Distribution Now

A few notes taken during a Hot Docs industry session about distribution strategies and getting your movie seen. Watch the session.

A good distributor should and will take the time to explain how things work to filmmakers. (Robin)

You need a combination of passion and knowledge for distribution. Build up a team for distribution just like you did for the making of your film. (Peter)

Let the distributor know what your expectations and goals are. They need to know that up front. (Peter)

Get your movie out however you can. For example, check with small Film Societies around the country and show your film there. (Robin)

You need a strategy and partners. Maybe community partners. Build your audience. (Scilla)

It takes patience and persistence.

Rejection is commonplace. Do not take it personally. Do not be deterred. It often has more to do with what the distributor of festival is looking for at that time and whether it strikes a chord with the person who is reviewing it than the quality of the film.

Look at theatrical as a way to drive people to the video-on-demand. (Matt)

Currently, doing theatrical and video-on-demand at the same time is unusual. There are barriers to doing this that will probably change in the future. For example, with more mergers, it is possible the same company would be doing both theatrical and video-on-demand. (Matt)

$50,000–$75,000 for broadcast rights is decent.

For exhibitors, they’re more interested in your strategy and your numbers (audience stats, etc) than in your film. (Robin)

As you build up funders, you are building up an audience for your film ahead of time. This can also be a good selling point to potential distributors.

Read the article about the six case studies given in this industry session as covered by Indiewire.

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Sandra Whipham (moderator), Director, London Fields Pictures
Scilla Andreen, CEO and Co-Founder, IndieFlix (USA)
Matt Dentler, Head of Programming, Cinetic Rights Management (USA)
Peter Jäger, Managing Director, Autlook Films (Austria)
Aida LiPera, Manager of Acquisitions and Festivals, Visit Films (USA)
Andrew Mer, VP, Content Partnerships, SnagFilms (USA)
Robin Smith, President, KinoSmith (Canada)