How to get a Distributor for your Film: Part 3

10. Did you get an advance for signing on with a distributor?

The market right now is crazy especially when it comes to distribution.  The market is flooded with low budget films that somehow are made for under $100,000 and then find distribution.  If the distribution knows the budget of your film, they will low ball you and try and give you no advance.   They’ll tell those films that they can’t offer an advance (usually because no known actors are in it)  but they put it out all over the place and then they give you estimates that look attractive.  Then it’s a waiting game.  The reality is most films never even come close to recouping their money if you don’t have any known stars in your film.  But the catch is the distribution company will make money off your film.  If the film was made for $125,000 and they give you no advance this is a usual structure that distribution companies use.

-The Distributor get 30% right off the top of each sale.
-Then they get to recoup all the “marketing costs” (which you always try an negotiate a  “cap” on the price) and other costs which they will claim they spent over $100,000 on your film (which the actual cost is most likely $20,000)

So the company manages to get your film out there and in one year gets about $100,000 back.  They get the 30% right off the top which leave $70,000 but you signed a contract giving them $100,000 to sell your film.  They recoup $70,000 out of the $100,000 and you still owe them $30,000.  So they’ve made an easy $80,000 on your film and you still owe them money from “future sales” of the film.  This is a very basic example but it happens all the time.  If you have a lawyer during this process you can avoid being taken advantage of for the most part).

11. What was the biggest selling feature about going with your particular distributor?

First Look is a great distribution company with ties to every kind of distribution outlet out there.  They are also very good at involving the filmmaker in the whole process and they have an impressive library of films that we were proud of to be included in.

12. If you could do something over again from a distribution standpoint, what would it be?

Fight for approval on the DVD box cover art.  During the distribution process it really pays to have a strong, scary, no bullshit talking lawyer, who will fight on your behalf.  Most filmmakers skip getting a lawyer and use contracts that the distribution company used with other films (to help save you money).  If you do that, just know the distribution company now has a rope around your neck and you become their little bitch.  So one last time, GET A LAWYER!  But I just wish we had a stronger DVD box cover.

13. Now that you have distribution do you feel you’re “out of the loop”? Do you get a say on DVD cover design, promotions etc?

When most films find distribution, it’s up to the company do to all your artwork and promoting of the film.  If you manage to have a say in the artwork, it’s a miracle.  I would have to be honest and say the biggest disappointment we suffered with “The Art of Travel” was the artwork for the DVD box cover they came up with.  We tried to fight it but the bottom line is that they have final say and if you’re a low budget film, their goal is to spend the least amount of money on your film.

14. How much of a role do you play in helping to promote the film?

No one, and I mean NO ONE, will promote your film more than yourself.  You have to get out there and pound the pavement and call newspapers and film critics and e-mail websites begging them to review your film or just even mention the film in a blurb.  It’s amazing how helpful publications will be when you simply call them yourself and introduced your film to them and ask for their support.  Then it’s all up to viewers like yourself that I beg you that if you enjoy the film please tell your friends and family about it and tell them to put the film in their Nexflix Cue or rent it someplace.  If you love the film, then go buy a cheap one!

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