Distribution

From film festival strategies to theatrical to VOD to online options to finding and securing a sales agent the place to discuss, share content and offer tips and advice on all things related to the distribution process

Vic Alexander
How to get my feature films on Streaming

So I could make money on my library of feature films, I would appreciate it if there are any distributors of producers that know how to get my 35mm feature films on streaming so I could make some more money on them.

Sam Sokolow

Hi Vic Alexander - this Stage 32 2-part class on navigating today's world of distribution has so much valuable information that may be helpful to you (and I just saw that it's on sale today). Here's a...

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Mike Boas

1) Get them transferred to digital. 1080p ProRes HQ Mov minimum, 4K (3840 x 2160) if you want to future-proof.

2) Create trailers, posters, promo images. Write up short plot descriptions.

3) Submit to...

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Vic Alexander

Great advice, Mike :-)

Ashley Renee Smith

I've really enjoyed this season so far and I'm excited to watch the finale. We'll probably end up watching it after work tomorrow to kick off the weekend. It's interesting that the current season is b...

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Ashley Renee Smith
Top 5 Ways I Fumbled My First Short Film

We’re all our own toughest critics, right? Since we tend to obsess over our mistakes, it only made sense to share and learn from them together. That's why one Stage 32 member is talking about the "Top 5 Ways I Fumbled My First Short Film" in today's blog! Read all about it here >> https://www.stage3...

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Sam Sokolow

I was so impressed with this blog. Thanks for sharing, Ashley Renee Smith - flagging for all filmmakers in my network.

Sam Sokolow
Paramount tries something new with Yellowstone

The hit show will premiere Season 5 Part 2 on Paramount Net and then CBS - what do you think of this rollout? https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/yellowstone-season-5-part-2-premiere-cb......

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'Yellowstone' Season 5 Part 2 to Air on CBS After Paramount Network Debut
'Yellowstone' Season 5 Part 2 to Air on CBS After Paramount Network Debut
CBS will air the premiere of 'Yellowstone' Season 5 Part 2 - its return after nearly 2 years - on Sunday, Nov. 10, after its Paramount Network launch.
Ashley Renee Smith

It's an interesting idea! I bet it will help even more people get hooked on the hit series, which will translate to larger viewership overall, even if they choose to roll it back to just streaming at any time in the future.

Maurice Vaughan

I agree with Ashley, Sam Sokolow. Interesting idea. I'm looking forward to seeing how this goes and if other companies do the same thing.

Sam Sokolow
Wild Robot wins the weekend, Megalopolis tanks

The year of animation continues as WILD ROBOT wins the weekend! I haven't seen it but I hear its amazing. Francis Ford Coppola's MEGALOPOLIS barely got out of the gate. Are you planning to see either of these films? https://deadline.com/2024/09/box-office-megalopolis-the-wild-robot-12361......

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Lindbergh E Hollingsworth

Definitely catching MEGALOPOLIS!

Maurice Vaughan

I plan on watching them, Sam Sokolow, but I'll probably watch them on streaming since there are other movies I want to see in theaters right now/coming out soon, like The Substance, Never Let Go, and...

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Ashley Renee Smith

I'm loving the year of animation, Sam Sokolow! It's so exciting to see these films get so much positive attention. I haven't seen Wild Robot yet, but I'm looking forward to doing so!...

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Sam Sokolow
DirecTV & Dish to merge

DirecTV and Dish will combine to be a huge satellite provider. Will be fascinating to watch this unfurl and see if it gives them leverage to cut deals in their customer's favor. Their ultimate owner, TPG, has other media holdings so that may also play a hand in this as they go. Getting the popcorn r...

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Maurice Vaughan
Stage 32's October 2024 Education Schedule!

This October, you’ll have the chance to learn from knowledgeable industry executives, award-winning writers, producers, consultants, authors, podcast hosts, and representatives who worked on or represented THE GREEN KNIGHT, WILLEM & FRIEDA, BERLIN, I LOVE YOU, ZERO TOLERANCE, WORLD WAR Z, ANNA, and...

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Vic Alexander
How to get my old movies into Distribution or Streaming

I don't know anybody in the business, so if you can help me find these people, I'd appreciate it.

Sam Sokolow

Hey Vic Alexander - I recommend reaching out to the Stage 32 Success team at success@stage32.com. They can connect you with the best reps in the community that can help you navigate this properly....

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Vic Alexander

Thanks, Sam.

Ewan Dunbar

For older movies that have already had a release, these can be sold as part of a library of titles. Some sales agents specialise in second-run films and find distributors for library titles.

Vic Alexander

Two of my feature films have never been released. So I am looking for distributor for them.

Maurice Vaughan
Stage 32's October 2024 Education Schedule!

This October, you’ll have the chance to learn from knowledgeable industry executives, award-winning writers, producers, consultants, authors, podcast hosts, and representatives who worked on or represented THE GREEN KNIGHT, WILLEM & FRIEDA, BERLIN, I LOVE YOU, ZERO TOLERANCE, WORLD WAR Z, ANNA, and...

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Sam Sokolow
MY HOME UNKOWN is picked up by Gravitas Ventures

I love seeing deeply personal films find their way - an ever-increasing sign of the independent film industry's resurgence. Yaz Canli's movie sounds authentic and universal and I'm looking forward to seeing its trajectory. Are any of you working on an independent feature that you'd like to see distr...

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Gravitas Ventures Acquires North American Rights to 'My Home Unknown' (EXCLUSIVE)
Gravitas Ventures Acquires North American Rights to 'My Home Unknown' (EXCLUSIVE)
Gravitas Ventures has acquired all North American rights to the drama "My Home Unknown" starring, written and produced by filmmaker Yaz Canli.
Christopher Maes

I think it's important for independent filmmakers to find the right distributor for their project and do their best to keep as much of the net profits as possible on their side of the contract. After all, the indie filmmakers usually take on all the risk up-front.

Jack Binder

Always great to see distribution secured!!

Debbie Elicksen

Sam Sokolow What a compelling story. We do need more films that touch on the human experience.

Geoff Hall

Sam Sokolow “Are any of you working on an independent feature that you'd like to see distributed?” Yes, down the line, Seeing Rachel will be looking for distribution - and I’m happy to hear from Dan t...

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Ronald Villegas
Hi! question for distributors

Do distributors have a network/team of key art designers? or do the filmmakers need to have their film packaged with proper key art?

Mike Boas

If you don’t have a poster, they can usually have one done for you and charge it against your income. Or recommend someone to hire.

Ewan Dunbar

Usually some form of artwork is a delivery item for the completed film but distributors will often either adapt this or create their own. This is why providing stills is also important when delivering your film.

Debbie Elicksen

Ronald Villegas Distribution isn't a one-size-fits-all. Distribution of a project is multi-layered but first, as the filmmaker, you need to have "pitch" materials to sell it to theatres, streamers, an...

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Sam Sokolow

Some great advice here from the community. I agree that you need to be prepared with materials to share and set photots, all that that may get used, and that you can use to do some social marketing bu...

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Christopher Maes

If you elect to design the poster yourself, or use a designer that you hire, the upside is that you can: control what you spend; have more control over the creative concept of the poster art; and crea...

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