Summary
Learn from the entertainment industry's top distribution expert, Jon Reiss
Get downloadable documents including a screening guide, press kit, blank rights grid & more!
It’s undeniable we’re living in exciting times as it relates to film distribution. The avenues to distribute a film have never been greater and it seems like new, viable options are popping up every day. But, as is the case when presented with numerous choices, how can you be sure you’re making the right distribution decision for you, your investors and everyone connected to the film?
A wrong decision could lead to disastrous results for your film and impact careers and future prospects to raise financing. We can’t let that happen, and we’re here to help.
Jon Reiss is one of the top film distribution experts in the entertainment industry. Over the last 2 decades, he has worked with numerous filmmakers, companies, and organizations who are looking to connect with audiences and distribute their work in the digital landscape. He has worked with and consulted for Paramount Pictures, Screen Australia, Film Independent, Creative Scotland, The South Australian Film Corporation, and numerous film schools and festivals. Jon was the Senior Lab Leader at the IFP Filmmaker Labs for ten years.
In this exclusive 2-part on demand Masterclass, Jon will provide a comprehensive roadmap to success in the current environment, tailored for independent filmmakers, producers and financiers who are ready to take control of their distribution prospects and assure they are putting themselves in a position to win.
Whether you're looking to make a splash on the festival circuit, break into streaming services, or explore international markets, this class will provide you with the tools to make informed decisions and craft a distribution strategy that aligns with your artistic and commercial aspirations.
PLUS! You'll receive these downloadable handouts:
- Blank Rights Grid
- Niche Outreach Spreadsheet
- Outreach Partner Deck Guide
- Sample Partner Deck
- Sample Social Toolkit
- Sample Press Kit
- Sample Screening Guide
- Think Outside the Box Office by Jon Reiss
- Various blog articles including the recent Report from Sundance
TESTIMONIALS FOR JON
"Jon's connections and know-how were invaluable resources, and he was incredibly insightful, forthright and responsive throughout a process that would otherwise be opaque and confusing.” - Gretchen Hildebran, Producer/Director
Decade of Fire
What You'll Learn
Session One: Laying the Foundations for Success
Dive deep into the essentials of film distribution with Jon, who will guide you through:
- Setting Achievable Goals: Learn how to define success on your terms.
- Understanding the Distribution Landscape: Get an insider's look at the current state of the industry and what it means for you.
- Navigating Rights Deals: Explore the intricacies of overall rights versus split rights deals to maximize your film's potential.
- Audience Identification and Engagement: Master the art of pinpointing and connecting with your target audience through social media, email lists, organizational outreach, partnerships, publicity, and paid advertising.
Q&A with Jon
Session Two: Mastering the Art of Split Rights Distribution
In the second session, Jon will take you through the practical steps of crafting a personalized distribution plan, including:
- Festival Circuit and Community Screenings: Learn how to blend traditional and innovative approaches for maximum impact.
- Broadcast/Streaming/VOD: Navigate the complex world of digital distribution to find the best platform for your film.
- Educational and Foreign Distribution: Expand your reach beyond conventional markets to tap into new audiences.
- Strategic Windowing of Rights: Discover how to sequence the release of your film across different platforms to sustain buzz and maximize returns.
Q&A with Jon
You will have assignments after these classes
PLUS! You'll receive these downloadable handouts:
- Blank Rights Grid
- Niche Outreach Spreadsheet
- Outreach Partner Deck Guide
- Sample Partner Deck
- Sample Social Toolkit
- Sample Press Kit
- Sample Screening Guide
- Think Outside the Box Office by Jon Reiss
- Various blog articles including the recent Report from Sundance
Who Should Attend
Producers, Directors, Writers, and Actors of any level who want to better understand navigating modern film distribution.
Executive
Jon Reiss is one of the top film Distribution experts in the entertainment industry. He has worked with numerous filmmakers, companies and organizations that are looking to connect with audiences and distribute their work in the digital landscape. He has worked with and consulted for Paramount Pictures, Screen Australia, Film Independent, Creative Scotland, The South Australian Film Corporation and numerous film schools and festivals. Jon was the Senior Lab Leader at the IFP Filmmaker Labs for ten years and regularly contributes to Filmmaker Magazine, Huffington Post, Indiewire, Screen Daily, Moviemaker Magazine and other publications.
Jon Reiss is a critically acclaimed filmmaker, author and media strategist who has produced and directed four feature films, including most recently Bomb It 2, the follow-up to the acclaimed documentary Bomb It about graffiti and the battle over visual public space throughout the world. His experience releasing Bomb It with a hybrid strategy was the inspiration for writing Think Outside the Box Office: The Ultimate Guide to Film Distribution in the Digital Era, the first step-by-step guide for filmmakers to distribute and market their films.
Jon Reiss was named one of “10 Digital Directors to Watch” by Daily Variety.
Testimonials
“Participating in Jon's distribution lab gave us such a leg “up when it came to releasing our film! It really helped us navigate a tangle of options and dead ends you can run into as an independent, and gave us the chance to shape our vision for the film's distribution as a guide throughout the process. Jon's connections and know-how were invaluable resources, and he was incredibly insightful, forthright and responsive throughout a process that would otherwise be opaque and confusing.”
- Gretchen Hildebran, Producer/Director
Decade of Fire
“I met Jon Reiss as a participant of the IFP/Gotham Filmmaker Lab. His deep knowledge, commitment, creativity, and encouragement never left me and I seek to pass it on. I felt seen and appreciated by Jon in a way that fueled my courage to stick with the field, no matter how challenging or daunting.
And, when I think of him, I never feel alone. No matter how many years go by, I know with confidence that I can call on him for counsel. Jon's course had a tremendous impact on me – both reaffirming and enlightening.”
Neyda Martinez
Producer Lucky, Bartolo Director, Media Management Graduate Program The New School