

Summary

Learn to navigate the complex world of independent feature film distribution to get your film on Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, iTunes, and more, from a PGA producer who has worked on over 25 feature films!
PLEASE NOTE: Although this exclusive Stage 32 class is no longer live and the teacher is not available on email, we highly encourage you to do any assignments to get the most out of the educational experience.
Are you ready to secure distribution for your independent feature film?
There are more opportunities today than ever before for you to find distribution for your independent feature film. Theatrical releases are making a big comeback with companies like Apple getting into the game, streamers like Amazon, Netflix, Hulu are hungrier than ever for content and digital platforms like iTunes, GooglePlay (and more!) are all avenues to distribute your film. There are literary dozens of homes for your film in today's marketplace.
So how do you choose the right distribution platform for your film, and how do you make sure that you get the best deal once you do?
First, it is critical that you understand the distribution landscape immediately as you begin your film's journey, as it will allow you to make the best decisions in setting your budget, development plan, and the scope of your production. Distribution will have major implications for your shoot, so it is crucial that you don’t wait until the film is done to start looking for distribution… you need to start now!
The trick to securing the best possible distribution for your film comes down to understanding the distribution process and current global film market. As a filmmaker and producer, you have control over a number of essential aspects in the dissemination of your film, from finding the right distributor for your film (much more on this) to understanding distribution contracts and what you can negotiate to protect yourself and the lifetime rights of your film.
In this exclusive Stage 32 on-demand 4-Session Class, Michelle Alexandria - a producer who has worked on 25 feature films with budgets up to $6MM - will teach you the ins and outs of today's complex distribution landscape to ensure you are in the best position possible to secure a great distribution deal for your independent film.
Don't miss this chance to learn how to get distribution and the best deal for your movie!
Praise for Michelle's Talent & Knowledge:
“Michelle's expertise and experience has been invaluable to my work as a filmmaker! I can't recommend working with her enough.” – Stacy L.
"As an indie filmmaker who has always had trouble AFTER my film was made, working with Michelle was truly helpful. Thanks, Stage 32." - Nick M.
"Michelle Alexandria!! BRILLIANT! And gracious with the info...so easy to follow and understand! Truly ...thank you!" -Tina-Marie

What You'll Learn
SESSION 1: Understanding the Basics of Independent Distribution
- Our first lesson takes you through some “need to know” concepts for understanding film distribution, from a lesson in essential terminology to understanding ways that a distributor will monetize your film
- How an understanding of rights, release windows, and revenue streams will make all the difference in your deal
- What types of financial goals should you set for your release?
- How to best identify your target audience - a lesson in niche demographics
- Q&A with Michelle
SESSION 2: How to Negotiate Your Deal & Plan for Deliverables
- What is a term sheet?
- Key deal-points to look out for that will set you up for success
- A comprehensive review of key studio/platform deliverables that YOU will be responsible for creating
- Q&A with Michelle
SESSION 3: The Current Digital Distribution Landscape - Overview of Key Platforms
- An overview of indie studios: who is buying (and what are they buying) and how to best build relationships and develop inroads with the right buyers
- Profiles of key consumer facing digital platforms (ie – Apple’s Media Player, Amazon, and streaming platforms specific to your movie)
- Which platforms are looking to buy completed films vs. develop projects internally?
- Q&A with Michelle
SESSION 4: The Wild West of OTT and Streaming
- An overview of indie studios: who is buying (and what are they buying) and how to best build relationships and develop inroads with the right buyers
- What is OTT and how did it become the industry leader?
- Where do the old guards like HBO, Showtime, and Starz fit in today’s distribution landscape?
- The new “studio” competition: Netflix, HBONow, SlingTV, Youtube, and AmazonVideo
- Who are the up-and-comers in the crowded OTT space and could a new platform be your perfect match?
- What is AVOD and how is it bringing us back full circle?
- Q&A with Michelle
PLEASE NOTE: Although this exclusive Stage 32 class is no longer live and the teacher is not available on email, we highly encourage you to do any assignments to get the most out of the educational experience.
Who Should Attend
All levels of filmmakers (advanced, intermediate and beginner)studying filmmaking, producing, or related disciplines who want to learn about the business side of independent film distribution.
All levels of showrunners (advanced, intermediate and beginner) studying filmmaking, producing, or related disciplines who want to learn about the business side of independent film distribution.
All levels of writers (advanced, intermediate and beginner) studying filmmaking, producing, or related disciplines who want to learn about the business side of independent film distribution.
Producers studying filmmaking, producing, or related disciplines who want to learn about the business side of independent film distribution.
Actors studying filmmaking, producing, or related disciplines who want to learn about the business side of independent film distribution.
Executive

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.