In The Trenches With Distribution
Intel on what I’m getting out there from the market PLUS release timelines, delivery deadlines, upcoming TIFF and AFM
In last week’s newsletter we discussed Sidestepping Old Distribution Models and I’m currently working through multiple scenarios right now with clients on release plans that make sense for their films - including how to incorporate festivals into the mix, theatrical tours, or in some cases just straight to all the digital platforms while there’s increased demand for completed films.
And since I’m in the trenches this week on distribution, I figured I’d share some intel on what I’m getting out there from the market….
• A few indie distributors have ‘paused acquisitions’ for the year while others have ramped up and are scooping up great films as opportunities to feed their pipelines to the TVOD’s and Streamers
• With TIFF within a couple weeks away and AFM coming up quickly after that, sales agents and distributors are eager to close deals quickly so they have enough lead time to plan for press releases but also to get their sales catalogues out to buyers well enough ahead of the market so there’s time to send scripts, screeners, or whatever else material is necessary to make deal making more efficient once they meet in person.
• In terms of release windows, on distribution deals I’m closing now we’re seeing delivery deadlines of October (some flexibility there) and late Q4/early Q1 premiere dates.
• If you haven’t applied for a SAG interim waiver and are relying on your talent to help promote your release either at a festival premiere this fall or a release date, you should put in for it asap as I’m hearing there’s six week waits going on which is absurd! Hopefully they fix that soon but in the event they don’t, you want to be prepared and be able to leverage your actors for promotion.
• If you’re planning on hiring PR or marketing agencies to help fuel your release, you have a little bit of leverage right now in signing contracts since many of these vendors and companies are out of work from cancelled productions/releases, and willing to work with Indies on sometimes reduced rates.
How’s Your Distribution Efforts Coming Along?
Would you add anything to this list of what you’re coming across currently? Hit me up in the comments section below and let’s discuss!
And don’t forget - if you need help with your own distribution for a completed film or series or one in post, get in touch while I’m still running my summer consulting promo! Email me at stacey@filmspecific.com for details of what you’ve got.
On that note, I’ll wrap things up for today. I hope you have a fabulous day ahead and I’ll speak to you again soon!
To your success,
Stacey
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Great read!