Distribution Class Syllabus

1. What you need to know BEFORE you shoot
- developing a release strategy
- checklist for preparing your film for buyers
- how to generate consumer & distributor interest for your film
- what are your film’s exhibition options (theaters, TV, DVD, internet)?
- what are deliverables?

2. Theatrical
- pros & cons of a theatrical release
- theatrical bookers & four walling
- how much does it cost to have my film in theaters?
- Profits, or total loss?
- the myths of a theatrical run
- what’s non-theatrical (PPR)?

3. TV
- how do I license my film to a broadcaster?
- what broadcast options are available?
- broadcast 1st or DVD release 1st?

4. Internet
- streaming video, Podcasts, download to own?
- can I really make $$ via the internet?
- what are the risks?
- why you must consider internet delivery

5. DVD (rental, retail, library)
- how Netflix & Blockbuster changed everything with 8 million on-line DVD renters
- the truth about retail & why it’s so hard to get onto the shelf
- why virtual shelf space saves the day
- where do stores purchase their DVDs from?
- burn on demand kiosks
- the risks of DVD retail distribution- RETURNS!
- my DVD just released, now what? learn about the “long-tail effect”

6. Distributors
- learn how to find the right distributor for your needs
- what are the pros & cons of the $0 advance- 100% back end deal?
- how to protect yourself when signing an exclusive deal
- review and discuss an actual distribution contract
- the myths of what big distributor can do
- the myths of what a small distributor can’t do

7. Producer’s Rep
- who are they?
- what are their fees?
- what can they do for my film?

8. Sales Agent
- who are they?
- how are they different from a producer’s rep?
- where can they sell my film?
- what are the costs?

9. International Sales
- foreign sales agents
- what are typical licensing fees?

10. Film Markets
- foreign film markets (AFM, Berline, Cannes, MipCom, MipDoc, HotDocs, Napte)

11. Film Festivals
- top 10 festivals to be in
- why getting in a top festival may not help you make money

12. Self-Distribution
- discover new models of self-distribution & why it works
- what’s required when self-distributing
- do’s & don’ts of self-distribution
- what’s a sub-distributor & why are they required?
- learn how to make more money via self-distribution
- how much money do I need to properly self-distribute?

13. Marketing
- why marketing & promotion is everything!!!
- who are we marketing to?
- what is viral & buzz marketing?
- mandatory sales materials for B2B marketing
- mandatory sales materials for B2C marketing
- why you shouldn’t use your friend for designing the DVD cover artwork
- why you should outsource your marketing & publicity needs

14. Sales Projections
- will my investors get their $$ back?
- learn how to make real sales projections (TV & DVD / US & Int.)
- when do I get paid?

15. Project clinic
- we’ll select projects from participants to workshop

The next full day Film Distribution Workshop is scheduled for 10/25/08 in Washington, DC.  For more info, please join our newsletter for class information, special discounts, and promotions.

If you have enough students, we can bring the workshop to your location!  Please contact us for more information at:  info@PassionRiver.com or 732-321-0711

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