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
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.

Dan MaxXx

I did freelance post-production work for Gravitas. They alway paid on time. Good ppl there :)

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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Sam Sokolow
Variety's Fall TV Picks

Here are Variety's top picks for the most anticipated TV series premiering or returning this fall. What show are you most excited about? https://variety.com/lists/fall-tv-shows-2024-preview/

Fall TV Preview: 65 of the Most-Anticipated New and Returning Shows of 2024
Fall TV Preview: 65 of the Most-Anticipated New and Returning Shows of 2024
From Marvel series and true crime stories to returning favorites, here's a look at fall's biggest premieres.
Maurice Vaughan

I'm most excited about The Penguin, Sam Sokolow.

Ashley Renee Smith

From on MGM+ came back this past Sunday and I was SO EXCITED! I love that show. I've really been enjoying the trailers for High Potential, so I'm definitely going to check that one out. I'll also watc...

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Mïcke Engström
H e l p !!

I need help: Where to find a film festival interested in having the world premiere for my second feature length documentary??

It's now being mixed to dolby Atmos as well as 5.1 surround sound and the DCP will of course have english subtitles.

(USP: voice tal...

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Sam Sokolow

SEMITJOV sounds like such a powerful and fascinating film, Mïcke Engström. I have heard from a few friends in the doc world that the International Documentary Film Festival in Amsterdam is a great fes...

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Mïcke Engström

Thank you Sam. I'll check them out!

Ewan Dunbar

The film festival in Manchester (UK) I think does documentaries and there’s a big one in Amsterdam as well.

Mïcke Engström

Thanks Ewan!!

Geoff Hall
Around the World - Europa Distribution analyses the theatrical success of Fallen Leaves

I love hearing about different distribution strategies for films, and Art House films are particularly close to my heart.

Whether your films are Art House or not, the strategies for independent films highlighted here are worth taking note of. From the pre-screenings strategy, the appeal to local audi...

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Europa Distribution analyses the theatrical success of Fallen Leaves
Europa Distribution analyses the theatrical success of Fallen Leaves
12/09/2024 - The network's Haugesund event focused on the international release of Aki Kaurismäki's latest film, detailing various countries' tailored strategies
Geoff Hall

Here’s the link for the trailer:

https://youtu.be/N3hjIK35nkY?

Sam Sokolow

I am so with you, Geoff Hall - I believe we are entering an amazing era for independent film and innovative distribution strategies. I am all for them. Its great to work in the system, but the goal is...

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Geoff Hall

Sam Sokolow thanks Sam. Arthaus and Aerofilms just fuel my imagination with the possibilities for Seeing Rachel. They have a great way of developing a broad view of possible markets for a film. The ar...

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Sam Sokolow
"Kneecap" gets a rerelease to promote upcoming tour

"Kneecap", the story of the Irish hip hop group, is getting a rerelease in limited US theaters as part of a leadup to their US tour, which is in itself promotion for their new album. I can't remember a film getting a theatrical release to promote a live music tour/album. Feels fresh and innovative....

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'Kneecap' Gets Re-Release in 154 U.S. Theaters (EXCLUSIVE)
'Kneecap' Gets Re-Release in 154 U.S. Theaters (EXCLUSIVE)
Sony Pictures Classics will re-release 'Kneecap' in more than 100 theaters to coincide with the rap group's U.S. tour.
Maurice Vaughan

I think this is my first time hearing of this type of rollout, Sam Sokolow. An Irish hip hop group movie sounds interesting. I'll probably watch it.

Simon Alveranga

this is such a good movie!

Sam Sokolow
Disney & DirectTV still duking it out as Emmys approach

Can you imagine the Emmy Awards but your networks aren't being seen by millions? I really hope they work this out but doing it by Sunday seems less likely by the minute. What are you thoughts on this and deals like it? https://deadline.com/2024/09/disney-directv-blackout-emmys-1236087524/...

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Disney Nears Emmy Weekend With ABC & Other Networks Still Dark On DirecTV In Carriage Fight
Disney Nears Emmy Weekend With ABC & Other Networks Still Dark On DirecTV In Carriage Fight
As Disney heads into what should be a triumphant Emmy Sunday, ABC and 15 of its other networks remain dark on DirecTV due to a carriage dispute.
Sam Sokolow
Halloween Horror season is upon us

With "Speak No Evil" kicking off and "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" dominating, Halloween horror movie season has begun. Are there any horror movies you look forward to watching this spooky season? https://deadline.com/2024/09/box-office-speak-no-evil-beetlejuice-beetle......

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Maurice Vaughan

Speak No Evil, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Cuckoo, The Substance, Smile 2, and Salem's Lot to name a few, Sam Sokolow.

Sydney Summers

You know I love Halloween so much... need to see the movie!!

Sam Sokolow
The streamers bundle and Fubo rumbles

As the big streamers work on profitable models, platforms like Fubo have a dog in the fight. I want more platforms delivering more content that the creative community makes. Popping some popcorn for this one. https://deadline.com/2024/09/fubo-antitrust-lawsuit-trial-date-set-disne......

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Trial Date Set For October 2025 In Fubo Antitrust Lawsuit Against Disney, Fox And Warner Bros. Discovery
Trial Date Set For October 2025 In Fubo Antitrust Lawsuit Against Disney, Fox And Warner Bros. Discovery
A jury trial of Fubo's antitrust lawsuit against Disney, Fox Corp. and Warner Bros. Discovery will start October 6, 2025, a federal judge ruled Thursday.
Jack Binder
Maurice Vaughan

I'm looking forward to seeing some of these, Jack Binder, like Friendship, The Life of Chuck, and Relay!

Geoff Hall
What we can learn about success from A24’s creative risks

A24 has made such an impact on the film industry, by taking creative risks with their productions and showing a flare for innovative marketing.

“Risk-taking lies right at the heart of A24’s success. Since its inception, the studio has been willing to take risks on unconventional and innovative projec...

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What we can learn about success from A24's creative risks
What we can learn about success from A24's creative risks
A24 knows not every project is going to be a winner, but if it takes enough calculated creative risks, some of them will pay off.
Geoff Hall

Jack Binder I look forward at some point, to working with them. Well, this has been my goal/dream since the Ex Machina days. I like that they are filmmaker friendly and also think outside the box (or...

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Ashley Renee Smith

A24 is an incredible company! I haven't been in love with every film that they've produced, but I have the utmost respect for how they approach developing and acquiring/distributing content. They've m...

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Petri Kleynhans

Great article, thanks for the share! This platform (Stage32) is really giving hope to an industry that is desperate for solutions.

Geoff Hall

Ashley Renee Smith thanks, Ashley. They seem to be able to get under the skin of a film and then market it to the world. I would love to pick the brains of their marketing department....

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Geoff Hall

Petri Kleynhans thanks, Petri. How are you doing?

Sam Sokolow
The Tonight Show goes to 4 nights a week

The granddaddy of all late night shows becomes the last of the big late night shows to stop airing original episodes on Friday nights. This speaks volumes about new viewership habits and new platforms which, to me, means more opportunity for indie filmmakers and content creators. The future belongs...

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NBC Pulls Back 'Tonight Show' to Four Nights Per Week
NBC Pulls Back 'Tonight Show' to Four Nights Per Week
NBC will pull 'Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" to four nights a week as TV networks look to shore up declines in late-night economics
Ashley Renee Smith

Wow. The end of an era. It's wild to think about what the future of late night will have to be to survive the changes in content viewing. I mean, I LOVE Colbert, but I always end up watching the segments on YouTube and rarely ever tune in for the full episodes anymore.

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