134 Filmmakers and Financing independent filmmaker must function in a fluid environment. The small independent of today could be the Weinstein Company of tomorrow. It is also important to keep in mind that some companies specialize. For example, Eros Entertainment and Yash Raj Films spe- cialize in distributing films from India in the United States. Strand Releasing and Regent Releasing specialize in the distribution of gay- and lesbian-themed films. Interestingly, in 2008 Regent also made a point of expanding into foreign-language films. According to Regent co-founder Stephen Jarchow, "Gay and lesbian people represent one third of the audience that goes to foreign movies. They are three times more likely to go and see a foreign-language film." He also pointed out that a small independent distributor considers a film that generates $2 million to $3 million at the box office to be a success. Always look at how your potential distributor tends to dis- tribute a film. The larger producer-distributors, such as Lionsgate or the Weinstein Company, have the ability to put a film on 1,000 screens. Of course, that doesn't mean they will. On the other hand, some of the smaller companies prefer to put a film on only one to three theatrical screens as a prelude to a DVD deal. On the other hand, some filmmakers have found that, after being picked up at a festival, their contract didn't require a theatrical release. It is always important to have an attorney carefully read your contract. hoW it Works Watching an independent distributor bring a film to its audience is seeing a true master of multitasking at work. More than just a functionary for getting your picture out, the independent distrib- utor can perform one or more additional roles, including partici- pating in creative decisions and contributing to the film's financial resources. For most independent filmmakers, the independent dis- tributor is the only game in town and deserves an extensive look. Domestic versus Foreign The domestic territory generally comprises just the United States, but it might also be considered to include Canada and, many times, Puerto Rico and other Caribbean islands. Many of the indepen- dent distributors consider the United States and Canada to be one