Summary
The landscape of distribution has shifted dramatically over recent years and continues to change in this post-pandemic world.
While there are more places than ever to go to for distribution, there’s also more competition for your project to be noticed by distributors and, once distributed, for viewers to decide to watch your film over the other thousands at their fingertips. Moreover, with so many companies and services in this space, it can be difficult to determine which companies are actually on the up-and-up and which will treat your film with the respect it deserves.
If you’re trying to get your film picked up right now or hope to have your feature project distributed in the future, the most important step is to understand what the landscape looks like today and what your options actually are.
Let’s break it down for you.
Kristin Harris is a seasoned entertainment executive who has spent the past 15 years in the independent distribution space. She has held key acquisition, development, and production roles at Starz Media, Overture Films, and Cinedigm Entertainment Group. Kristin currently serves as VP, Distribution and Acquisitions at Good Deed Entertainment, where she oversees all aspects of the company's distribution arm and manages the release slate, which includes EXTRA ORDINARY, JOURNEY’S END, Spirit Award Nominee, TO DUST, and the Academy Award nominated LOVING VINCENT.
Kristin will teach you how film distribution currently works today, what options are currently available to you and your feature film, and how to best navigate this world to ultimately get people to watch your project.
Making decisions regarding distribution for your film can be a daunting task, but Kristin is going to give you the most up-to-date and comprehensive breakdown of what distribution looks like today so you can be armed with facts and strategies when finding the best release strategy for your own film.
Praise for Kristin:
"Very informative and have learned a great deal. Will definitely put to use for our Feature Film Projects. Thank you!" -Haskell A.
"Very good practical information detailed enough to get the lay of the land on this topic."-James P.
"Great info in a new age." -Mary M.
What You'll Learn
- What is Film Distribution?
- A quick overview of the Distribution landscape
- Historical Shifts + the post pandemic world
- Finding audiences
- Spreading awareness/Creating Demand
- Partnering with Distributors or engaging in DIY releasing
- Making Content Available on consumer platforms
- Monetizing the exchange
- Learning from your successes and mistakes as you move on to the next project
- Primary Release Models and Options
- Overview of common release types and windows
- DIY Distribution
- Understanding what’s right for your film
- Rights and Revenue Streams
- Terminology Overview
- Deal Structures
- Primary Players and Platforms
- All Rights Distributors ( ie - Searchlight, A24, Neon, GDE, SPC, Roadside)
- Festivals & Theatrical
- Digital, Home Entertainment & Non-Theatrical (ie - iTunes, Amazon, FandangoNOW, Vudu, GooglePlay)
- OTTs/Streamers (ie - Netflix, Hulu, Starz, HBO, Tubi, Amazon Prime + IMDBtv)
- Connecting with Audiences
- Starting early
- The filmmaker’s role in marketing
- The role of publicity
- Q&A with Kristin
Who Should Attend
All levels of directors (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to learn how film distribution currently works today, what options are currently available to you and your feature film, and how to best navigate this world to ultimately get people to watch your project.
All levels of writers (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to learn how film distribution currently works today, what options are currently available to you and your feature film, and how to best navigate this world to ultimately get people to watch your project.
Producers looking to learn how film distribution currently works today, what options are currently available to you and your feature film, and how to best navigate this world to ultimately get people to watch your project.
Actors looking to learn how film distribution currently works today, what options are currently available to you and your feature film, and how to best navigate this world to ultimately get people to watch your project.
Executive
Kristin Harris has spent nearly two decades working across development, production, acquisitions and distribution. She is currently the SVP of Production & Development at Vertical Entertainment. In the last year alone Kristin has Executive Produced 10 feature films.
She has held key acquisition, development, and production roles at Good Deed Entertainment, Starz Media, Overture Films, and Cinedigm Entertainment Group. Notable releases that she was involved include SHORT TERM 12, MEADOWLAND, THE MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS, SUNSHINE CLEANING, LAST CHANCE HARVEY, LOVING VINCENT, THE VISITOR, and MASTERS OF HORROR.
Kristin has spent time teaching at UCLA Extension, and maintains an active speaking and guest lecturing schedule, having participated in panels, mentorship programs and events at SXSW, Cannes, and LAFF. She is an alumna of UCLA where she earned her bachelor’s degree in English Literature
Testimonials
"The webinar was cutting edge and valuable information"
-Angela G.
"Very good practical information detailed enough to get the lay of the land on this topic."
-James P.
"Great info in a new age."
-Mary M.
Credits
