What Filmmakers Don't Know About Distribution - Glen Reynolds

[@KMantle]

It is a really good experience coming across a film that came out years ago that you never heard of, and deciding to press play, and you enjoy it. I think 'Movie Roulette' is a game everyone should play sometimes.

[@juliashort8639]

Films are like parachutes, if it doesn’t open you’re dead! Having worked in film distribution (U.K.) for many years my advice to film makers is to have detailed conversations before you sign a distribution deal, ensure your distributor is on board with your vision, ensure you actually like and respect each other as it is likely that the distributor will have your film for 7 to 10 years which is longer than many relationships last! Also do due diligence and ask other filmmakers who have worked with them to learn about there experience with that distributor. Also ensure you understand how distribution companies operate and what is and isn’t in their control eg I couldn’t make an exhibitor book a film as much as I thought the film was a work of art, if they don’t think their customers will pay to see it, there is nothing a distributor can do. Obviously Studio.’s have slightly improved negotiation power than a small boutique indie distributor.

[@patrickfreeman8257]

If distributors have trouble communicating to their own clients the realities of distribution then, it seems to me, they probably also have trouble communicating to potential viewers why they should watch any film that distributor represents. Distributors, like talent agents, like real estate agents, all have on thing in common. In the beginning of their careers they bust ass. After that, they just put up a listing and wait for the phone to ring.

[@josephvanwyk2088]

100% true

[@MariWakocha]

Very good interview. I've listened to a lot of these about distribution, but this one was just so easy to understand. This is the first time I feel like I actually know what I should look for, and what to expect.

[@josephvanwyk2088]

THANKS FOR this, this very important topic never gets taught if you study film. It's like pissing in the wind after making your film.

[@Remorsecode123]

Thanks!

[@filmcourage]

D&M Design! Thank you so much! Great to see you finding value in this video segment with Glen. We appreciate you supporting this channel.

[@Remorsecode123]

@@filmcourage all the pleasure is mine. Keep it up please.

[@sergioalcantar3290]

What isn't covered is pre-awareness of the material, potentially, hardcover, online read, comic book, audiobook, or any other way (artwork in any format) to build an audience, this would also include interactions with the audience. A pre-awareness builds an audience so that when a movie comes out based on this intellectual property there's already a demand built for it. Why the superhero franchises, have done so well...the Harry Potters and other properties existent...

[@oldjimfilms]

From past experience, if your distributor won't give you a MG, don't sign the deal. You're better off selling on your own via Amazon Prime.

[@cobymarcum1442]

MG = “minimum guarantee” A minimum guarantee means that no matter what happens with the film’s performance, the distributor will pay you X dollars for the rights to distribute your film. A minimum guarantee also means that the distributor is confident enough in your film’s ability to make money that they will guarantee you X dollars. Some people are new to film distribution so I’m posting this in case someone isn’t familiar with the term MG. 👍

[@squirrelattackspidy]

Thank you for that. I was wondering why they would offer an exotic sports car like an mg to a director. I would think they'd be offered a hundai or something less expensive.

[@James_Bowie]

"Move onto the next thing." Best advice!

[@astrahcat1212]

Making a game is a great option to tell a story these days, and you can have voice acting. It's not an easy path either of course but something to think about.

[@Khoalefilm]

Man we need to take these distributors to a customer service 101 class. Distributors need to understand and have more empathy. And communication is key. And filmmakers need to stop being desperate and also hold themselves accountable on making those business decisions.

[@phoenixr6811]

Great topic😊

[@DovieRuthAuthor]

I'm a little confused. I have often heard that producers are constantly on the lookout for fresh material, but this commentary emphasizes that there is already too many films being made. Is it a question of quality verses quantity?

[@LambentEntertainment]

They’re looking for good films, not any films.

[@AndreaClinton]

Yeeeah, i dismissed that part because every industry corner I've read or heard from say there is a huge need for content. Some even call it an endless search for content for various streaming platforms. And my agent is constantly being told that TV networks are looking to license, not so much take on Originals.

[@morningcoffee1111]

So what does a distributor do that we can’t do? What is the benefit?

[@themightyflog]

forced representation. The big companies force you to use them.

[@theonicommittee8402]

We enjoyed this

[@abdulshabazz8597]

A lowball question from an obvious outsider to the film industry; to answer this question honestly is to end your film career -- the return profits on any film is hit or miss; the bottom line: of course they're trying to screw you. If the film actually still makes a profit, they know you can always sue!

[@DJOmusic1]

Very helpful information 🔥

[@filmcourage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@filmcourage]

What is one thing this video taught you?

[@TonyLS9A]

Once you’ve released your art into the business world move on to make your next art piece. Any effort chasing the business side of things for a completed work detracts from your growth on the next project.

[@stephanc6138]

film making is not just film making. its a team work and probably a game of multiple hats in that teamwork?

[@jcgorritti]

What I'm getting from this is that having no distribution deal is better than a signing on a bad deal. Why would I tie my own hands for 7 to 10 years unless I get a good deal?

[@mikeheiny4172]

Self distribution might be where it's at. No one is going to love on your film more than you! - Making a good film doesn't hurt either.

[@Irys1997]

First, that KZbin/Google recommendations seem to be confusing Glen Reynolds with Glenn Reynolds. Second, that I enjoyed the video it recommended via that confusion anyway. Since I react to both topics positively, I predict even more confusion forthcoming!

[@cyberacers]

did he answered?

[@stevemena2299]

How does he know who is running an honest biz? Is he auditing their books?

[@northernwindcomicspaul2531]

💯💯💯

[@melorbode]

I make shorts...5-10 mins.. I want to be able to really sell those. POssible?

[@rogerdsmith]

Not really marketable……

[@filmcourage]

We have some videos in this playlist where filmmakers talk about how they make money with short films - bit.ly/3rVOEAL

[@Khoalefilm]

There needs to be regulations and it’s not regulated

[@HonestArttsEntertainment]

Great information, but it sounds like he's making excuses for her slimy they are.

[@p.s.krimson4493]

It sounds like ppl should use aggregators instead.

[@spazefalcon2794]

Change this with Blockchain???

[@AndreaClinton]

I am definitely looking into the Blockchain. I just wonder about building an audience there. I thought Blockchain is best for assuring all get paid according to agreement, without worrying over all these line items distribution take out of your pay.

[@themightyflog]

They naively realize that distributors are good. They sound quite bad and evil. They sound like they cheat people and steal their dreams. Like why would they not promote it. Why would they not pay upfront? Sounds like 80% of the distributors are just vultures.

[@RolandDeschain1]

Netflix will put out just about any old crap. Especially if it has a stern black woman on the poster.

[@northernwindcomicspaul2531]

💯💯💯