5 Must Haves To Get Your Film Distributed

Launching a film on your own can seem like a mystery. Where do I begin? Success does not come easy and there are unprecedented flukes. It does not always seem promising due to lack of or proper funding, improper execution, and or poor timing. It is very challenging to predict the market and the audience taste but it is the single most important step when trying to get the film distributed.


The earlier you can prepare for distribution the better, and the wise indie producer will begin this process in pre-production. Let's get into it

1. Know Your Audience

Probably the most important thing a producer can do to maximize a film's chances, and yet something that is often left unexplored. A lot of time would be saved if you asked yourself, "Who is the audience for this film?" Ask this question before investing a dime in your project.

2. Fill Your Toolkit

Marketing materials are the tools of the distribution trade; the more of them that you have available prior to distribution, the better off you will be. Many a filmmaker submits their project to a potential distributor without a trailer, no discernible artwork, and a lackluster logline. Fill your toolkit with the things that put your film in the best possible light. 

Remember, the distributor is an audience member. They probably have sixty other DVDs on their desk. The ones with compelling press kits and trailers will get first dibs at her attention. It's just the way it goes. 

3. Do Your Research

Somewhere out there, your future distributor is watching yet another terrible film, wishing they had the next “Supersize Me” on their desk instead. But not every distributor is looking for the same thing. Take the time to research distribution companies and come up with a short list of the best possible fits for your film. The same can be said for sales agents, broadcasters, festivals, competitions and anyone else that programs content for an audience.

4. Chart Your Course

The path from development to distribution can be long and winding. The successful producer will create a 'road map' for this journey long before they take their first step. Films don't generally do well by mistake, and you should not lean on providence to complete your journey. Have a Plan A, B, and C for distribution. And have it well before your film premieres. Premiere status is the only bargaining chip many producers have. Film festivals and theaters are in the business of selling tickets. Distributors aggregate views at the highest possible purchase price. And having it first is what fills those seats and moves those units.

5. Prepare for Success

This last step is simple and elegant, yet can be enormously complicated. Have goals, outlined and understood by all involved. It starts with the simple question, “What result would make this project a success?” The answer will be as unique as the film. For some, it's having the maximum amount of people see the project. For others, it's helping to enact a change in policy or public thinking. For others it's positioning the director to have his next film made, or nabbing a positive review in the New York Times. And then, of course, there's money. Making as much of it as possible.

If you don't know the answer to this question, you won't see the result you are looking for. Research similar films and track their returns. Study their numbers whenever possible, at each step of their rollout. Manage expectation, of the director and the investors, and communicate these expectations clearly to your distributor. If you are not on the same page, you will end the journey dissatisfied.

Source-filmslatemagazine.com