I made a two hour historical documentary on the first day of the American revolution. I went to all of the actual locations and filmed them w a compelling narrative.
This is my first project and my first effort at selling a documentary.
I got a list of MSO cable companies and called a few of the programming heads up. I got voice mail and left messages. Of course - nobody called me back.
Later - I was told - that all of the important people like that, only work through talent agents.
1.Is that true?
2. what is the diff between a talent agent and a distributor?
But then at pbs they list an address to send projects to for consideration.
4. Is that address only for agents? Must I have an agent?
I read it's hard to get an agent unless you've done something w some clout.
Then I found this article (link below) and emailed some of the companies on the list and several responded and said they would look at my project so I sent them a screener link.
http://stfdocs.com/film/guide-to-tiff-doc-sellers/
Are they talent agents or distributors? I think they are distributors.
Previously - a distributor sent me a contract to distribute my project. I would have to relinquish all rights for 7 years and an option for 7 more and hope that he does a good job. However, someone else posted on a forum they had used that distributor - and did not make a penny. There was no upfront money offered. I decided not to sign away my rights in hopes that the distributor sold it. Of course - he has lots of other films he's selling so who knows how much attention any one movie gets.
5. Is there anyone who can advise me on best path to follow and the protocols?
Of course - the film is currently online available via online streaming and I will also be posting it to Amazon, Ebay, Walmart and the other streaming services.
This is my first project and my first effort at selling a documentary.
I got a list of MSO cable companies and called a few of the programming heads up. I got voice mail and left messages. Of course - nobody called me back.
Later - I was told - that all of the important people like that, only work through talent agents.
1.Is that true?
2. what is the diff between a talent agent and a distributor?
But then at pbs they list an address to send projects to for consideration.
4. Is that address only for agents? Must I have an agent?
I read it's hard to get an agent unless you've done something w some clout.
Then I found this article (link below) and emailed some of the companies on the list and several responded and said they would look at my project so I sent them a screener link.
http://stfdocs.com/film/guide-to-tiff-doc-sellers/
Are they talent agents or distributors? I think they are distributors.
Previously - a distributor sent me a contract to distribute my project. I would have to relinquish all rights for 7 years and an option for 7 more and hope that he does a good job. However, someone else posted on a forum they had used that distributor - and did not make a penny. There was no upfront money offered. I decided not to sign away my rights in hopes that the distributor sold it. Of course - he has lots of other films he's selling so who knows how much attention any one movie gets.
5. Is there anyone who can advise me on best path to follow and the protocols?
Of course - the film is currently online available via online streaming and I will also be posting it to Amazon, Ebay, Walmart and the other streaming services.