Distribution : Ask Me Anything (AMA) 6/27 to 6/28- by Michelle Alexandria

How do I find a company to distribute my film independent film? Does genre and culture matter in who you choose?

Kevin Jackson Hi Kevin, Great question. The answer is Yes, it can make your distribution journey much easier if you chose to make a movie or series that has a more desired genre (which depends on your audience), however it also depends on the culture of your target audience. So yes, those are two very important factors to consider when choosing your project having in mind distribution. Great that you are thinking ahead!

As for how to find a distribution company to distribute your independent film, there are many ways to search for distribution companies and sales companies. IMDb Pro, Stage 32, Cinando, even Google, attending a film market such as AFM, Cannes, local film festivals.

The easiest way would be IMDbPro just to start. There is a search tool where you can then create a list. I would make a list of 10-20 sales and distribution companies you find that have films similar to yours. Many list their email address and even contact number where you can begin by sending a nice short email that includes your movie trailer.

If you are able to, attend AFM, Cannes, or any other film market that is a strong way to pursue finding a distribution company for your film.

I know a lot of distributors don't take content directly from people or companies anymore. How do we find the right agents or aggregators to get our content considered? A Google search doesn't exactly turn up an accurate list.

Hi, Michelle Alexandria! Thanks for having this AMA. Hope you're doing great. What's the biggest mistake you see with producers trying to get distribution?

Michelle Alexandria hi Michelle, I was reading in the dailies about the Oscar Committee changing with rules of qualification and extending the theatrical window for films. This would appear to have cost implications for independent distributors, which may well exclude many indie films from qualifying for the Oscars.

What do you think the independents can do about this? Or is it game over?

Maurice Vaughan Hi Maurice, great to hear from you! And wonderful question.

For me personally the most common mistake and frequent is when a producer makes a sweet indie low budget film, no cast, simple genre like a drama, they put it into a small film festival that then creates a Release Date on IMDb, then after a year or so later of multiple film festival screenings they begin pursing distribution, but now their film has aged a year or two making it much more difficult for a distributor to take on the film.

Advice, pursue distribution first and work with them discussing the festival circuit you would like to begin. There are some cases where the film has a strong production backing where the film goes to a major festival then the distributors can bid on that film. But if you have a nice little film and you know your film is not in the bidding-war category, then play it safe, don’t start the clock aging your film, find distribution, THEN do the festival market.

This is one of the most common mistakes I continuously see. Filmmakers can’t wait to get their film on IMDb, list a release date, list the film festival, and start aging the film. Important for filmmakers to know this: Distributors and buyers DO use IMDb Pro to look up your film! So play it smart!

Hi Michelle Alexandria - thanks for taking the time for this AMA. Of course as a dad, I have to mention that I love your profile pic. My daughter is the joy of my soul and I love it that you share that part of who you are. QUESTION: I'm guessing that you work primarily with filmmakers but in your experience, what would be something that we screenwriters could learn to keep in mind or incorporate as we write a script as we support/work with the producer(s) in the process? In other words, what can I, as a screenwriter, do for you as a producer? Thanks so much.

That's incredible advice, Michelle Alexandria! Thanks for the answer.

Geoff Hall Hi Geoff, yes I also was reading about this and had my thoughts. To be honest, I do understand their decision. The reason being, there are so many more films being created today due to technology, accessibility of movie making, distribution companies, streaming, just so many more films being made and released than when I first started. With that there needs to be some more parameters to see which films stand out stronger than others, otherwise they are going to have to sift through so many more films than they used to years ago. I don’t find the parameters strenuous, yes a little bit more costly, but if a film can do well two weeks in a theater that separates the film from many others. The Oscars may prefer that to help determine a more qualifying film.

Think of the Olympics. People have evolved, taller, stronger, faster so the goals to qualify require more from an athlete today than it may have decades ago.

