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| WOLFE |
For the past 30 years, the Queer Film mail-order market has changed, and no other company has changed in for the times and had a major contribution to change in the LGBT Community, has been Wolfe Video and its founder, Kathy Wolfe.
Kathy began Wolfe Video as a small mail order distribution outlet serving a largely untapped audience of lesbians and gay men eager for films that spoke to their own lives. Now active in both the film distribution and releasing arenas, Wolfe enjoys a strong presence in the marketplace as the most successful distributor of independent, studio-produced and “self-authored” gay and lesbian themed film, video and DVD products. Kathy has been honored by the National Organization for Women as a recipient of its “Excellence in Media Award,” by Forbes Magazine as an “Up and Comer,” and by The Advocate as a “Hollywood Star Player.” In her spare time, Kathy is an avid restorer of historic buildings; an adventurous traveler; and a collector of almost everything.I was delighted to chat with this true Pioneer this past week!
MK SCOTT: Kathy, Congrats it has been 30 years of Wolfe Video! How has Queer Cinema changed in 30 yrs?
KATHY WOLFE: Everything has changed.
Content: Early narratives were heavy on the traumas of coming out. Today our stories are typically beyond that, more complex and original. Also we are more willing to tell the stories of our flaws, without feeing like we always have to prove something.
Formats: We have gone from VHS to DVD to Blu ray to streaming. What a ride!
Outlets: Wolfe has been on the forefront of mainstream distribution. Our contributions to Netflix, Amazon, iTunes and many others has been substantial. We created the LGBT section for HULU and proudly offer hundreds of films on our global platform, WolfeOnDemand.com.
Audience: 30 years adds even more generations to our fan base, and technology has taken us worldwide. We could not be happier to be considered "Our trusted community resource since 1985".
SCOTT: Wolfe has become a major distributor in DVD market (over 150 films) , even surpassing TLA and Breaking Pictures. Most of my Directors I know, give you credit. What is your Secret?
WOLFE: There is no secret. Nothing replaces hard work, a dedicated and loyal staff, keeping up with technology, and acquiring movies our customer base will support, which is the most important. Our audience knows that watching films for free via pirate sites only serves to inhibit our ability to support our filmmakers.
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| WOLFE |
WOLFE: Wolfe along with two other companies did an Indie Go Go campaign to raise money for the non-profit, "Freedom to Marry" organization. To my knowledge, this is the first time that "for profit LGBT companies" used their mailing lists and broad access with a social media platform to support a non profit. We are extremely proud of our many actions over the 30 years that supported the changes we enjoy today.
SCOTT: Where do you think is the next issue and hurdle we need to continue the fight?
WOLFE: Well, each of us may have our own idea of the fight. For Wolfe, we are extremely concerned about Internet piracy. We can never take for granted that we will still have quality movies if we do not financially support our filmmakers.
SCOTT: Besides being cutting edge, I hear you have a passion for restoring Historic Homes?
WOLFE: I do enjoy historic projects. The Wolfe offices include an 1854 Adobe building, formally the Wells Fargo stage coach stop, within the National Historic area called New Almaden, California.
SCOTT: Finally, you already added the streaming service - how soon in your opinion will dvds be obsolete?
WOLFE: I'm sure you realize that all LGBT movies on major streaming sites come and go. If there is a movie you would like to see again, owning the DVD is not a bad way to go. Many of our customers have never stopped ordering DVDs.
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