What is a film sales agent?

What do Sales Agents do? A Sales Agent represents filmmakers who want to distribute their films, and who may be first time directors, or directors who work outside of major studio productions. Sales Agents will work with filmmakers to help develop a strategy for marketing the film they want to distribute.

What does a film acquisition do?

Film acquisitions deals can be negotiated before, during or after production. In the acquisition process, the buyer negotiates for the distribution rights in the film, which may include the acquisition of rights in any unique fictional characters.

How much do film sales agents charge?

​A sales agent commission will be between 20\% and 35\%, this is variable depending on several factors, but generally 25\% or under is generally good, and over 30\% is a sign you should read more into this distributor.

What is the difference between a sales agent and a distributor?

Agents are not involved in the delivery of after sales services. Their role is simply to introduce the buyer to the seller and ensure that the sale is made. Distributors, however, buy the products directly from the company, distribute it in the market and also provide after-sales services.

What is the difference between salesman and sales representative?

A sales rep always works for (represents) a company—whereas a salesperson may be selling their own products. However, the two terms are often used synonymously. The terms salesman and saleswoman are still commonly used, but salesperson and sales rep are often used in their place.

How do I become a film distributor?

The film is done! Now what?

1. Create a sales one-sheet.
2. Cut a great trailer.
3. Enter film festivals, but be prepared to fork over cash for entry fees and travel expenses.
4. Hire a sales agent.
5. If you have the ambition call on every distribution company yourself.
6. Develop an online following.

What skills do you need to be a film distributor?

Acquisition staff decide which films a distributor should sign, which can mean watching a lot of films and reading scripts. Knowledge of film and market trends is essential, but you’ll also need great communication skills to deal with film sales agents, who represent the studios trying to sell the film.

Is sales and distribution the same thing?

Conditions of Sales A person who sells goods or services on behalf of the seller is known as the salesman/woman. Distribution is the process of making a product or service available for use or consumption to the end consumer or business.

What is the main difference between wholesalers and agents?

Merchant wholesalers buy from manufacturers and sell to other businesses. Agents and brokers are essentially independents who provide buying and selling services. They receive commissions according to their sales and don’t take title (ownership) of the merchandise.

Which is better agent or distributor?

As the distributor has taken ownership of the products, he is incurring a greater degree of risk than an agent in the course of his business. The distributor has no authority to create a contract between the supplier and customer. As he does not take ownership of the goods, the agent does not take on responsibility.

What is a sales agent in Film Finance?

The traditional model of film finance is built around presales to these sorts of entities, but that presale model has recently shifted. A Sales agent is a person or company with deep connections in the world of international sales. They specialize in segmenting and selling rights to individual territories.

How does a film acquisition deal work?

Film acquisitions deals can be negotiated before, during or after production. In the acquisition process, the buyer negotiates for the distribution rights in the film, which may include the acquisition of rights in any unique fictional characters.

How do film distribution companies find films to buy?

The work of seeking or sourcing films and television programming is primarily done by experienced acquisitions executives of a distribution company’s film acquisitions department. Acquisitions executives often attend film festivals (such as Sundance, Cannes and Toronto (TIFF)) and conferences to find the best films to buy.

Do film salesmen get paid commission?

Generally, these sales specialists will work on commission. They may offer a minimum guarantee when you sign the film but that is not common. Generally, they will charge recoupable expenses that mean you won’t see any money until after they’re recouped a certain amount.