ALL ABOUT DISTRIBUTION
DISTRIBUTION
Traditional distribution refers to the method by which a content distributor, such as a studio, television network, or streaming service, acquires exclusive rights to a film for a duration ranging from 3 to 25 years. This arrangement typically involves an initial payment, and in certain cases, a profit-sharing agreement may be established for future earnings. The distributor is responsible for managing the film's marketing, exhibition, revenue collection, and performance reporting.
Moreover, traditional distribution companies often impose substantial upfront fees, set marketing budgets, claim a significant portion of the film's earnings, and retain control over all future distribution avenues, including physical DVDs, transactional video on demand (TVOD), subscription video on demand (SVOD), and ad-supported video on demand (AVOD) within the agreed timeframe.
It is also common for traditional distributors to obscure the financial performance of the film from the filmmaker once the initial payment has been completed. This distribution model is particularly advantageous for films that possess studio-level production quality and feature a prominent cast.
- After the initial payment has been completed, traditional distributors typically conceal the financial performance of the film from the filmmaker. This method of distribution is most appropriate for films that possess studio-level production quality and feature a prominent cast. Offers for traditional distribution may encompass specific regions, such as North America, or extend globally, contingent upon the project. The repercussions of COVID-19 have significantly impacted the traditional distribution landscape by virtually removing theatrical releases in favor of direct-to-SVOD options.
Self-Distribution
Self-Distribution refers to the method of employing an aggregator or a similar service to launch a film. The disruption caused by technology in the content consumption landscape has provided filmmakers with innovative avenues to connect with audiences, reduce expenses, and generate revenue. The framework for Self-Distribution allows filmmakers to present their projects for distribution via a centralized aggregator that maintains agreements with platforms such as iTunes, Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Tubi TV, among others, with flexible exclusivity terms.
To successfully distribute your film on a streaming service, it is essential to engage a content aggregator—like Buffalo 8 Distribution—to capitalize on their established distribution channels in the content acquisition sector.
A successful self-distribution initiative necessitates careful planning and a reasonable marketing budget, yet it offers filmmakers direct insight into their film's performance while eliminating unnecessary fees and lengthy, restrictive licensing agreements. Self-Distributed films must contend with the challenges posed by an increasingly crowded content marketplace, where new titles are introduced on these platforms daily.
Content procurement sector.
A successful self-distribution release necessitates careful planning and a reasonable marketing budget; however, it provides direct insight into your title's performance while eliminating unnecessary fees and lengthy, restrictive licensing agreements.
Self-distributed titles face the challenges of an expanding content marketplace, with new titles being introduced on the same platforms daily.
For these reasons, our team consistently advises consulting with a sales expert to develop an optimal self-distribution strategy that maximizes revenue through strategic negotiations and reduces unnecessary overhead expenses.