Business of film distribution

Distribution deals are an important part of financing a film. The distribution company shows the movie screening to prospective buyers representing the theaters. In that regard, as part of understanding the entire process of production and distribution, it is important to understand how film distribution and film financing are linked. Filmmakers need to get a good, rocksolid understanding of how film distribution works. A presale is a limited distribution agreement for a particular country entered into prior to completion, and often even prior to commencement of production, of the film. Making a film is a business and you need to follow a process to make a profit for yourself and your film investors. Dont tear your hair out over things you cant control.

Search or browse our list of movie film distributors companies by category or location. The business of media distribution has been an invaluable part of our entertainment law program since its first publication. And your audience, if youre diying your film, needs to believe theyll be sufficiently entertained andor enlightened before theyll. A library of 4000 titles with films that have amassed. Movie film distributors companies in the united states manta. These films all compete for screens and inclusion in the most popular digital and cable outlets. Distribution is the process of making a product or service available for the consumer or business user who needs it. This is the distribution sector and its vital to the health of the whole film economy. Explore the intriguing world of film production and find out about the complexities of development, distribution and finance. While feature and episodic production are exploding, the world of distribution is in a major state of flux, and this book has been one of the most uptodate resources for me, as a practitioner, and for our entertainment. The branch including the theaters in which films are shown. We spoke to dozens of independent film distributors. Film distribution strategies to use when financing your movie. The final session is on distribution on april 9 from 5.

The middleman of the business, distribution includes that part of the industry that gets the movie from the studio to the theater. This is normally the task of a professional film distributor, who would determine the marketing strategy for the film, the media by which a film is to be exhibited or made available for viewing, and who may set the release date and other matters. As a result of internet film distribution and the inevitable demise of dvd retail distribution you can now reach a global marketplace. The development of excellent, lowcost cameras and postproduction software has resulted in an exponential increase in quality films. Many people in the industry have no idea how it works, but if youre a filmmaker you w. How will you bring your film to the attention of your target market. The film may be exhibited directly to the public either. Then, youll need to find a location where you can run your business.

A video production business plan suggests that your focus will be on video production. Most filmmakers make their shorts without much thought for distribution. Nordisk film distribution is the best film and series marketeer in the nordics. Independent filmmakers often use film festivals as an opportunity to get the attention of distributors. That said, its an unfortunate reality of the film business. The minimalist guide to writing a film business plan.

Film distribution strategies to use when financing your movie jun 5, 2017. There are several important stages before distribution of the movie. Manta has 390 companies under movie film distributors in the united states. Welcome to the adventure of making a successful film. Like other forms of entertainment, the film business is productdriven. Episode 10 of the film industry cover the basics of film distribution. The insiders guide to independent film distribution. From the team who released films including what we do in the shadows, hunt for the wilderpeople, american animals, the hero, we the animals, the overnight, birds of passage, cartel land, life, animated and the dawn wall.

Making a film is a creative exploit, but just like any other business, the aim is also to make money. How has movie marketing and distribution evolved over time. Distribution businesses for sale find a great selection of distribution business for sale listings on. How you want to focus effects how you want to phrase things. Because distribution is business, and distributors dont care if youve made the greatest indie film art film documentary of the past 20 years. We have dedicated, experienced local teams, a unique consumer data setup providing insights into the behavior, attitudes and beliefs of the nordic consumers, and we have unique digital marketing tools maximizing the effect of the marketing investments we make for our partners. The distribution company is usually different from the production company. Stacey has conducted extensive lectures and workshops on film distribution, finance and marketing for the british film institute, the american film market, the south australia film corporation, the national association of latino independent producers nalip, filmarc for filmpool nord, ucla, women in film, berlin film festival and the raindance. Once a distributor is interested in a film, the two parties. To keep your costs low, rent the smallest location you can, or. Please note that the distribution process well be covering is the standard. Identify the key decisions made in the distribution business process, and gain a greater understanding of how the uk film business operates. Usually, the distributor pays a flat rate, in the leasing model, or a percentage of the profits, in the profitsharing model. The process of film distribution is incredibly interesting and somewhat complex.

This course is aimed at anyone interested in the world of film and film distribution, but may be of particular interest to students and teachers of media and film studies. Distribution is the highly competitive business of launching and sustaining films in the market place. To start a distribution business, contact your local small business administration to help your company get licensed and registered. Best film business plan template sample, financials. It makes the process of figuring out how to get movies financed and released more challenging than it used to be. A film distributor is responsible for the marketing of a film. This article was excerpted from our wholesale business distribution startup guide, available from entrepreneur bookstore so you want to start a wholesale distributorship. Its a nice thought, but not a solid business strategy that you can control. The foundation for the following information comes from the business of media distribution by jeffery c.

The wholesale distribution industry is experiencing rapid change, where new business fundamentals are key to capitalizing on evolving challenges. But, if you want to follow this path, read up on some of the newest minor distributors. The distributor may set the release date of a film and the method by which a film is to be exhibited or made available for viewing. Fear not were going to break it down in very simple steps and terms. The film business plan template is a stepbystep guide enabling you to understand your film as a business proposition to film investors. It has been created with pinewood studios the leading provider of studio. Film distribution is the process of making a movie available for viewing by an audience. This can be done directly by the producer or service provider, or using indirect channels with distributors or intermediaries. The studio makes a licensing agreement with a distribution company.

The insiders guide to independent film distribution is a must for anyone who hopes to make and sell a film with good results. The distributor should decide which is more financially advantageous and work this out with the studio or producer. Staceys book was the one i kept, carried, and continue to. To turn the inflection point into an advantage, distributors should have a framework for action. Distribution or place is one of the four elements of the marketing mix. This makes the indie film business for filmmakers much more complex than ever. Distribution agreements in order to sell the right to distribute a film, a production company must enter into one or more acquisition and distribution agreements with a. Outtv film distribution outtv is covering the entire range of film and video exploitation. When it comes to writing your film business plan, relying on a distributor to pick up your film and pay you a gazillion dollars is like waiting for the tooth fairy. The buyers negotiate with the distribution company on which movies they wish to lease and the terms of the lease agreement. We walk you through the nuts and bolts of your project so you present the investment opportunity in the best light possible, without compromising your creativity. The wholesale distribution industry is at an inflection point of rapidly changing business fundamentals. There are so many books available for the independent filmmaker and producer.

The final piece of your short film business plan is your release strategy. Successful filmmakers and by that i mean filmmakers who successfully recoup their budget and repay investors, are the ones who develop a distribution strategy before they embark on the filmmaking process, and sometimes before they write the script. Our film distribution program was created with the understanding that the film business has changed dramatically. The film and media studies department is hosting a series of workshops to help guide prospective film makers. How to write a 4part film business plan that gets you funding. What they care about is if it will make them money. Getting your first feature film distributed and out to the world is a big step. Annapurna pictures wikipedia legendary entertainment wikipedia focus. How to create a production company business plan free. Agree on a distribution deal with the films producer or studio. I wish you the best of luck with your pursuit of film distribution.