Past Workshop Descriptions

The Business of Film Distribution

This two-evening workshop is a thorough instructional overview of the modern independent film industry, touching on the last 10 years of how the business has evolved for context as well as what the future of film distribution (could) look like given current trends. Students will leave this workshop understanding the basics of how a successful film is released into theaters, on DVD/Blu-Ray, in digital storefronts like iTunes and on subscription services like Netflix—as well as how the companies in between all interact with each other and the filmmakers. Get a solid foundation for understanding how various film distributors, sales agents and successful filmmakers all prepare for and engage in the nebulous act of film sales. This workshop covers practical skills such as how to research reputable distributors and sales agents, accepted pitching practices, etc. Finally, the course covers “what to expect” from distribution and the basics of contracts and rights management as well as D.I.Y. options for filmmakers who are in the position of self-releasing or supplementing their distributors’ release work.

The Introduction to Independent Filmmaking workshop is strongly recommended as a prerequisite. This workshop is recommended as a companion to the Producing Dramatic Film and Producing Documentary Film workshops.

READ BEFORE REGISTERING
Prior to the class, please create a profile on Zoom and download the free version of the application. You will receive an email from LIFT with an invitation link to join the workshop one hour before the class begins which will prompt you to open the application or web browser. Please ensure that you log in using a Zoom account with a profile name that appears as the same name registered for the class. If not, for security reasons, you may not be permitted to join. During the workshop, we advise that you keep your microphone on mute to minimize external noise and that you unmute when participating in class discussions. Please also arrive to the session on time for attendance and class participation. ONLINE workshops may be recorded for staff and facilitator assessment. Recorded material will not be made available to participants. Review all workshop policies before registering.

Past Instructor: Daniel Costa
Category: Producing
Maximum Capacity: 15
8 hours of instruction in 2 parts$100 /member$125 /nonmember

Wait List
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