We have a small micro budget film. It's currently in a million dollar contest (you can check it out via the link below). If we don't win top prize, and don't get optioned, we'd still like to push forward and find a distributor who would be interested in our project. My question is a combination of 3 questions: how do we market to distributors, how do we find one that handles types of films like ours, and how do we know they will actually work to distribute the film? If you are curious about it, you can see a short trailer here: http://ow.ly/LBmVR
Distribution : What is the best way to market to or find distributors? by Mike Tyrrell
What is the best way to market to or find distributors?
Other topics in Distribution:
Check out Trending Discussions
Register / Log In
1 person likes this
Usually you know the distribution before you make a film. But that doesn't mean that in your case it's hopeless. Just Google distributors they're looking for a film in your genre. Search for the American film market conferences, distribution conferences, or other events that have something to do with films finding a distributor. Funding middlemen in the digital age of filmmaking that can do what you cannot is hard these days. If you want to get on iTunes, Amazon, Hulu, Netflix, Walmart online, Best Buy online, Redbox, check out www.distribber.com. There are plenty more that do this, but they seem to be the best. I hope this is useful information.
2 people like this
Do some investigating on film festivals that acquisition executive actually attend. The main ones are Sundance, Slamdance, Toronto, Teluride, Cannes, Berlin, etc. If you can get into one or more of these you'll have your best shot of finding a distributor. Of course this only applies to completed films. If you're still in the screenplay stage then I have no idea.
Thanks Lyne and Patrick, we've shot the film and it's in post. Thanks, will check out the film festivals and distribber!
Depending on how far along in post you are Toronto International Film Festival might be your best bet. tiff.net is their website. It runs Sept 10-20 However late submissions end May 29th. The next best might be Teluride, CO with submissions now until July 15. Their website is Teluridefilmfestival.org
1 person likes this
More ideas... Do it yourself. By definition you are a small studio, so here is how they do it. Most film studios will have this set ahead of time before making a film (they make sure the niche market is interested, network with leaders in the genre, go to events and mingle, and they research where they watch films). Collecting emails is a must. Working with a theatrical distributor is expensive so go the route of DIY distribution. You don't have to get permission to distribute your film. Your audience is your business. Without an audience you have no business. I use these tools: go to www.distribber.com for digital. Go to www.tugg.com for theatrical. I use www.kunaki.com for all my DVD and drop shopping to stores. There are also wonder tools for cheap like www.vhx.tv for digital. Contact physical stores individually and go through their steps for submit ion. If there is a market for your film and you have done the upfront work to building your support for your niche movie ahead of time then success is possible. Good luck with the film! Hope it goes well.
1 person likes this
I distribute AVOD on wireless platforms worldwide, please inbox me for details.
1 person likes this
Mike, I have distribution agreements and a commitment to place films with several major retailers. I'm currently screening films to place in our 2016 sales slots. Please go to http://blackwolfmediagroup.com and select "Film Submissions" under Quick Links, provide the requested information about your film, and we'll screen it and contact you to discuss options going forward. Thanks ...
Thank you to everyone who has provided such great information! We're still in the post production stage, but for those of you that have asked for screeners, we will get those to you asap!
Love this information...In preparation to film a dramatic family film and a horror next..I hear its hard to get distribution for that type...I did take down the information offered...if you have more Please share... Mark. Mridley1999@yahoo.com
1 person likes this
Layne, that is some great info. Thanks for sharing! I've heard of Distribber, but not Tugg or Kunaki. I've got some projects in the works that I think will benefit from my researching this further. And Mike, best of luck with finding a good distributor!
Mike, Black Wolf Media Group would certainly like the opportunity to screen your trailer when you're ready. We're currently screening for our 2016 line up. You can submit information about your film at http://blackwolfmediagroup.com/film-submissions/ Thanks ... Ash Ford, CFO