Solution, go into making your movie with The Oscars parameters in mind. Factor in your budget two weeks instead of one. Factor in all the requirements. In the overall picture it’s not much more. We just have to work a little harder and smarter which I encourage.

Kevin Jackson Correct Kevin, there are many companies who work on certain levels of content or work with producers they know already where they don't respond to new indie filmmakers. Don't take it personally. Just keep pursuing. There are many companies out there that will look at your film if your film is one that can attract an audience. This is why I suggest creating a list of 10-20 companies, at least, that you can pursue. As for Google, you will not obtain a list. You will see various companies to sort through. I was suggesting Google incase some can't afford to have IMDb Pro or Cinando. This is why I suggest most easily IMDb Pro. There you get a filtered list along with the films they have distributed. And of course the film markets are really great because you are now putting yourself in front of the companies. Feel free to DM me and we can discuss your type of film.

Hi Michelle, Thank you so much for giving us your time today! Can you help explain some of the basics of acquisitions to our community? Starting with what an "acquisition" is and why it's important to know the basics of acquisition deals that they'll hopefully be making with distributors at some point.

Hi Michelle Alexandria, Thanks for this! To follow along the basics questions Ashley asked, would you share a bit about the difference between financiers and distributors? And if they are ever the same on a project?

Hi Michelle, thank you so much for your AMA. What are some things that can hold up an otherwise good motion picture from getting distribution. For example, a character is wearing a Harley Davidson shirt when there's no permission.

Hi Ashley, thank you for such a great question. Sometimes we forget to explain the most basic of things. As head of acquisitions for many years this was one of my favorite parts of Distribution, Acquiring movies. I put extreme effort into connecting with filmmakers, watching their movies, to see if they had a movie or series that the company I worked for could sell successfully. So when a filmmaker has a film or series they are looking to find distribution for they want to go to the Head of Acquisitions or simply the Aquisitions person. That is the person who helps acquire the films for the company so they can license that film out to distributors around the world. Or in many cases distribute the film themselves if they are also a distributor. Many sales companies are also distributors especially since the age of streaming. So when the filmmaker looks a company up and they sees several employees the best person to look for is the acquisition person.

M LaVoie Hi M LaVoie, thank you for your question. This is another great question as I do hear it often. In the last few decades much has changed however many filmmakers do tend to hope for the prior opportunities that may not be as available today. Reason being, as I mentioned in my prior response on another question, there are many more films today than before due to the availability of making movies and distributing them. There are many more platforms. A TV show receiving an 800,000 viewership today would have been a failure 15 years ago whereas today that is considered a success. Much has evolved including the accessibility of pre-sales and how the financing of an indie film is managed. If you are packaging a feature film in the $3Million range that is actually considered a fairly strong budget today for an indie where you do need to cast with strong names who are known by name and not just by their work. It may not have to be as big of a name as Natalie Portman, but it should be a name that you do not have to list their credits for for them to be recognized in your pitch. Even with that, there is much risk now where pre-sales are fairly off the table unless you are casting with very strong names along with a production company who is known for delivering successful films. If we are on the newer side of filmmaking or known for lower budget productions then it will be a challenge to depend on pre-sales to fulfill your budget needs.

Suggested Solutions: Pursue equity financing along with tax credits and grants as much as you can so you can proceed in making your movie. If that seems extremely difficult, which raising money is difficult, then another possible solution is to seek development funds first in order to build your film package strong enough to pursue two strong lead actors which then assists in pre-sales opportunities and more equity financing.

What's a good agency to contact for an indie producer looking to hire former star actors who are comfortable / willing to work for a day rate?

Thank you!

Leonardo Ramirez Hi Leonardo, Thank you for your kind words. Yes, I posted that photo when I first signed up with Stage32 and just never changed it... however the little one in the photo has changed much and almost as tall as me

David Santo Hi David, there are so many good agencies to contact. I hesitate to name any specifically on here because I don't want to promote them as agencies representing "former stars". Many agencies who represent former stars also represent current talent. Do you have some actors in mind? Have you looked them up to see who their agency is. I know many good agents, very nice people who well work with indie film producers. Feel free to DM me on your specific actor you have in mind.

