The Insider's Guide to Independent Film Distribution, 2nd Edition

Book description

Innovation in technology means that almost anyone can make an independent film these days. Although this may be good news for aspiring filmmakers, it also means that the oversupply of independent films on the market has caused acquisition prices to dramatically decrease. As a result, producers and investors rarely recover their initial investment in the films they make. But don't be discouraged! Use this book to learn the realities of the market in advance and map out a winning distribution plan.

This comprehensive manual for filmmakers and producers dedicated to film distribution and the marketplace could mean the difference between getting your film out to the public and keeping it "in the can.” Learn how to sell your movie to a studio, a cable network, a video distributor, or an international buyer. Self-distribution and other alternatives to traditional distribution are also considered. In addition, you'll hear some success stories from producers and hear exactly what buyers are seeking.

Stacey Parks has worked with hundreds of hungry filmmakers to get their films a distribution deal and knows how frustrating the whole process can be. Let her show you how you can take control of your filmmaking career and start getting your work seen by audiences with a few little-known distribution secrets.

Features include:
. Interviews and case studies with producers and distributors
. Ten ways to market your film for self-distribution
. Sales projections per territory
. Distribution resources listings
. Negotiation tips for distribution agreements
. Sample distribution agreements
. What you must know to get your independent film distributed
. Written by a distributor who knows the process inside and out
. Interviews with buyers and acquisitions executives from every sector of the business on what kinds of films they look for, what they're sick of seeing, and how their acquisitions processes work
. Website features sample distribution agreements, budgets, and more!

New to this edition:
. Completely updated for modern distribution practices (broadcast, DVD, VOD, and other kinds of distribution deals)
. New coverage on crowd-funding, social media, film marketing, and deal memos
. Get the best inside distribution secrets from brand new interviews with an international cast of directors, producers, and distribution experts who share their experiences
. Companion website features helpful downloadable forms and templates, sample distribution memos, and a great resource section

Table of contents

  1. Cover
  2. Halftitle
  3. Title
  4. Copyrights
  5. Contents
  6. Preface
  7. Acknowledgments
  8. About the Author
  9. Chapter 1 A recent history of distribution
    1. The current state of the market: a reality check
    2. Why the disappearance of distribution advances?
    3. So now what do you do?
    4. Additional resources
  10. Chapter 2 Before you start production: getting a leg up on distribution
    1. Target your audience
    2. Get in touch with the market
    3. Cast for distribution
    4. Create your initial campaign and aggregate your audience
    5. Build your marketing team
    6. Additional resources
  11. Chapter 3 Financing strategies for distribution
    1. Traditional financing sources
    2. Nontraditional financing sources
    3. Budgeting for distribution
    4. Additional resources
  12. Chapter 4 Production and post geared toward distribution
    1. Shooting format
    2. The importance of stills
    3. Audience building and buzz building during production
    4. Postproduction with an eye toward distribution
    5. Don’t forget to get objective third-party feedback
    6. Licensing stock footage
    7. Building your press kit
    8. Additional resources
  13. Chapter 5 It’s in the can. Now what?
    1. The three paths to distribution
    2. Applying to film festivals: your film festival strategy
    3. Platform theatrical release
    4. Finding producer reps and sales agents
    5. Navigating international film markets
    6. Some do’s and don’ts when attending a film market
    7. Should I have a distributor screening for my film?
    8. Additional resources
  14. Chapter 6 Getting a distribution deal and what to expect
    1. The five types of distribution
    2. Approaching traditional distributors yourself
    3. Splitting your rights
    4. Additional resources
  15. Chapter 7 After the distribution deal
    1. When will I get paid? Distribution cash flow
    2. Your distribution marketing campaign
    3. Additional resources
  16. Appendix A: Anatomy of a Distribution Agreement
  17. Appendix B: Sample U.S. Distribution Contract
  18. Appendix C: Sample Digital Sales Agreement
  19. Appendix D: Sample VOD Deliverables List
  20. Appendix E: Sample Distribution Agreement
  21. Appendix F: Sample Self-Theatrical Release Budget
  22. Appendix G: Sample Deliverables Budget
  23. Appendix H: Film Festivals
  24. Index

Product information

  • Title: The Insider's Guide to Independent Film Distribution, 2nd Edition
  • Author(s): Stacey Parks
  • Release date: November 2012
  • Publisher(s): Routledge
  • ISBN: 9781136066450