Marketing Feature Films Yeah...

Step 1: Strategy/Plan The very first thing you need to consider is a strategy that encompasses marketing your film to Festivals, Sales Agents and Distributors.Festivals Sales Agents Distributors

Step 2: Festivals There are literally thousands of film festivals all over the world and new events emerge every year. It is up to you if your an independent filmmaker to tailor a festival strategy based on your goal and budget. Entry fees, dubbing costs, designing and printing slick covers for screening copies, freight and post costs can add up very quickly. Work out how much money you are willing or able to spend and stick to it.

Which Festival? Check out our list of Key Festivals and Markets for the major events. You should also read through our Film Festival Calendar. Depending upon the type of film you have and its genre, you will need to consider different options to suit its particular needs. Unsurprisingly these festivals are extremely competitive and receive thousands of submissions annually. If selected to one of these festivals the NZFC may assist with finishing funds and travel.

Step 3: Sales Agents A sales agent works to sell a film to international distributors and other buyers across a broad range of media including DVD, TV, ancillaries (like hotels and airlines) and new media. Almost all films that appear on cinema screens have secured a sales agent, mainly because few producers have the time or contacts to promote their own film to all the potential buyers. Most low-budget and digital feature films are produced without securing a sales agent or pre- sales. As they rarely have any strong commercial attachments (such as name actors or a well-known director), sales agents will usually want to see the completed film before making a decision about representing it.

Step 4: Distributors A distributor will license the rights to acquire a film. A theatrical distributor acquires the rights to promote and release a film in a particular country or group of countries (known as a territory). The market is incredibly competitive, even in New Zealand. Local distributors will plan and oversee the release strategy for a film. This includes a media campaign, selling the film to exhibitors (cinemas) and they carry the cost of prints and advertising (P & A).