The Insider's Guide to Independent Film Distribution

I. Introduction II. State of the Market: A Reality Check Add a brief history of film distribution Add interview with Dylan Leiner of Sony Pictures Classics (or comparable source) on how the U.S theatrical market has changed over the last 5-10 years. III. Before you start Production: Getting a leg-up on Distribution a. Getting in touch with the market: Doing Market Research b. The importance of genre and format c. Casting for distribution d. Financing options - to include domestic and foreign pre-sales, private investors, completing a business plan, etc. Add interview with Packaging agent from William Morris Agency Suggested Exercises: (will add in 3-5 suggested exercises to appeal to academic market) IV. Production Geared Towards Distribution a. Shooting digital vs. Film b. The importance of stills c. Starting publicity during production: blogs, production diaries, hiring an PR agent, etc. Interview with Michael Baker, head of Acquisitions and Development for Think Film Suggested Exercises: V. Post-Production geared Towards Distribution a. M&E Tracks b. Trailers c. Music d. Third party feedback Add short interview/blurbs from buyers and distributors on post-production elements and what they mean in terms of getting distribution. Suggested Exercises: VI. It's in the can, now what: Creating Your Distribution Strategy a. Creating a campaign b. Applying to film festivals: what are the first tier, and second tier film festivals c. Finding Producers Reps and Sales Agents d. Navigating International Film and TV markets e. Should I have a Distributor screening for my film? Add interviews with Foreign Sales Agents in the UK and France Suggested Exercises: VII. Getting a Distribution deal a. The U.S Distribution deal b. Foreign Sales and What to Expect c. Non-theatrical distribution and ancillary markets d. Diagram/Table of expenses required to market and distribute an independent film Add in interviews/blurbs with filmmakers who were NOT successful getting distribution and what they would do differently. Suggested Exercises: VIII. Dealing with the Distributor After you get a Deal a. Anatomy of a Distribution Contract b. How much will I make: Realistic Sales Projections for your film c. When will I get paid? Typical cash flow situations Suggested Exercises: IX. Alternatives to Traditional Distribution a. On Demand DVD distribution b. Video on Demand distribution c. Online film and television markets d. Platform theatrical release Interview with Betsy Chasse 'What the Bleep Do We Know' Suggested Exercises: X. The future of Distribution a. How technology is changing Distribution XI. Conclusion Interview Stephen Winter 'Tarnation' Appendix A: Ten successful indies and what made them successful Appendix B: Distribution Agency Guide (US and outside US) Appendix C: Anatomy of a Distribution Agreement Appendix D: Sales Projections per Territory