Guaranteed Distribution For Films...With a Twist

While a film's distribution might be guaranteed these days, a successful release is not PLUS how to think strategically about a fall release

The other day I mentioned how there’s guaranteed distribution for series … but what about feature films?

As you’re probably aware there’s been guaranteed distribution for features for years now…. ever since FilmHub came on to the scene (and other platforms like it) - you can pretty much guarantee distribution for your film assuming it meets the basic criteria for running time, content guidelines, etc.

The issue with feature films has never been about distribution and getting on to the wild world of AVOD platforms… it’s more an issue of can you fund and/or execute a release campaign that drives buyers and ultimately revenue.

And…. if you want ‘bigger’ distribution beyond just the AVOD platforms…. like if you want a crack at a Streaming deal and a more substantial TVOD play, then you’ll want to work hand-in-hand with an actual distributor (not just a DIY platform), and utilize their strength and relationships in the market to maximize a release for your film.

But let’s back up a minute…. I mentioned for my feature Pinball, our AVOD window won’t come till later. We are working the TVOD and SVOD windows first, but still had to fund a PR and social media campaign to drive attention to these releases - particularly TVOD which is a transactional window. How much you can throw at marketing will depend on your budget but you will have to do something.

In sum, while distribution may be guaranteed, having a successful release is not.

Yesterday we announced the release of another film I worked on and sourced distribution for Match Me If You Can. The team has retained PR and marketing support to drive traffic to the theatrical and TVOD release next month. But here’s where things get interesting….

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An Interesting Turn Of Events

You may have noticed that with the SAG strike studios are having to push their fall releases into 2024 because if they can’t drive attention on a big scale with their stars out doing publicity, it’s a waste of time and money.

Where this can get interesting for indies is that with a slimmed down fall release schedule, there will be less competition out there for attention. Fewer studio releases could mean more opportunity for smaller films to make a splash.

No doubt the fundamentals of promoting a release still apply but with less ‘noise’ in the market, it could be a boon for independent films who can keep their release schedules and even engage in publicity with their actors via the interim agreements (aka SAG ‘waivers’).

We’re planning on that with a film I have in post that we’re targeting a fall festival premiere for. We applied for the interim agreement so we can keep our actors engaged in helping us promote not only the festival premiere but the eventual release in Q4 2023 or Q1 2024.

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Are You Thinking Strategically About Your Release?

Time to put on your strategy cap and if you’re sitting on a completed film or one in post, how can you take advantage of a slimmed down fall release schedule that’s been handed to us on a silver platter by the big Studios?

If you need a game plan and or a partner in getting distribution for your film I’ve mentioned before I’ve re-launched my Distribution Consulting services to help capitalize on all the opportunities I see in the market.

Email me at stacey@filmspecific.com with details on your project and I’ll assess whether I can help or not.

And either way, you are always welcome to ask me any questions below in the comments… hit me up there!

On that note, I’ll wrap things up for today. I hope you have a fabulous day ahead and speak to you again soon!

Stacey

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