal costs to da UK then i would so buy it .. lol
but seriously, hectic idea! i know peeps in the U.S who wud deffo buy it .. i'll let em know
salaam
i would like to buy one, and i think $12 is reasonable.
I'm almost done making the DVD menu. So far, I have set it up so it plays in different regions of the world. Many DVDs are limited to certain regions but this DVD SHOULD play on DVD players from any region InshAllah.
I have decided to donate 20% of the profit from these DVDs directly to Muslim orphans InshAllah. The remaining profit will go to fund future Ummah Films projects InshAllah. Thus, not one penny from the profit goes to me or anyone from UF.
The DVDs are not limited to US residents but rather they will be shipped worldwide InshAllah.
JazakAllah khair
your brother in Islam,
Ali
Assalam alaikum Br. Ali,
Your DVD is a great idea, maybe as a gift for non-Muslims.
BTW, I want to say May Allah reward you. For long time, I've thinking about podcasting some audio shows... but kept postponing.
Your UF, really inspired my partners and I to get our site out, even if it's still work in progress.
Please check out
http://www.livinghalal.com
and hope to hear your valuable feedbacks.
Wa Jazakum Allahu khairan
people please follow this important link to watch this awesome video i found its not that long.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntAV0xFyG_I
That's cheap.
Anonymous sound vision worker - THOSE VIDEOS that last like 20 minutes ARE TOO EXPENSIVE. Seriously, ittaqillaah. Tell the people to lower the prices cuase they aren't even long.
Things like that (the shortness) can be found for 6 bucks at most in kuffar stores.
Assalam ualaykum
I am the PA Sub-Regional Cordinator for Young Muslims (www.ymsite.com) we may be able to work together to sell these at the YM booths at ISNA and ICNA convention as well as on our website. Email me at samiabdulaziz@gmail.com
ws
Sami Aziz
Salaam Brother Ali
Im from the UK and I would definatly buy a DVD. Great first season. Hope there are many more like that to come.
peace,
Well, I got a shirt, so I'd def get the DVD. I don't have enough muslim dvd's, and besides, it'd be nice to watch w/o an internet connection.
that's my $.02.
peace
TwennyTwo
I would buy it insha Allah, Masha Allah it's a great thing that you're doing. I pray that all the muslims can join and be good for the cause of Allah.
Assalamualaykum Warahmatullah
Yup, I think it'd be a great idea to put it onto DVD. I would certainly buy it ... infact, I'm waiting to :-)
Jazakallah Khairun for all the hard work you've put into this. May Allah keep your intentions pure and make you a means of guidance for the youth. Aameen.
Fee amaanillah,
Wassalaam
Asslamu alaikum and jazak Allah khair... I would definitely buy a copy of the DVD and maybe some for friends.
Salam.
ali,
is there anything wrong with me buying 1 dvd and making several copies for friends that want them?
I have no problem if you want to do that. This DVD is made for dawah, not for business. No one from Ummah Films, including myself, makes anything from it. The way I benefit from it is the reward InshAllah so as long as people can benefit from the message, then I can benefit from it.
So if you want to make copies for your friends, its cool with me. Just please let others know to support Ummah Films by buying a DVD so we can make more projects InshAllah. Our resources are limited so if the viewers like what we are doing, they can support future projects by buying DVD's InshAllah. Per my message in my last post, if we never get an opportunity to make a future project, the money will be donated to either Muslim orphans or the poor InshAllah.
If you have any questions, please email me ali@ummahfilms.com
The DVD is now for sale. I'm offereing a special discount for the first 50 DVD's sold. Since I posted it last night, 32 DVD are already gone! (that leaves us with 28 DVDs left)
Please check out the latest post on www.ummahfilms.com
(if you don't see it, please refresh your screen by pressing the F5 key InshAllah)
If you want to get the DVD, just click on the "ORDER NOW" button. Shipping is a flat rate no matter how many you order so if you know someone that can benefit from the reminders, it would be best to purchase all your DVD's in one order than than spliting it up and paying for shipping twice.
More details about the DVD are in the latest post.
JazakAllah khair
your brother in Islam,
Ali
salaam
jus to say brova Ali tonite was the first tym i watched all your episodes on the net and mashallah i was so amazed!!!! it made my day1!!! i fink puttin it out on vid and dvd is an exellent idea alhamdulillah...keep goin brv wasalaam a sis in islam....
I've watched ur 10 episodes with my mom, dad grandparents, sisters, my finacee and my laws. The whole family loves it, and we CANNOT wait for more. I would buy anything u made!
Salamu Alaikum,
The idea of Dvd's are excellent, and so are the Ummah Flims shirts. I would definitely by some Inshallah. Where can I buy UF shirts though (that is, if there is any..)
JazakAllah Khair,
your sis in Islam
only $12 i would buy a few of them for gifts
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