I'm looking into Indie Rights as a way to distribute my film on streaming platforms based on a recommendation on Stage32. I have a few questions about the process.
My first question is in regards to the timing of this process. I've submitted my film into some film festivals, some of which have notification dates around August/September. Should I begin the process with Indie Rights now, or would it be better to wait and see if the film makes into any of the film fests before I start this process? My thought is, worst case scenario, if my film doesn't get into any of the film fests, I'd like to get it out into the world by the end of this year.
Secondly, I found a slideshow on Indie Right's website with the required deliverables. For example, they want you to put their logo at the beginning of the film (amongst other things) which is totally fine. But I also found a more generic Google Doc/submission page on their website. Do I need to update the file of my film before I submit it, or do I go through the initial submission Google Doc with my film file as is and if it gets selected, then do I update the file with the deliverables?
Lastly, my film has a musical element to it, so I was hoping to put the songs that I created and own the rights to on streaming services (Apple, Spotify, etc.) after I find a streaming home for the film. Will I still be able to do this if I distribute with Indie Rights?
I emailed Indie Rights these questions a couple times but haven't heard back, so I wanted to see if anyone on here has gone through the process and could help me out. I've also looked at Gravitas Ventures, which has a similar submission page. Any and all advice would be much appreciated.
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Trey Alessio Great questions. I am not able to help other than point you to some of the lounges that might already discuss this. Also check out some of the webinars in Education to see if something can help you in the meantime. I know someone here will chime in to help, too.
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I'm not a fan of the so-called "festival" approach for breaking films but here goes...
It's generally advisable to wait until you hear back from festivals before starting the distribution process with Indie Rights or any other distributor.
Here are a few reason...
Premiere Status: Many film festivals, especially the more prestigious ones, prefer or even require films to have not been previously distributed or available to the public. Securing a festival premiere can often enhance the film’s profile and potentially lead to better distribution deals.
Marketing and Exposure: Getting into film festivals can provide valuable exposure and marketing for your film. The recognition and accolades from festivals can make your film more attractive to distributors and streaming platforms.
Negotiation Leverage: historically speaking, success at film festivals can give you better leverage when negotiating distribution deals. Awards and positive reviews can increase your film's value and lead to more favorable terms.
While you are waiting...
Continue researching different distribution options, including Indie Rights, to understand their terms and conditions.
Prepare marketing materials such as trailers, posters, and press kits that you'll need for both festival submissions and distribution.
Ensure that all legal aspects e.g., rights clearances, E & O insurance and technical aspects like film format requirements are in order for when you're ready to proceed with distribution.
If your film doesn't get into the festivals, you can then move forward with Indie Rights or another distributor without losing significant time. If your film does get into festivals, the benefits of waiting will likely outweigh the downsides.
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All great questions to ask Indie Rights. They are the ones to distribute your title. Call / email Linda.
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David Santo Thank you so much for the insight! Much appreciated
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Stephen Folker I called the number on their website, and it told me to email. I emailed these questions but, unfortunately, haven’t heard back yet.
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When you send a screener link, it’s just so they can decide if they want to rep your film. Don’t make any changes until you get to the deliverables phase.
Having a soundtrack sounds like a great way to do self-marketing. That may be fine according to the contract. If it’s not, ask that the contract be changed to allow it.
If you get into some prestigious festivals and it does well, you may have some bargaining power. In that case, you might get a better deal somewhere else besides Indie Rights. But you can at least send out to a few places now, look at their contracts. Just don’t sign and submit until you have a deal you’re comfortable with.
I’ve dealt with Gravitas and Indie Rights. Gravitas had some overhead expenses (poster design for instance) that had to be recouped before we saw returns. Indie Rights doesn’t do that as far as I know.
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Mike Boas This is very helpful. Thank you so much!