Your Step by Step Guide to Getting Distribution for Your Film

Taught by Michelle Alexandria

$399

On Demand Class - For immediate download. Unlimited access for 1 year.

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Class hosted by: Michelle Alexandria

Executive Producer / Head of International Sales at Worked On 25 Films, $6 Million & Under

Michelle Alexandria is a PGA member, film producer, and distribution consultant at Light Year Pictures. Michelle has personally worked on 25 feature films $6MM and under, and 3 television projects in various capacities including producing, line producing and executive producing. Michelle's producing credits include the family film FIRST DOG, the award-winning feature film A LIFE LIVED starring Denise Richards and Jennifer Taylor, romantic French comedy COUP DE FOUDRE A SAINT GERMAIN DES PRES, and THE EXTENDABLES starring Mark Dacascos, Kevin Sorbo, and Martin Kove. Michelle also executive produced feature films GOOD GUYS FINISH LAST, SCREAMERS, TRAUMA THERAPY, and ASK ME TO DANCE. Michelle has attended major film festivals and markets, including Cannes, AFM, Berlin, Buenos Aires, Sundance, and more. She has also acted as a judge for several film festivals and has been a guest speaker and panelist. Michelle continues to represent film investors and filmmakers, working with them to obtain strong content according to the current market. Michelle is a member of the Producers Guild of America. Full Bio »

Summary

 

Learn How To Secure Distribution For Your Film From A Producer Guild of America Member Who Has Worked On Over 25 Films

 

If you’re making a movie, the ultimate goal is getting it distributed.

And, in today's current climate there are more distribution options than ever with theatrical, streaming, AVOD and SVOD - it's important that you set yourself up for success so you can get a return on investment for your film.

In an exclusive 4-session Stage 32 on-demand class, you will learn how to find distributors and sales companies, where to find them, who in the company to contact and what to say.

And, when your offers come pouring in, you'll know what to look for in contracts, what to expect in cash flow and charges, and how to prepare yourself and your project for the big part of the filmmaking process, distribution.

To guide you on this journey is a top PGA Producer (Producers Guild of America) who's worked on 25 independent films, Michelle Alexandria.

Over the course of four weeks, Michelle will show you how to harness your determination and make a clear plan of action. She will teach you how to take strong steps to create relationships, get distribution, make money, and have fun doing it from anywhere in the world. 

You will get a clear plan of action and learn how to take strong steps to create relationships, get distribution, make money, and have fun doing it from anywhere in the world...


TESTIMONIALS FROM PREVIOUS EDUCATION FROM MICHELLE:

"Sure, everyone thinks their film is the next My Big Fat Greek Wedding or some other independent blockbuster. Sure, everyone believes that they have THE idea that is going to get them the money. Michelle just gave me the map as to HOW to get the money by being REAL. I can't wait to get started and to bounce ideas off my team. This was so much fun. Thank you!"

- Denise P.

What You'll Learn

Here you will learn how to find distributors and sales companies, where to find them, who in the company to contact, what to say, and when offers do come in, what to look for in contracts, what to expect in cash flow and charges, and how to prepare yourself and your project for the big part of the filmmaking process, distribution. THIS IN MY MIND IS KEY!

Session 1: Finding the Right Distribution Company for Your Project

  • Steps to Finding the company that is the right fit for you
  • Deciding who is the right person in the company to reach out to?
  • Learning what to say and not say
  • Learning what to send and not send
  • The materials needed for an in-person meeting 
    • Artwork
    • Teasers/Trailers
    • Press kits
    • Etc.

Q&A with Michelle

 

Class 2: Utilizing Film Festivals and Markets, and Working with Your Distributor

  • Learning how to use markets and festivals to your advantage
  • The key film festivals/markets to attend
  • Do and Donts of approaching companies and getting the meeting
  • Should you screen your film?
  • How to create harmony and work with your sales agent
  • Steps filmmakers can take to work with a Distributor for success

Q&A with Michelle

 

Class 3: Understanding Deliverables and Marketing Tools

  • What are deliverables?
  • How to budget in development for your deliverables
  • Determining which deliverables you actually do need
  • The key players you need to engage in the delivery process
  • The marketing tools of delivery

Q&A with Michelle

 

Class 4: Negotiating Contract and Understanding Revenue Cash Flow

  • What are the key terms in distribution contracts
  • The top contract mistakes that can sink your film
  • The key contract terms you should always fight for
  • Understanding Marketing fees and who is responsible for them
  • The flow of revenue, aka when you get money

Q&A with Michelle

 


WHAT TO EXPECT

  • This class is designed for all level filmmakers - beginner, intermediate and advanced who are looking to understand how to distribute their film. 
  • This is an intimate, in-depth, practical, and detailed class.
  • Although this class is on demand, we suggest you complete each assignment to get the most out of the content.  

