Another Mark Duplass Deal
+ how it paves the way for other indie series creators like us
We had a popular post a couple weeks back about a self-funded approach to Indie TV Production called Was Mark Duplass Right? - and there’s been an update since then I wanted to share with you that could potentially pave the way for other indie series creators and producers.
What Mark Duplass was clear about when he made the domestic Netflix deal on his independently produced series Penelope was that as owner of the series, he was free to pursue an approach favored in places like Europe where the IP owner makes a domestic deal to cover the budget of the series, and the entire rest of the world is upside while retaining ownership of the asset.
He was excited to explore this and thus prove, that we here in the US could benefit from a similar structure and hopefully prove a model where creators could create profitable ventures with their independently produced series.
Well earlier this week it was announced that he partnered with Global Distributor Fremantle on the International rights to Penelope.
Now obviously Fremantle has hedged their bets and baked into their calculations the fact that Duplass is a celebrity - they probably paid him a healthy advance against foreign sales that he gets a substantial percentage of.
Can the rest of us pull of a deal like this with a global behemoth like Fremantle? Chances are no lol 😂 Unless we’re famous 🥳
BUT!
It gives me hope that there’s other deals like this out there with a the breadth of companies operating in the same space as Fremantle and a precedent has been set where we may all be able to benefit from something similar.
What do you think?
Are you in a position to raise funds and produce your unscripted or scripted series and come out the other side and be able to seek out a Netflix + Fremantle deal-ish?
Maybe not at the same scale but utilizing a similar framework?
I have a few clients doing just that and I’m pursuing a few opportunities of my own in this realm so watch this space!
And in the mean time, let me know below if you’re in the same boat and any questions you have…. I’d love to continue the conversation with those of you producing indie series for distribution later.
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With MIPCOM quickly approaching, this is a topic that will continue to get more press and will open up opportunities for the rest of us to leverage, just in time for the market.
Got an indie series you need help with? Email me at stacey@filmspecific.com.
Have a wonderful day ahead and speak again soon….
Stacey
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Hey there, I have a question, with so much of the film industry landscape shifting, do you still need an agent to approach talent reps with a pitch deck?
Great column and indeed a building trend. Versatility, price point, adaptability and entrepreneurial maneuvering is key in this world. My father always said, "Keep the house nut (overhead) low so you can do whatever you want." Good advice and even better advice with the two-three years worth of institutional layoffs from major studios adding up.