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

Sam Sokolow
Just in time for Halloween!

The original Texas Chainsaw Massacre is hitting theaters again today for a 50th anniversary run. With new horror fare coming out, and classics available to stream, I'm interested to see how this does on this theatrical run. It could open new avenues for theatrical runs for classic indie genre films....

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'The Texas Chain Saw Massacre', Restored, Back In Theaters On Its 50th Anniversary
'The Texas Chain Saw Massacre', Restored, Back In Theaters On Its 50th Anniversary
A restored 4k version of 'The Texas Chain Saw Massacre' hits theaters today from MPI Media Group/Dark Sky Films on the 50th anniversary of the iconic indie scarefest by the late Tobe Hooper.
Maurice Vaughan

I might watch it as part of a marathon on streaming, Sam Sokolow.

Debbie Elicksen

More of this, please. Bring back some of the horror classics like Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlotte, etc.

Sam Sokolow
Amazon Shook Up the Streaming Ad Market in 2024

Amazon raked in $1.8 billion in ad dollars in 2024 and is continuing to evolve its ad-supported models. What are your thoughts on ad-supported streaming? https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/amazon-prime-vi......

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Amazon Shook Up the Streaming Ad Market in 2024. Will It Do It Again Next Year?
Amazon Shook Up the Streaming Ad Market in 2024. Will It Do It Again Next Year?
After snagging $1.8 billion in the 2024 upfront, Amazon is poised to bring even more ways for marketers to advertise on Prime Video in 2025.
Maicon Aloncio

Hey Sam, it's fascinating to see how Amazon has leveraged ad-supported models to generate such massive revenue in 2024. As a producer and director in Brazil, I see ad-supported streaming as a key oppo...

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Maurice Vaughan

I'm fine with ads, Sam Sokolow. I watched a movie last night on Amazon's Freevee, and the ads didn't bother me.

Ashley Renee Smith

I can handle ads on streaming when they're presented at the start of a film. But I hate when they break up the content that's not properly formatted for ad breaks. The algorithm chooses random moments to insert the ads and it can hurt the story and viewing experience.

Geoff Hall

Sam Sokolow the less obtrusive, the better for me Sam.

Debbie Elicksen

I don't really find Amazon ads that intrusive, not enough that I want to upgrade. In a two-hour movie, usually there will be a couple of commercials before it starts, and somewhere in the middle. It's...

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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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