About Your Instructor

Michelle Alexandria is a PGA member, film producer, and distribution consultant at Light Year Pictures. Michelle has personally worked on 25 feature films $6MM and under, and 3 television projects in various capacities including producing, line producing and executive producing. Michelle's producing credits include the family film FIRST DOG, the award-winning feature film A LIFE LIVED starring Denise Richards and Jennifer Taylor, romantic French comedy COUP DE FOUDRE A SAINT GERMAIN DES PRES, and THE EXTENDABLES starring Mark Dacascos, Kevin Sorbo, and Martin Kove. Michelle also executive produced feature films GOOD GUYS FINISH LAST, SCREAMERS, TRAUMA THERAPY, and ASK ME TO DANCE.

Michelle has attended major film festivals and markets, including Cannes, AFM, Berlin, Buenos Aires, Sundance, and more. She has also acted as a judge for several film festivals and has been a guest speaker and panelist. Michelle continues to represent film investors and filmmakers, working with them to obtain strong content according to the current market. Michelle is a member of the Producers Guild of America.

Schedule

Available On-Demand

FAQs

Q: What is the format of a class?
A: Stage 32 Next Level Classes are typically 90-minute broadcasts that take place online using a designated software program from Stage 32.

Q: Do I have to be located in a specific location?
A: No, you can participate from the comfort of your own home using your personal computer! If you attend a live online webinar, you will be able to communicate directly with your instructor during the class.

Q: What are the system requirements?
A: You will need to meet the following system requirements in order to run the webinar software: Windows 7 or later Mac OS X 10.9 (Mavericks) or later.
If you have Windows XP, Windows Vista and Mac OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion): The webinar software does not support these operating systems. If you are running one of those operating systems, please upgrade now in order to be able to view a live class. Upgrade your Windows computer / Upgrade your Mac computer

Q: What if I cannot attend the live lab class?
A: If you cannot attend a live class, you will have access to the entire recorded broadcast, including the Q&A. 

Q: Will I have access to the class afterward to rewatch?
A: Yes! After the purchase of the lab, you will have on-demand access to the video recording, which you can view as many times as you'd like!

Questions?

If you have a generic question about Stage 32 education you can take a look at our frequently asked questions section on our help page, or feel free to contact support with any other inquiries you might have.
 

Reviews Average Rating: 5 out of 5

  • Michelle is an amazing instructor. She really knows her stuff and is so willing to answer questions and even offered a free appointment with the attendees to discuss their projects. This course is totally worth the cost!
  • I learned so much in Michelle Alexandria's distribution class. I was at a loss how to move forward with my film, but through Michelle's class I got a clear plan how and what to do. She was very generous with her knowledge, and organized about all the info from her many years of experience. She also got to know the individual projects of the students, and guided us with specific feedback for our particular films. So glad I took this class. I'm now excited about the next steps, not dreading them!

Other education that may be of interest to you:

