Classwork Monday 11th Distribution

Question 1.)

Film distribution:
- Producer acquires rights to the film
- Screenplay developed by one or more writers
- Production finance and cast & crew confirmed
- Principle photography starts then post-production
- Distributor develops release strategy and delivers master print
- Film prints delivered to cinemas days before the release
- Film run extends based on demand and marketing
- After the films run, it is released online.

Start thinking about distribution early:

Because.....

1. Make sure your movie has a shot at getting it in the first place
2. There will be film distribution costs, like lab fees, additional legal fees, insurance. The list goes on.
3. what movies are distributors picking up?                                                                                         -what genres are popular?                                                                                                               -what movies are doing well on the festival circuit?
4. Trends change... So don't necessarily base your movie on what gets bought at Sundance this year. By the time you've wrapped and applied to Sundance, people may not be into that material anymore. 
5. instead, try to identify elements that seem to work consistently. Or bring certain qualities to your project from what's selling. But don't go chasing trends.
6. You need to be fresh, but also familiar.

How to plan an Independent film distribution strategy:

- Another way to kick-start your distribution thought process is casting. Try to cast talent that might help turn eyes towards your project. At the same time, cast talent that works well for the project.

- Something else a lot of distributors looks for in a cast isn't name recognition, and it certainly isn't talent. It's twitter followers. If your cast has a "strong social media presence" it makes everyone's job that much easier.

- Think about ways to market the film. Consider potential artwork, snippets for social media, trailers...Then, think beyond the distribution process. Think about why someone will choose to watch a movie. In doing this you align your goals with those of the distributor. By putting that hat on early, and demonstrating that you're ready, distributors are more likely to buy-in.

What are distribution rights:

- Distribution rights refer to the ability of one company to sell another company's product.  It can also refer to a region. This is why a film, for example, can sell domestic and international rights separately.

- The distribution rights to your film will hopefully be negotiated on your behalf by an attorney. Sales agents, managers, film buyers, and film bookers can also get involved.

- Distributors then work with the various platforms and theater chains to make the film available. 

Deliverables:

- Deliverables include the actual media of the film, as well as many other things.  So, no. You can't just hand them an HD master. This could include paperwork, documentation, and legal. It could also include trailers, key art, and photographs. You might be asked to include a raw negative in 4k. Some distributors might still want 35mm! For international markets, there will be subtitling and dubbing. It will depend on the type of deal, and the distributor. The important thing for you to remember is to stay organized from day one. With everything!

- Distributors don't always have your best interests at heart. They will say they do and talk about taking care of the filmmaker and the vision. Even if that's their intent, you must take pains to protect yourself. Because there will be turnover at the distribution company. There will be people making mistakes and focusing on other things. And this is assuming they do care about you.

How to get distribution:

- Some movies have a distribution from the get-go. Major studios make them, often within their deal with a production company. Next, the studio distributes the film through its distribution division. There are a lot of nuances within these types of deals, including when studios split regional distribution rights. But that's another conversation, and if your film is set up at a major studio, you won't have to worry about how to get distribution.

- Sales agents can help a film get seen by movie distributors. Think of them as agents for your movie.  If you have a rep, agent, or manager, they may be able to help get someone on board to help sell the finished film. It's also possible that a rep from someone in the film, a star, for example, could point you and the movie in the right direction. A sales rep will help try and connect your project to the right distributor. Of course, they'll also take a fee. A good sales agent might help you set up... Distributor screenings, This is the chance to host a screening of the film and invite movie distributors. Offers can come out of these, but it's hard to pull off if you don't have a good sales agent.

Short film distribution:

-  Short films have a life in the festival circuit and are a great way to create a “calling card.”  Use a short film to meet agents and managers- to show what you can do. But the life of a short film as a product a film distributor wants to sell is limited.

Working with film distribution companies:

- One thing to be aware of with distribution companies is how they might try to "hide" certain profits from you.  For example, a company might say they plan to spend something on advertising the movie. Sounds great, right? Not always. The downside of this is that they can claim they spent a whole lot, even if they didn't need to. And then when the income starts to come from the movie, they'll hide it in that expense. "We spent 100k on marketing the movie, so we need to recoup that." Well, this could be unfortunate. Especially if you owe some investors for the film. Or if you invested yourself. It's nice if a distributor is going to do some marketing on the project. Some won't. Make sure they're on the up-and-up. To the best of your ability. And get a lawyer.

Question 2.)

A list of NZ distributors:
- Curious Distribution
- Universal Pictures & eOne
- Rialto Distribution NZ
- Paramount Pictures (NZ)