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Film Distribution FAQ: Top 4 Questions of the Month

By Stacey Parks
posted May 14, 2009, 10:05

Stacey Parks is the author of Insiders Guide to Film Distribution. Stacey has worked in independent film for over 10 years, and is currently a sales executive at the BBC Worldwide in Los Angeles. She was previously a foreign sales agent for many years. Her website is www.film-distribution-secrets.com.

Here are some frequently asked questions that filmmakers keep asking me in regards to distribution:

Q: How can I get a pre-sale for my movie?

A: Unless you have a truly A-list cast, you really can�t. Unfortunately, the pre-sale market for indie films died down several years ago, especially in the foreign markets. The exception to this is, say, for example, you are making a straight-to-video film, and you have cast 2 or 3 actors who are �proven� in the straight-to-video marketplace. In this instance, you could probably swing a home video pre-sale from a DVD distributor. How do you know who the �proven� straight-to-video actors are? Do some research by going into Blockbuster and seeing which actors appear on the box covers again and again of the straight-to-video films � THOSE are the proven!

Q: Can I approach distributors directly or should I go through a producer�s rep?

A: For U.S DVD distribution in particular, it is very easy to submit your film directly to the distributor. In the aforementioned example, say you were able to cast a couple of these �proven� actors in your movie� Well, see which companies distributed those DVD�s you saw in Blockbuster, and contact them directly through their websites. Almost every DVD distributor I looked up online has an email address for their acquisition execs. They are waiting to hear from you!

Q: I�ve submitted to some film festivals, and while I�m waiting to hear back, is it ok to pursue distribution in the mean time?

A: YES! Always put as many irons in the fire as possible. I don�t know if you�ve noticed, but many films these days already have distribution BEFORE they even get to Sundance for example.

Q: Are distributor screenings a good idea?

A: Not really. From the feedback I�ve gotten from distributors, the last thing they want to do at the end of their day is to go to a screening after work. They much prefer to receive a DVD from you and screen it in the comfort of their home or office.

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Check out this article in the March 2007 print edition of StudentFilmmakers magazine, page 47.

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