How to Put Together a Perfect Film Investor Pitch Deck

Your pitch deck is the most important tool in your initial stage of obtaining financing for your script. A pitch deck is also used as an aid to attaching an actor or director you are interested in. As a tool, your deck is the first impression of your film condensed so the investor can become familiar with your project and determine if this is an opportunity for them. To close the deal or at least garner meaningful consideration and interest, your pitch deck has to stand out. It has to not only tell the story of your project, why it should be attractive to talent, and what the true potential audience may be, but, most importantly, it needs to show a true and realistic path to profitability. And this is where so many decks fail. Sure, you want to paint a rosy picture with your investor pitch deck. But here's the thing, most investors who have put money into films before know BS from reality. They will know if you are overshooting your estimates (an extremely common tactic), whether your film comps are ridiculous (they almost always are) and if you're exaggerating who your potential audience will be (nearly always the case). A great investor pitch deck is filled with equal parts optimism and reality. Sure, every investor wants to dream of unbelievable riches and success, but what truly makes them open their wallets is believing in the team, the project, and being presented a realistic worldview as to the potential return on their investment. Michelle Alexandria knows a thing or two about raising money. As a producer and Head of International Sales and Acquisitions for Glasshouse Distribution, Michelle has raised or assisted in raising funds for dozens of films and other projects. She has personally worked on 25 feature films $6MM and under and 3 television projects in various capacities including producing, line producing and executive producing. Michelle has spoken on the topic of raising financing at the Cannes Producers Network and other prominent film festivals and markets including MipCom, Berlin, Buenos Aires, UniFrance, Sundance, and AFM. Michelle will teach you how to create an investor pitch deck that doesn't have that same dusty feeling of so many decks and which fits the current climate of raising funds. She will show you what elements truly matter for an investor and which you can leave out of your deck entirely. She will discuss the value (or lack thereof) of artwork and posters. Additionally, she'll dive into loglines and synopsis to assure that you are giving your potential investors the true vision of the project. She will teach you how to put together a realistic cast list and film comps. She will discuss budgets, scheduling and how to incorporate those elements into your deck. She will talk to you about putting together the right team and how those team members can send the right or wrong signal. Michelle's knowledge is extensive and her advice actionable, and now she's here to deliver the goods exclusively in this Stage 32 on-demand webinar. As an added bonus, Michelle will share examples of pitches decks that have helped secure millions in financing!   "Clear, concise, and brilliant." - Mario D.   "No BS, straight to the point information. Loved every second." - Patricia H.   "I have a deck for my film. It's going in the garbage. I will be starting over tomorrow with this wealth of information flowing in my head. Remarkable job, Michelle!" - Phil M.   "Sure, everyone wants Leo or George in their films. Sure, everyone thinks their film is the next My Big Fat Greek Wedding or some other independent blockbuster. Sure, everyone believes that they have THE idea that is going to get them the money. Michelle just gave me the map as to HOW to get the money by being REAL. I can't wait to get started and to bounce ideas off my team. This was so much fun. Thank you!" - Denise P.  

How To Put Together A Perfect Pitch Deck For Your Movie

Learn how to make your pitch deck attractive to investors and top talent from a producer who has worked on over 25 films! PLUS! Michelle will provide you with an exclusive pitch deck template for you to use on your own projects! Your film investor pitch deck, sometimes called your business plan, is the most important tool in your initial stage of obtaining financing for your script. Your deck provides an overview of your script and provides the first impression of your film so the investor can become familiar with your project and determine if this is an opportunity for them. A pitch deck is also used as an aid to attach an actor or director you are interested in. Your pitch deck allows investors, companies, and talent to become familiar with your before reading your script so your pitch deck must really stand out in order to garner meaningful consideration and interest. Your deck must not only tell the story of your project, why it is attractive to talent, and what the true potential audience may be, but, most importantly, it needs to show a true and realistic path to profitability. And this is where so many decks fail. Filmmakers tend to make visual heavy look-books without any indication of financials for the project and call it a business plan. Also, novice filmmakers often inflate potential or unrealistic elements of the budget and profitability, causing companies, investors, and producers to see the lack of experience in the filmmaker behind the project. Investors will know if you are overshooting your numbers, whether your film comparables are not realistic, or if you are exaggerating the size of your potential audience. These pitfalls are easily avoidable if you have the knowledge of what companies and investors are really looking for. A professional business plan is filled with equal parts optimism and reality. Of course, any company or investor dreams of major success, but what truly makes them consider participating in a project is believing in the team, the project, and being presented with a realistic overview of the potential return on their investment. In this exclusive Stage 32 webinar, seasoned producer and distributor Michelle Alexandria will take you through a step-by-step process to build your successful pitch deck. She will give you examples of successful pitch decks that helped her secure financing to make her movies and equip you with the necessary tools to secure funding for your film. You will walk away from this webinar with the necessary tools to build your pitch deck for your project to get investors, producers, and cast interested! PLUS! You will receive an exclusive pitch deck template to use on your next project!   Praise For Michelle Alexandria's Teaching   "Michelle Alexandria proves to be an excellent guide cutting away at the barriers, self or industry created. Stellar webinar, she provides selflessly a deep knowledge, her experiences towards acquiring interest from the least expected sources, helps streamline efforts towards gaining the optimal financial support and guiding products towards audiences. Going to “throw clay onto the wheel” with confidence. Kudos, highly recommend!" -Jen K  “I learned so much from Michelle about how to break into the film/tv industry. There's so much to learn about the craft and business of working in this industry and I'm grateful to have Michelle's expertise in guiding me through it.” -- Nick S. "I can't say enough good things about Michelle! Talk about a woman who knows her stuff. I highly recommend all writers, producers, and directors take a course with her to hone their craft and propel their careers." -- Kaitlin L.  

3 Key Steps To Build Your Film Package & Attract Financing

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