How Do I Distribute My Film After Completion? – z3nchriscoggs

Completing your film is a monumental achievement, but the journey doesn’t end there. Distribution is the vital next step that ensures your work reaches the audiences it was made for and, ideally, generates revenue or recognition. Drawing on years of industry experience, I’ll walk you through the practical pathways, strategies, and considerations for effective film distribution.

Understanding Film Distribution

Film distribution involves the process of making your finished film available to viewers via various platforms and outlets. It can range from theatrical releases to digital streaming, festivals, broadcast, physical media, and more.

The approach you choose depends on your film’s genre, budget, target audience, and goals (commercial success, festival acclaim, exposure, etc.).

Key Distribution Channels

Film Festivals

Why Festivals? Festivals provide crucial public exposure, critical reviews, and potential deals from distributors or sales agents.
Choosing Festivals: Submit to festivals that align with your genre, audience, and career stage — prestigious ones like Sundance, TIFF, Cannes, or niche festivals focused on specific communities or themes.
Tips: Tailor submissions carefully, meet deadlines, and leverage festival screenings for press and networking.

Theatrical Release

Traditional Route: Negotiating with distributors or securing a self-distribution plan to screen in cinemas.
Independent Theatrical: Booking screenings at local, art house, or indie theaters.
Considerations: Theatrical release is costly and competitive but can legitimize and publicize your film broadly.

Digital Platforms and Streaming

Video on Demand (VOD): Platforms like iTunes, Amazon, Google Play enable rentals or sales.
Streaming Services: Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and others often acquire films through deals with distributors or aggregators.
Self-Distribution: Use platforms like Vimeo On Demand, Seed&Spark, or your own website to distribute directly.
Aggregator Services: Companies like Distribber or Quiver help place films on multiple digital platforms.

Television and Broadcast

Selling broadcasting rights to networks or cable channels.
Public television stations sometimes purchase independent films, especially documentaries.

Physical Media

DVDs and Blu-rays, (less dominant today but still relevant for collectors, libraries, and international markets).

Creating a Distribution Strategy

Identify Your Target Audience: Who are the viewers most likely to connect with your film? Understanding demographics and interests guides channel selection and marketing approaches.
Build a Marketing Plan:

Create trailers, posters, press kits, and social media campaigns.
Leverage your film’s unique selling points to attract media attention.
Develop a website and maintain active online presence.

Consider Partnering with a Distributor or Sales Agent:

Distributors handle marketing, sales, and release logistics but take a percentage of earnings.
Sales Agents negotiate deals internationally, especially for festival and territory rights.

Choose partners carefully, and don’t sign contracts without legal review.

Film Festivals as Launchpads: Use festival accolades and press to build momentum before wider release.
Plan Your Release Windows: Coordinate the timing for festival screenings, theatrical releases, and digital availability carefully to maximize impact.

Legal and Logistical Considerations

Rights Clearance: Ensure all music, footage, talent releases, and other elements are cleared for distribution.
Film Registration: Register your film with relevant copyright offices.
Distribution Agreements: Read and understand terms related to royalties, territories, and exclusivity.
Accounting and Reporting: Keep accurate records of sales and revenues.

Distribution is where your film meets its audience and begins to make an impact. While it can be complex and competitive, strategic planning, leveraging festivals, embracing digital platforms, and building strong partnerships can open doors to success.

Remember, every film’s path is unique. Stay flexible, persistent, and proactive. Your story deserves to be seen, take the steps to make sure it reaches the right eyes and ears.