How To Find A Distributor
For Your Film

#distributing your film, #documentary sales

Ready to sell your documentary?

A great strategy is to enlist the help of a distributor to sell your film across a wide variety of outlets and channels.

Find a Sales Agent for Netflix

How To Sell My Documentary

Top 10 Tips For Distributing Your Documentary

FIND A FILM DISTRIBUTOR

Here are some steps you can take to find a distributor for your documentary:

1. Research and identify potential distributors

Look for distributors who specialize in documentaries and have a track record of successful releases in your genre or subject matter. Look in the credits of similar documentaries.

You can also use online directories, industry publications, and film festivals to identify potential distributors.

Make a list of distributors that seem like a good fit for your documentary.

One such directory is our curated list of 250+ distributors, sales agents and other film buyers + contact information, emails and phone #s.

2. Prepare a marketing package

Create a marketing package for your documentary that includes a compelling trailer, pitch deck, a synopsis, a list of key credits (such as director, producer, and production company) and any relevant awards or accolades. This marketing package will be your calling card when reaching out to potential distributors.

Access our Documentary Proposal and Pitch Deck Template Pack.

3. Attend Industry Events

Film festivals, documentary markets, and industry events are great places to network and connect with potential distributors.

Attend events that are specifically focused on documentaries and make sure to bring copies of your marketing package to share with interested parties.

Recommended industry events include Real Screen Summit, American Film Market and MIPCOM.

4. Utilize Online Resources

Many distributors have online submission portals where you can submit your documentary for consideration. Make sure to follow their submission guidelines and provide all the requested information, including your marketing package.

5. Network and Build Relationships

Networking can be a key component in finding a distributor for your documentary. Attend industry events, join documentary filmmaker associations or groups, and connect with other filmmakers and industry professionals. Building relationships can lead to valuable recommendations and referrals to potential distributors.

6. Pitch Directly To Distributors

Once you have identified potential distributors, reach out to them directly via email or phone to pitch your documentary. Use your marketing package to showcase the value and potential of your film, and be prepared to answer any questions or provide additional information as needed.

Access email and letter templates that you can send to network executives inside our Selling To Netflix Course.

7. Negotiate and Review Contracts

If a distributor expresses interest in your documentary, carefully review any contracts or agreements they provide. Seek legal advice if necessary to ensure that the terms are fair and favorable for your documentary's distribution.

Learn how to negotiate distribution contracts inside our Documentary Sales & Distribution course.

Remember, finding a distributor for your documentary may require persistence and patience. It's important to do thorough research, be professional in your communications, and be prepared to pitch and promote your film effectively. Good luck!

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How To Find A Distributor

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Additional Resources:

• Top 10 Tips For Distributing Your Documentary
  
  
• How Does An Independent Filmmaker Get Their Movie On Netflix
  
  
• Finding A Sales Agent For Netflix
  
  
• How To Sell My Documentary
  
  
• Who Buys Documentaries? 13 Real World Options For Selling Your Film