Hi! Welcome to The Distribution Playbook.

This is a free resource created collaboratively and designed for filmmakers, video creators, funders, and co-collaborators to take the lead in their distribution. This is intended to be an entry point into the world of distribution and a launching pad for building a custom strategy that works for your film.

The distribution landscape has changed fast, even more so in the last few years. It’s your job to know how things work. Be informed and empowered to know what can work best for you, your film, and your career. While we all dream of the multi-million dollar acquisition, that has about the same chances as a lottery ticket, you’ll create autonomy and opportunity for yourself by being prepared to see through your own distribution.

<aside> <img src="/icons/star-of-life_blue.svg" alt="/icons/star-of-life_blue.svg" width="40px" /> This Playbook is a work in progress! We invite you, the industry and creators, to share with us what you wish you knew or want others to know about distribution. Send here.

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<aside> <img src="/icons/star-of-life_blue.svg" alt="/icons/star-of-life_blue.svg" width="40px" /> By the end of this playbook, you’ll understand how to create an actionable distribution strategy for your film, covering all the essential elements needed to understand how to take control of your film’s release!

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Our Intention

To empower film creators with information to make the best decisions to get their films to audiences and enable the independent entertainment industry to thrive!

<aside> <img src="/icons/hourglass_purple.svg" alt="/icons/hourglass_purple.svg" width="40px" /> Time needed: At least 1 hour at first. You can read all the articles in order or choose your own adventure based on what you need.

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<aside> <img src="/icons/branch-create_blue.svg" alt="/icons/branch-create_blue.svg" width="40px" /> Who to assemble: Core film team: Director(s), Producer(s), Key funders & Consultants.

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<aside> <img src="/icons/movie-camera_purple.svg" alt="/icons/movie-camera_purple.svg" width="40px" /> The first version of this was launched on June 7, 2024, and is focused on films. We plan to expand to series and episodic over time.

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<aside> <img src="/icons/light-bulb_blue.svg" alt="/icons/light-bulb_blue.svg" width="40px" /> This Playbook was co-created by Emily Best of Seed&Spark and Christie Marchese of Kinema. Visit the full list of contributors here.

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<aside> <img src="/icons/inbox_purple.svg" alt="/icons/inbox_purple.svg" width="40px" /> Have additions? Tell us! Fill out this form.

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<aside> <img src="/icons/flag_blue.svg" alt="/icons/flag_blue.svg" width="40px" /> The information and links to providers come from our familiarity with independent distribution in the U.S.A. If you have additional recommendations from an international perspective, please share!

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Watch This First:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xwk21Tf5Gk&feature=youtu.be

Before You Get Started

Your Essential Preparation

The Components of Your Distribution Campaign

Audience Acquisition

Resources

Case Studies & Innovations

Contribute to the Playbook