Category Archives: Investments

What you achieve in the film business is in direct proportion of how well you negotiate.

How To Find Producer’s Rep That Is Best For Your Film? Part III

What you achieve in the film business is in direct proportion of how well you negotiate. This statement you can apply to any business and to your life as well.

Most producerʼs reps will work on a percentage-based fee of the sales of your film. These percentages may range from 10% to 25%. The lower end is rare, and often reflects a previous relationship or history between the agent and talent of the film or the stature of the filmmaker and cast, which can make it an easier sale. Publicity agencies may charge anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 for a festival run, depending on the scope of the work. It’s important when you approach them you have already know your priorities,  your expectations and ready to negotiate the best fee for the services that you want to receive. And remember that negotiation skills are one of life’s most valuable skills.


If a producer’s rep or sales agent asks for a flat fee paid up front for their services, that doesnʼt show much confidence in your film or their ability to represent it in the best possible way.

How To Find Producer’s Rep That Is Best For Your Film? Part II

How To Find Producer’s Rep That Is Best For Your Film?

If a producer’s rep or sales agent asks for a flat fee paid up front for their services, that doesnʼt show much confidence in your film or their ability to represent it in the best possible way.

Instead, a producer’s rep who gets your film and trusts it will have an audience that is motivated and equipped to sell the movie to others. The same applies for a publicist.

 


How to find Producer's Rep that is best for your film?

How To Find Producer’s Rep That Is Best For Your Film? Part I

How To Find Producer’s Rep That Is Best For Your Film?

The best way to find Producer’s Rep that is best for your film is at the Film Festivals. Check these professionals before you hire them to work for your film. Many of them would work with you on the upfront retainer fees. Remember, they will be working with you for your film. They are the experts in their fields but youʼre the driving force behind your film. Donʼt be afraid to ask questions.  You may ask a producerʼs rep: “What is your opinion of my film? How many films will you be representing at the festival?  If youʼre representing  many films, will you personally tend to each film, or will you hand my film to a someone else in your company?”  If you donʼt feel their passion and commitment for your film is there, you should not sign with them to represent your film, even if you know theyʼre one of the best in the industry. They may not be the best for your film.


Film Distribution. Ad Supported VOD Distribution (AVOD)

Film Distribution. Ad-Supported VOD Distribution (AVOD)

Ad-supported, AVOD platforms make money by placing targeted advertising in front of the viewer. This type of model can be win-win, as many ads-supported platforms provide the filmmaker with a portion of the ad revenue. The viewer gets to watch your movie without making a transaction.

Hulu: How to Distribute Your Movie on Hulu

In the United States, Hulu has gained popularity as a great way to watch popular television shows and movies on demand. Hulu makes money by peppering content with advertisements. And assuming they acquire your title, Hulu will pay you a portion of the advertising revenue.

Getting your title in Hulu once again requires working with an aggregator who can make a pitch on your behalf. Like any platform, Hulu is looking for great content. While trends change monthly, if you have a documentary or a niche specific title, Hulu may be worth exploring.

For entrepreneurial filmmakers, Hulu offers awesome social sharing tools. Filmmakers can embed the Hulu player on their sites and drop links in social media. And from there, no matter where the content is shared or viewed, filmmakers get paid.

While there are no guarantees in the movie business, having the ability to make, market and sell your movies without the traditional middle-man is exciting.

by Jason Brubaker


Subscription VOD Distribution (SVOD)

Film Distribution. Subscription VOD Distribution (SVOD)

Film Distribution. Subscription VOD Distribution (SVOD)

Subscription Video On Demand allows subscribers to sign up for a service, pay a monthly fee and in exchange, have access to unlimited programming. This model is great for consumers because, well, they can watch anything. Getting your title onto an SVOD platform could be great for discovery.

Netflix: How to Distribute You Movie on Netflix

Netflix will not make an offer for your movie unless they are interested in your movie. Think of Netflix the same way you think about HBO or Showtime. And like all premium subscription channels, they want movies with a strong “name” cast, social media stars and stuff that won major festival awards.

If your movie meets these criteria, your best bet for Netflix (assuming you are in their database) is working with an aggregator with a track record for negotiating great deals with them. As a possible downside, unless you strike a great licensing deal you may be a little disheartened if your title gets a million views and you have not seen a dime.

Amazon Prime: How to Distribute You Movie on Amazon Prime

Going beyond their TVOD service, Amazon has expanded their product offering to include an SVOD service called Amazon Prime. Through Amazon Prime, filmmakers can make their movies available for discovery. And Unlike Netflix, Amazon Prime actually pays you every time your movie is streamed!

While this is equal to pennies on the dollar (you net roughly 5 cents per stream), having your movie available to millions of subscribers could potentially add up.

by Jason Brubaker