Hi Michelle. Can you talk a little about minimum guarantees (MG)? How common are they? In my experience working with small distributors, there’s no money up front, they just take a percentage of any sales. I assume your film has to have a lot of commercial potential to command an MG, most likely from bigger distributors.

Lance Laspina Hi Lance, Hmmm, thinking about that one because the obvious answer may not be the best answer. Going to Filmhub is most definitely an option, however I have witnessed films, docs, series getting a second or third round of success simply because of an actor or name who became more well known, the subject becomes relevant in today's times, or as you stated you are using AI to enhance your doc which will make it look and sound even better, can make your doc have another round of success with the right home. Have you considered connecting with a sales agents/ distributor who like to take on library titles? I feel like your updated trailer and artwork may give you some new opportunities. If you are up for giving that a try, it can't hurt. Maybe first present your doc to some companies to see if you get some offers. You can always revert back to the sure thing.

Nathan Woodward

Hi Nathan, Oh yeah that would not be good as you know.

Note to all filmmakers,

You may not put anything in your film that you may know of such as brands, logos, characters, music, clips from other movies, without permission and possible payment. That cannot only hold up your film, but can cause your production many legal problems.

Other issues that may hold up your film in distribution is if you have any legal issues within your production which may make a distributor shy away from your film. Depending on the caliber of your film you want to be sure you have a clear Chain of Title to present to your distributor clarifying who is who on your film. You should have all your agreements together with your investors, producers, cast, and crew.

Many promises are made in the early stages of a project. Then when films get their funding and productions go forward many promises tend to break, even when contracts were signed. You want to be aware of who you are doing business with and do they have a good reputation. Having a good team and partnership makes your filmmaking journey successful and fun. Contracts even between your closest of friends are advises. CONTRACTS KEEP FRIENDS FRIENDS and keeps your production smooth and successful.

Michelle Alexandria a question about a gritty animated fantasy series, if I may?

I’m writing in this genre and medium for the first time and so it gives me a whole new need to understand a different distribution model for animation.

My current idea/concept/model is a Crowdfunding initiative for a proof of concept episode and then launch it on YouTube to help it gain traction and through that, attract potential production/distribution partners.

In your experience, am I barking up the wrong tree with this approach? Or, should I just contact a distribution company directly with the proof of concept? I’d appreciate your insights for this. Many thanks, Geoff

Michelle Alexandria I love this: "CONTRACTS KEEP FRIENDS FRIENDS and keeps your production smooth and successful."

Mike Boas Hi Mike, this is a very good question for everyone. The term MG, minimum guarantee, (like pre-sales) is thrown around quite often, however times have changed, more movies are made, smaller productions, still good films, but not films where we could say companies would have a bidding war over per se. For filmmakers to depend on or expect a minimum guarantee is tough because distributors now receive so many completed films to have to sort through to find their most fitting film to sell that there is no need to offer an MG. Supply & Demand. Sometimes a distributor may offer a small MG. If the producer or production has a good track record or the film has cast that may guarantee some good sales then an MG is likely offered. But it can be costly for a sales company/distributor to take on an indie film with the expensive must attend markets, traveling, updating materials adding on the new film, notaries, hard drives, etc , which is why there is usually a marketing fee. For this reason a company must be selective on the films they acquire because the company is taking a risk to take the film. They have to front the costs of doing business. This is why many indie films do not get an MG offered to them.

Advice/solution if you are making one of your first films and you have a little bit of cast then focus more on having a good contract and terms with the right sales company to distribute your film versus focusing on the MG. If you do have a stronger film with recognizable actors or a recognizable director then you will likely have some good offers come your way.

HI Michelle Alexandria !! Always a pleasure to see you in action.

