This may be your first film or your fifth, but it’s likely you’re not releasing more than one film a year. Since the distribution landscape is constantly changing, it can help to get guidance from someone who is consistently working on distribution strategies for multiple films a year over many years.
Depending on your budget, distribution consultants can provide hourly advice or fully manage your release. Here are some of the services you can receive from distribution strategists. This is not comprehensive and varies by provider.
Film Festival Strategy
Hybrid Distribution Strategies
Distribution Contract Review
Introductions to Sales Agents & Distributors
Website and Social Media Guidance
Merch and E-Sales
Audience Identification and Outreach
Impact Producing
Budget Creation and Management
This entirely depends on the level of experience and time commitment. But here are some example pricing structures:
The following are experts in distribution who can be contacted to advise on a film’s distribution strategy. Their descriptions are in their own words from their websites. Your best source for knowing the right distribution partner for you will always be other filmmakers who have worked with them.
Peter Broderick
Jon Reiss / 8Above
Liz Manashil
Together Films
Suncatcher
Truant
Cinema Collet
Brian Newman / Sub-Genre
Launch Releasing
Mia Bruno
Forston Consulting
Gavin Briscoe
Film Collaborative
Blue Harbor
Many wonderful strategists also publish their guidance online for free or offer short courses!