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
CBS moves most Fall premieres to mid-October

It's fascinating to see how distribution patterns are evolving for the big broadcasters. Using professional sports to promote and launch series later than the traditional patterns is bold. Will be keeping an eye on how CBS unfurls this and what the ratings are when their shows premiere. https://vari...

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'Survivor' Gets Early Launch, but CBS Moves the Rest of Fall Premieres to Mid-October
'Survivor' Gets Early Launch, but CBS Moves the Rest of Fall Premieres to Mid-October
CBS has opted to push its premiere week - normally held the third week of September - to mid-October, with one big exception: "Survivor."
Maurice Vaughan

“Survivor” is premiering its 47th season, Sam Sokolow! That's incredible!

Sam Sokolow
Another new streamer... Hallmark+

The rise of the niche streamers continues. I can only see success for Hallmark with this and once they begin doing acquisitions the opportunity for indie filmmakers to make Christmas and positive films will be huge. Keep an eye on this one... https://deadline.com/2024/07/hallmark-launching-new-strea...

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Hallmark Launching New Streaming Service in September
Hallmark Launching New Streaming Service in September
Another streaming service is arriving for consumers.This time, it's Hallmark+, which is launching in mid-September.
Tom Lapke

This is a niche streamer that makes a lot of sense. they have a HUGE following and a whole podcast devoted to their Christmas movies.

Debbie Elicksen

Definitely a niche market. See the onslaught of Hallmark Christmas movies. I would consider this hell, but I know many whose boat this floats.

Ewan Dunbar

Established brand that has a big audience and control over its own content already. Good move.

Mark Deuce

This is amazing news Sam Sokolow

Sam Sokolow
The Risks and Potential Rewards Of HORIZON

Fascinating to see a star like Kevin Costner put so much on the line with his HORIZON franchise. It opened so poorly that they are pulling the sequel release date. Their stance is that they want to give the first film time to find its audience. Streaming will pay a big hand one way or the other. The...

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Kevin Costner's 'Horizon 2' Pulled From August Release in Theaters After First Film Flops (Exclusive)
Kevin Costner's 'Horizon 2' Pulled From August Release in Theaters After First Film Flops (Exclusive)
Costner's Territory Pictures and New Line Cinema made the decision in order to give audiences more time to discover the initial movie before the sequel.
Debbie Elicksen

Yikes. That has to be so disappointing.

Geoff Hall
Denis Villeneuve Thinks We Need Movies That ‘Fully Embrace the Power of the Theater’

Okay, so it seems to me that after an exciting opening to the year with Dune: 2 and Godzilla X Kong, box office seems to have not realised expectations.

Villeneuve response was focused on producing films that create theatrical experiences, but is that enough to resurrect the box-office revenues?

“Sp...

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Denis Villeneuve Thinks We Need Movies That 'Fully Embrace the Power of the Theater'
Denis Villeneuve Thinks We Need Movies That 'Fully Embrace the Power of the Theater'
Weak summer box office keeps "Dune: Part Two" as 2024's highest grossing film, but director Denis Villeneuve isn't happy about it.
Sam Sokolow

I am with Denis as well. There is nothing like the movie theater. Perhaps more IMax experiences will matter. The streamers building brick-and-mortar theaters may help. But I am with the auteur rising!! I cannot wait to see Gladiator 2 in a theater!

Ashley Renee Smith

Depending on the topic and genre, I don't see why not Geoff Hall! I don't think it hinges entirely on budget, but on story and approach. I mean, movies like Everything Everywhere All At Once, Godzilla...

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Pat Alexander

Geoff Hall I think what makes indies pop as event films most often is having a young cult-status director with some solid credits that have really impressed cinephiles and are on the cusp before their...

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Christopher Maes

Ultimately, I think it's the responsibility of indie filmmakers to provide that theatrical experience for your audience. Remember: they will watch your movie (even if streaming) on a large 52" flat sc...

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Geoff Hall

Christopher Maes agreed, Christopher. I like what you are saying too, about the sound design of a film. Noted for future reference.