Got the pitch deck done & the POC/Sizzle reel done. Entered it into film fests. What is your advice for next steps?

Michelle Alexandria, many thanks for all of your great answers in this AMA! I would add one note on putting “anything in your film that you may know of such as brands, logos, characters, music, clips from other movies, without permission and possible payment”: It is always preferable to obtain a release or license to avoid the need to defend any claim. But depending on the facts and context, use without permission or a license may be possible. An experienced entertainment lawyer can advise as to how likely that is during the clearance process, which is needed to obtain E&O coverage. Starting that process as early as possible is a good idea!

M LaVoie Hi M LaVoie. Test screenings are excellent to have on your movie if you have the resources to have one, or even two or three. If you can have test screenings before your final release with an ability to make corrections, adjustments, etc then yes test screenings are beyond helpful. In the case of Barbarian, that was a great situation for the film and they had the relationship and resources for their film to be tested at 20th Century Studios. Most indie films may not have those connections so it's not to say it's a one in a million shot, it's to say can you get your film to that set of eyes and then if so does your film impress to that level. If you can get the test screening to the top echelons then absolutely do so. If not, always make the best of your movie with your resources at hand and the resources you can obtain. Reach for the stars! Then you are sure to at least touch the moon which is a huge win in itself.

Niki H Hi Niki thank you for your question. There are a number of ways to finance a film including equity financiers who put money into a project. There are sales companies and distributors who also put money in with the agreement that they will distribute the film. There is crowdfunding and in-kind money or services such as locations which are a big part of your budget. Distributors are the actual service of taking your completed film, series, or documentary and making it available on various platforms to be viewed by audiences of their territory. Sometimes the distributors are the financiers for example a studio. Warner Bros. finances the movie and distributes their own movie or they may partner with another studio to take on that responsibility. On an indie film you may have your movie financed by crowdfunding where you don't have to pay back that money. Separately you will likely have a sales agency to distributor to distribute your film. It is very possible to have them on the same project. I hope this helps :)

Sasha Tomas Hi Sasha, so nice to hear from you. What is your next goal? Obtaining financing? Attaching a director or actor? Your next steps most likely are getting the financing to make your film.

My advice is keep putting yourself in the right place at the right time as you are by means of film festivals. Try to obtain a small amount of development funds so you can nicely package your project adding a director, or actor, a casting director, and line producer. As you build your film project you increase your chance of attracting the financing. Make your movie! I know you will do a great job Sasha.

Geoff Hall Hi Geoff, Regarding your question on crowdfunding or connecting with a distributor... How about approach both routes! I would. Do you crowding route, get traction. That there will give you more leverage when talking to a distributor or co-production potentials. Think Shark Tank. For them to even be on the show to have the conversation they already need to have some traction on their own. So make your traction with the resources you have at hand. Then you have a better hand to play at the table :)

@DaneJohnson Yes Dane, so honored to have you add in. Yes, I strongly advise even the smallest of productions to bring on an entertainment attorney to bullet proof the production as best as possible. Many of us distributors provide E&O insurance, however filmmakers, please don't lean on that. Check all your T's and dot your I's from the beginning stage to keep your production smooth. If you are unable to afford an attorney which many small productions are not, then do your research early on so you go into your production with ease allowing your creative side to make your film amazing. The actual filmmaking process (principle photography) is only about 5% of the whole journey from idea to release of your film. Thank you Dane!

Michelle Alexandria Thank you for the advice and encouragement! Hitting film festivals next!

Hi Friends, I hope I answered all your questions on the AMA Distribution lounge. I will be doing an AMA Finance Lounge on July 11th. For the future if you are interested in having one on one consutling you can sign up for a 30 or 60 minutes call or zoom with me here. https://www.stage32.com/scriptservices/coverage/buy?id=71&exec=1204. Make your movie!!!

Michelle Alexandria thank you for your answer on crowdfunding, Michelle.