What is a distribution deal in film?

What is a distribution deal in film?

Production/Finance/Distribution Agreement: In a production/finance/distribution agreement, commonly referred to as a “PFD agreement,” a distribution company (e.g., a studio or VOD company) hires a production company to produce a film, and the distribution company agrees to directly finance production of, and to …

How do indie films get distributed?

Third-Party Aggregators are vendors who specialize in movie distribution. In addition to submitting your independent film and brokering deals with the various VOD platforms, aggregators also take care of everything else, including encoding, packaging, and delivering your film to digital platforms.

What is an independent film distribution company?

Unlike studio films, which usually have a mainstream cinema release, independent production companies enter their films into local, national and international film festivals to gain exposure with distributors who may then buy the distribution rights.

How does a distribution deal work?

Under an M&D deal, the distributor pays for the manufacturing costs of an album beginning with the pressing process, all the way through to the printing of the labels. The distributor then recoups those costs from record sales – as well as a pre-determined percentage profit.

How do you film a distribution deal?

1. Your Distribution Plan. Savvy producers do not wait until the film is finished to figure out what to do with it.
2. Know What Your Film Is & Who It’s For.
3. Don’t Wait Until After the Festival Circuit to Seek a Deal.
4. Get Feedback from a Sales Agent or Distributor.
5. Present Your Film Well.

How are films distributed?

A studio or independent investor decides to purchase rights to the film. People are brought together to make the film (screenwriter, producer, director, cast, crew). The film is completed and sent to the studio. The distribution company shows the movie (screening) to prospective buyers representing the theaters.

How do I get a film distribution deal?

Why is distribution important in film?

Yet arguably, distribution is the most important part of the film industry, where completed films are brought to life and connected with an audience. Distribution is about releasing and sustaining films in the market place.

What’s the difference between a record deal and a distribution deal?

Record Label and distribution companies were distinct entities. The record label signs the artist and provides marketing, advertising, and recording services. The distribution company signed deals with retail stores to sell the albums.

Is Netflix the best distributor for indie filmmakers?

With over 150 million subscribers, scoring a film distribution deal with Netflix is a dream come true for indie filmmakers. Of course, securing a distribution deal with the handful of other top dog distributors, such as Lionsgate, Universal, Paramount, or Warner would be equally exciting.

How much should I charge to distribute an indie film?

For a low-budget indie film, a distributor should be allowed to recoup between $2,500 – $10,000 per market with an overall cap of $7,500 – $20,000. The distributor should agree to attend no less than three (3) markets during the first year of distribution. No market expenses should be charged for subsequent years.

How do independent filmmakers get their movies distributed?

Typically, independent filmmakers enter into multiple distribution deals. Often, one deal is with an international distributor (a.k.a. foreign sales agent) to distribute the film outside North America, and one or more deals may be made with a domestic distributor for distribution in the United States and Canada.

What does indie film Mean?

Here are all the possible meanings and translations of the word indie film. An independent film is a professional film production resulting in a feature film that is produced mostly or completely outside of the major film studio system.