Research the market and potential distributors

When researching potential distributors for film and TV content, it is important to consider what kind of content they specialize in selling. Do they focus on independent films, mainstream blockbusters, or documentaries? It is also beneficial to look for feedback from producers who have worked with the distributor in the past – this can provide valuable insight into how reliable and trustworthy they are. Additionally, it is important to determine how long the distributor has been in business – a longer track record typically indicates more significant experience and more reliable services. By researching these areas of a potential distributor, you can make an informed decision about who to work with.

Understand what types of films they distribute

When it comes to understanding what types of films a distributor deals with, it is essential to know what kind of genres they focus on. For example, some distributors may specialize in feature films, while others might focus on shorts and independent releases. Feature films are typically longer and feature popular actors and actresses in well-known roles. Shorts are typically shorter films that do not have the same production value as a feature film. Independent releases are usually produced by small companies or individuals and tend to be more experimental or niche than traditional feature films. Knowing the type of genres that a distributor specializes in can help you determine if they are right for your project or not.

Analyze their past successes in the market

When analyzing a film distributor’s past successes in the market, it is important to look at both the financial gain and the quality of their product. By taking into account the high-yield sales that they have achieved in the past, as well as any award-winning products that they have produced, one can make an informed decision regarding their success. The financial gain achieved by the distributor is one of the most important metrics to keep in mind when assessing their past successes. Additionally, seeing if they have released any award-winning films or gained any other recognition for their efforts is also key to understanding how well they have done in the market. Overall, examining a film distributor’s past successes involves both looking into their financial gains and recognizing their creative product outputs.

Understand their distribution network and reach

When it comes to film distribution, understanding the network and reach is essential. A film distributor needs to know the domestic markets as well as international markets, which territories they should target, and if the focus should be global or local. They also need to develop strong bonds with buyers in order to make sure that their films have maximum reach and visibility. The distributor must assess the potential of each market, evaluate how their films can best be marketed and sold, identify viable partners, film festivals, and create effective campaigns for each territory. By doing this work thoroughly, a film distributor can ensure that their films are successful in both domestic and international markets.

Know which distribution channels they use (e.g., theatrical, streaming services, etc.) 

Film distributors are responsible for deciding which channels will be used to make a movie available to audiences. Traditionally, the most common channel has been theatrical releases in cinemas. However, with the rise of digital technology, more and more options have become available, such as streaming services like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video, cable TV networks, over-the-top (OTT) services like Hulu or Apple TV+, and video on demand (VOD) platforms like iTunes or Google Play. Each of these channels has its own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to getting a movie seen by audiences around the world, so it’s important for film distributors to understand which ones are best suited to their particular movie. By determining which distribution channels they will use, distributors can ensure that their movies get seen by as many people as possible.

Get feedback from other filmmakers and industry professionals

When researching film distributors, it is crucial to get feedback from other filmmakers and industry professionals. This can be done by contacting producers and filmmakers who have experience with the distributor, and by connecting with film markets and professional associations. By doing this, you can gain insight into how the distributor operates and if they are in good standing with their customers. Additionally, having contacts within the industry will help you build relationships that could benefit your filmmaking career in the future. Ultimately, getting feedback from other professionals is an essential step to find the right distributor.

Create a shortlist of potential distributors

When creating a shortlist of potential distributors, there are certain criteria to use. For film and tv distribution, potential reach is one of the most important factors to consider. This includes the number of countries they can distribute in and the types of platforms they have access to. Specialization is also key, as some distributors specialize in different genres or formats. Deal terms should be examined carefully, as this will influence how much money you make from your project. Reputation is also essential; you want a distributor who has experience and success with similar projects.

Additionally, it’s important to look into their relationship with exhibitors, retailers, and streaming services; if they have strong connections here, that could benefit your project immensely. Finally, it’s important to investigate their financials; you need to know that they are stable and reliable enough to handle distributing your project. By researching each potential distributor against these criteria, you can create a shortlist that best meets your needs.

Make sure you’re comfortable with the contract terms and conditions

Ready to sign? It’s important to make sure you’re comfortable with the contract terms and conditions. This includes understanding the fees associated with your involvement as well as any percentage that you may be entitled to as part of the agreement. Additionally, there may be marketing obligations that you have to meet or deliverable materials that must be provided for the distributor to promote your movie effectively. Finally, it’s essential to consider your personal involvement, such as attending screenings, participating in interviews, or other promotional activities. By making sure all these points are agreed upon from the outset, it can help ensure that everyone is clear on their responsibilities and expectations throughout the process.

There are no guarantees

It is important to recognize your sales expectations in any market, but also to be aware that there is no way to predict what will happen 100%. Demand and tastes change all the time, so even if you have a great product it may not meet the goals you anticipated due to many factors. For example, too many movies with similar plots being released at the same time can make it difficult for one particular movie to become successful. Additionally, a sleeper product could have surprisingly high sales at a late date due to unexpected demand. It is important to stay informed about the market and adjust your expectations accordingly.