Producers Rep

[pinerman]

Hello.

I have a feature film titled EL DESCONOCIDO, indy film shot in Mexico, it has played in 3 festivals and already won 2 awards, one in the Las Vegas int. Film fest which I don´t know if it counts, because they didn´t screen my film because they didn´t have enough screens but they gave me a Golden Ace award, the other award was at the Houston Worldfest, i got a platinum REMI award. I´m trying to get in to bigger festival but I haven´t been successful, for now I was rejected by the Toronto film festival and I´m waiting to hear from Chicago int. FF, Raindance, and Oldenburgh FF.

Anyway, I´m from Mexico and live in Mexico, I was contacted by a Producers Rep that lives in LA, she watched my film and offered me her services, but she charges 20% of every deal we make, also she only does TV and DVD distribution. I think that 20% is a lot, I already told her, but she says that she can´t change that.

So, I don´t know what to do, any advice on this? This is my first feature and my first time dealing with distribution and it has been a pain in the ass.

You can check the trailer of my film at www.pinerproductions.com .

Thanks for everything and hopefully someone can help me out.

Sincerely, Pinerman.

 

[directorik]

If you feel 20% is too much and that's her rate, you
need to move on. What percentage are you willing
to offer?

You will find 20% is about average. So the next rep
who agrees to work with you will charge the same,
or even more. The better the reputation and success
rate of a producers rep, the more they will charge.

 

[sonnyboo]

15%-25% is normal. What you have to be wary of is having an OUT-CLAUSE if they aren't selling to your satisfaction. Also, pay close attention to the EXPENSES so they can't gouge you for their expenses too much. An Expense Cap can be negotiated.

 

[pinerman]

Well, thanks for the info, now I know that 20% is not bad, I read on the internet that most Producers Reps were charging from 5 to 10%, but now that you mention that 20% is fine, it makes me feel more comfortable.

I just got an email from a big recognized producers Rep company based in LA, requesting a screener of my film, somehow they looked it up at the Houston worldfest where I won an award. So if they like it they might wanna represent the film.

I guess what I wanna know is, should I go with a recognized company or with the other Rep I told you about that is only involved with TV and DVD distribution? You might think the question is stupid, but maybe a big company won´t pay enough attention to my film, but they have all the contacts, and maybe the other rep pays attention to my film, but lacks of contacts and experience, I mean I don´t know.

What do you think?

Thanks.

Pinerman.

 

[Blade_Jones]

I read in a book "I Wake Up Screening" that there's only like about 10 sales agents in this world that are WORTH dealing with. If they're not one of them then you might do a better job than some reps by just buying the Hollywood Distribution Directory!
You need a bullet proof contract. For example you need to clearly define what expenses are. You can't just say "Office" or "Travel". That could mean everything from A to Z or nothing in between. "Office" could be interpreted (by them) to include rent, water & power bill, salary, etc. And they MUST account for their expenses periodically (such as every 30 days). You also don't want them to bill you in full for travel expenses if for example they are shopping 5 other movies. That should be itemized. Income derived from sales needs to be paid to YOU not them. Some deals (usually for a higher percentage) don't allow for any recouping of expenses.
Don't take giving away 20% of your profits lightly. If all they do is get you Internet distribution then you've wasted away 20% of your profits.

 

[cnfilm]

Well, thanks for the info, now I know that 20% is not bad, I read on the internet that most Producers Reps were charging from 5 to 10%, but now that you mention that 20% is fine, it makes me feel more comfortable.

I just got an email from a big recognized producers Rep company based in LA, requesting a screener of my film, somehow they looked it up at the Houston worldfest where I won an award. So if they like it they might wanna represent the film.

I guess what I wanna know is, should I go with a recognized company or with the other Rep I told you about that is only involved with TV and DVD distribution? You might think the question is stupid, but maybe a big company won´t pay enough attention to my film, but they have all the contacts, and maybe the other rep pays attention to my film, but lacks of contacts and experience, I mean I don´t know.

What do you think?

Thanks.

Pinerman.

Quit right, That's why there is always a stage for a salesman to performance on every corner.
If you would find right an agent any time any where, there would be no difficult for one. Problem is we have to pay heavy price for finding them.
Web site offers you a new path to look for them without more price. try more sites.
In fact, you would seek some better distributors at the shoot beginning.
Film festival is another good way to sell your works. Why not participateed our film festival with less charge?