Distribution can be one of the most confusing (and crucial) parts of the filmmaking process — but understanding how it works is key to getting your film seen and making sure you’re compensated fairly.
In this helpful breakdown, the video walks through the fundamentals every indie filmmaker should know:
• Types of film rights: theatrical, digital, streaming, broadcast, and more
• Exclusive vs. non-exclusive deals and what to watch out for in your contracts
• Streaming models explained: TVOD, SVOD, and AVOD, and how each generates revenue
• Territory rights: domestic vs. international distribution, and how to approach each strategically
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5ZHj7ukkw8
For those who’ve been through this process: what did you wish you understood about rights or distribution deals before your first release?
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Ashley Renee Smith So true. Distribution isn't a one-size-fits-all. I daresay it's marketing and PR too, especially when one uses certain platforms. It's so much fun to see how many more options keep coming onto the scene that allows all of us to get our messages heard in however our art is created.
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Ashley Renee Smith For filmmakers, especially those with mid-range indie budgets of $10–20 million, relying solely on streaming revenue to recoup costs is very risky. To realistically recover such an investment, it usually makes sense to secure a theatrical release, as box office returns provide the upfront revenue streaming alone often cannot deliver.
Great share Ashley! One of my early jobs in the industry was in distribution and it was mind-boggling how many moving parts there are to it. Let alone writing a distribution deal!