What is the difference between a sales agent and a distributor?
Normally you will get one sales agent for the whole world, who will then sell off your distribution rights to distributors in individual territories. They may sell all the rights in one territory to one distributor (an ‘all media’ deal) or split the rights up (e.g. selling theatrical rights to one distributor, and DVD rights to another).

Some companies act as both sales agent and a distributor. For example, Lionsgate will pick up worldwide rights, distribute it ‘domestically’ (USA and Canada) themselves and sell off the international rights to other distributors.

How can I attract potential buyers?
The best place to present your film to potential buyers is at a film market. Distributors attend these events to pick up distribution rights to films. Access Film Markets can help you promote your film and get in touch with interested parties. For more information check out our Feature Film Services.

If you have deep pockets you can take out an ad in the market editions of Variety, Screen International and Hollywood Reporter. These companies publish one-off market guides and daily magazines (known as ‘dailies’) during the markets. An ad in these publications will set you back anywhere from around $8,000.

If I cannot attend film markets what else can I do?
Outside of the film markets you can email sales agents and distributor who you think may be interested. Send them a link that goes directly to your online trailer. This allows them to see if they are interested in your film and to request DVD copy of the film (known as a “screener”).

Do your research to avoid wasting their time as well as yours. Look at which already released films are similar to yours and note which distributor has the rights. There is no point sending your rom-com to a horror distributor!

Many buyers also attend the major film festivals. If your film is selected at a prestigious festival such as Sundance you may find you don’t need to work about buyers finding you!

Should I cut a trailer?
Yes, but you shouldn’t do it yourself. You should definitely prepare a trailer for potential buyers to view. Even experienced feature editors can struggle to create fantastic trailers. Trailer editing is a particular skill and spending the extra money to get a professional editor can make the world of difference.

Should I prepare artwork?
The more you prepare for buyers to view the better. Potential sales agents and distributors like to have as much prepared for them in advance. It allows them to see the potential of the film and cuts down on their costs and time,

The most basic list for feature film artwork includes...

• Poster
  
• Official film website
  
• One-sheets (also known as Sell Sheets) – glossy cards similar to a
• DVD cover but much larger.
  Postcards

When it comes to selling your film, the artwork and trailer will play a vital role in getting deals on the table. Most buyers do not need to view the whole film to know if it will work in their marketplace.

Make sure your artwork is in line with what the market expects for your type of film. At film markets scope out similar films and look at their artwork. If you send some time researching other films you will quickly get a good sense of what is expected.

Unless you are particularly good at film artwork it is normally best to leave the work to a professional designer with experienced in this field.

For examples of one-sheets please visit our Resources section.