Workshop Registration

The Business of Film Distribution

This two-evening workshop is a thorough instructional overview of the modern independent film industry, touching on how distribution, audience engagement and release structures have evolved, 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 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, how to build a festival strategy, 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, and how social media and marketing plays a defining role in a film's reception and exhibition. 

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.

part 1: Mon 13 November 2023, 6 - 9 pm   
part 2: Wed 15 November 2023, 6 - 9 pm   
(Registration deadline is Mon 13 November 5:00 pm)

Instructor: Eric Bizzarri

Location: Online via Zoom
Category: Producing
Maximum Capacity: 15
6 hours of instruction in 2 parts$105 /member$130 /nonmember