What is a film distribution agreement?
A distribution contract is a memorialization of the agreement between the owner of distribution rights in a film or video (usually the producer), and a company engaged in the business of marketing such works to users and purchasers (usually a distributor).
How do I sell my film to a distributor?
The film is done! Now what?
- Create a sales one-sheet.
- Cut a great trailer.
- Enter film festivals, but be prepared to fork over cash for entry fees and travel expenses.
- Hire a sales agent.
- If you have the ambition call on every distribution company yourself.
- Develop an online following.
What is the process of film distribution?
Film distribution is the process of making a movie available for viewing by an audience. The film may be exhibited directly to the public either through a movie theater or television, or personal home viewing (including DVD, video-on-demand, download, television programs through broadcast syndication).
How long do distribution rights last?
When your film starts making money, and without that itemized list, your distributor might claim that they need to recoup some of their marketing expenses out of the cash that should go to you. Negotiate a shorter term length. Right now, the average term length for most distributors is 10-15 years.
How do you create a distribution contract?
How Distribution Agreements Work
- Set an appointment with the manufacturer.
- Negotiate the distribution terms.
- Review specifics, such as promotional literature.
- Hire a business lawyer to help you draft the terms.
- Sign or renegotiate the contract.
- Begin executing the agreement as contained within provisions.
How do film distributors get paid?
Leasing, the distributor agrees to pay a fixed amount for the rights to distribute the film. Profit-sharing, the distributor gets a percentage of the profits made from the film. This percentage is usually between 10-50%. (Never go for the 50/50 split.
How do film distribution companies make money?
There are two types of distribution: leasing and profit-sharing. Leasing, the distributor agrees to pay a fixed amount for the rights to distribute the film. Profit-sharing, the distributor gets a percentage of the profits made from the film. This percentage is usually between 10-50%.
How do film sales agents get paid?
A sales agent commission will be between 20% and 35%, this is variable depending on several factors, but generally 25% or under is generally good, and over 30% is a sign you should read more into this distributor.
What are film production agreements and contracts?
Film contracts and agreements exist to avoid miscommunication and all the risks that are present in every stage from pre-production to distribution. These documents need to be set in place with the production team, cast, and crew even before principal photography begins. Now, begin by taking your time to check the film production agreements below.
What is a production finance distribution agreement?
Production/Finance/Distribution Agreement: In a production/finance/distribution agreement, commonly referred to as a “PFD agreement,” a distribution company (e.g., a studio or VOD company) hires a production company to produce a film, and the distribution company agrees to directly finance production of, and to distribute, the film.
What is a rent-a-system film distribution deal?
Rent-A-System: In a rent-a-system deal, a producer licenses certain film rights to a distribution company, typically a studio, for a limited term, but the distribution company is not required to pay an advance to the producer to either finance production or take delivery of the film.
What is the difference between a PFD and a distribution agreement?
Because the distribution company does not directly finance the cost of production, it usually does not have the same extensive controls over production as in the case of a PFD agreement. Thus, the production company typically retains more creative discretion than under a PFD agreement.