Richard "RB" Botto
Magnolia's distribution strategy for THELMA pays off

We've seen some throwback distribution strategies in the indiefilm world these last few months. Some smarts, some patience, and an aversion to surrendering to the streamers. This is just one example, but it's an inspiring one, particularly given the protagonist is a 93 year old woman. Awesome to see...

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How 'Thelma' Became a Rare Sundance Breakout Success
How 'Thelma' Became a Rare Sundance Breakout Success
Magnolia Pictures bet bigger than usual on the June Squibb comedy 'Thelma,' and its extraordinary results can offer lessons for other distributors.
Mark Deuce

This one looks amazing Richard "RB" Botto and thank you for sharing.

Richard "RB" Botto

Reviews and audience scores have been through the roof for it. Just goes to show, make it entertaining and people will show up.

Sam Sokolow
"Despicable Me 4" is leading the charge this weekend

It's nice to see this type of robust box office action. It's a heat wave in most of the US and going to the movies remains one of the greatest activities there is. Are you going to see any movies this weekend?

https://deadline.com/2024/07/box-office-despicable-me-4-1236001250/...

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Debbie Elicksen

I love going to the theater. I miss going to the Cineplex in the old neighborhood, which has the ScreenX screen and the seats are all reclining in every theater.

Ashley Renee Smith

I'm not surprised, this franchise is such an impressive money-maker! I really want to see Twisters which comes out soon!

Pat Alexander

I saw the Bikeriders last weekend. A bunch of amazing performances across the board (with some fun MidWest accents). If it's hot this weekend too, I'll have to go check out something else!

Ashley Renee Smith

I really want to see Bikeriders before it leaves theaters, Pat Alexander!

Tom Lapke

It is wild to see that this franchise is approaching 5 billion.

Tom Lapke
I think Longlegs is going to be the darkhorse breakout of the summer.

This movie has a lot going for it and I think it is going to be a huge success financially. Stellar early reviews, a fantastic grassroots marketing effort, and Nic Cage, who, when he is bad, is really bad, but when he finds a vehicle for his patterned flavor of weirdness, he is fantastic. All accoun...

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Ashley Renee Smith
Stage 32 Presents: Meet the Producers from this Year’s Cannes In-Competition Films!

Hey, All!

Did you know that you can enjoy Stage 32's expert Cannes panels with acclaimed industry professionals such as Daniel Bekerman (APPRENTICE), Steve Demmler (OH CANADA), Adriana Rotaru (MEGALOPOLIS), and Jesse Burgum (BIRD) from the comfort of your own home by clicking on today's blog!?

Learn...

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Tom Lapke
Paramount + Skydance Deal

I find seeing how the sausage gets made on this to be fascinating. https://deadline.com/2024/07/paramount-skydance-deal-rival-bidder-scenar......

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Skydance Deal In Hand, Paramount Lays Out What Happens If A Rival Offer Emerges
Skydance Deal In Hand, Paramount Lays Out What Happens If A Rival Offer Emerges
Paramount has laid out some terms of its planned merger with David Ellison's Skydance including what happens if another offer surfaces.
Preston Poulter
Redbox files for bankrupcy

Distribution's a tough game. 

Sam Sokolow

The industry is going through an evolution on the distribution side but content will always be king. This is the time to get your independent film made or on its path while buyers recalibrate yet still need content more than ever IMHO.

Pat Alexander

Rest in peace to one of the greats!

Sam Sokolow
Intersting article on Cineverse

Cineverse is fighting through but the success of "Terrifier 3" can set this company up for a big 2025 - if you have modest budget horror films keep an eye on this. https://deadline.com/2024/07/terrifier-3-horror-art-the-clown-cineverse-......

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Maurice Vaughan

I think Terrifier 3 is gonna be a box office hit, Sam Sokolow. It's one of the most anticipated Horror movies of the year.

Mark Deuce

This look Terrifing Sam Sokolow & Maurice Vaughan...

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Pat Alexander

The first two were bonkers, can't wait for this next installment!

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