Workshop Registration

The Business of Film Distribution

NOTE: It is recommended that participants wear a mask for all in-person workshops.

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 Adobe Express workshops. 

part 1: Mon 9 December 2024, 6 - 10 pm   
part 2: Wed 11 December 2024, 6 - 10 pm   
(Registration deadline is Mon 9 December 5:00 pm)

Instructor: Eric Bizzarri

Eric Bizzarri is an award winning Canadian director and producer based in Toronto. Primarily interested in the nuances of human relationships, Eric's work investigates toxic masculinity, male-male abuse, friendships and intimacy. His films have been distributed by CBC, Super Channel, Revry and Amazon Prime (US, UK, Germany). His most recent producing credits include Dispora (TIFF, Palm Springs International ShortFest), Desi Standard Time Travel (Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival, Tallgrass Film Festival, Canadian Film Fest) and Great Seeing You (Miami International Film Festival, Cinefest Sudbury International Film Festival). His most recent directing credits include Mea Culpa (Toronto Black Film Festival, Reykjavik International Film Festival), Pressure Play (Canadian Film Fest, Halifax Black Film Festival), I Wanna Make a Movie, or I Wanna Die Trying (TIFF Next Wave, Whistler Film Festival) and a commercial for Ben and Jerry's, with Label 428. In 2023, he was recently selected for the Reykjavik International Film Festival Talent Lab, an incubator for emerging filmmakers making their debut feature film. Eric is the Co-Founder and CEO of the Future of Film Showcase, an annual film festival based in Toronto fostering the future of emerging Canadian filmmakers, and sits on the Board of Directors for the Breakthroughs Film Festival. He is a graduate of York University with a Bachelors Degree of Fine Arts in Film Production with Honours. https://www.ericbizzarri.com



Location: 1137 Dupont Street, Toronto, Ontario M6H 2A3
Category: Producing
Maximum Capacity: 12
8 hours of instruction in 2 parts$125 /member$150 /nonmember