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Film & TV · MS elective · 3 credit hours · 16 sessions

Film Sales & Distribution

This business-centric course examines the complex journey of a film from completion to consumption. Students will learn how films make money, exploring the role of sales agents, distributors, and exhibitors. The curriculum covers the film festival circuit, international markets, VOD (Video on Demand) platforms, and the legal contracts that define the global film economy.

§ 01 By the end you can
  1. Analyze the "Value Chain" of the film industry (Production -> Sales -> Distribution)
  2. Understand the role of Film Markets (Cannes Marché, AFM, EFM)
  3. Develop distribution strategies for Theatrical vs. Streaming (VOD/SVOD/AVOD)
  4. Navigate sales contracts, minimum guarantees (MG), and revenue splits
  5. Create a "Press Kit" and marketing strategy for a feature film launch
§ 02 Sixteen sessions

The whole semester.

  1. 01Introduction to the Global Film Marketplace
  2. 02The Players: Sales Agents, Aggregators & Exhibitors
  3. 03Theatrical Distribution: Booking & Windows
  4. 04Digital Distribution: SVOD, TVOD, & AVOD
  5. 05The Economics: Splits, Recoupment & Waterfalls
  6. 06Distribution Contracts & Legal Deliverables
  7. 07Target Audience Analysis & Positioning
  8. 08 · MidtermMidterm Examination
  9. 09The Festival Circuit: Premiere Strategy
  10. 10Film Markets: How to Sell a Movie
  11. 11Marketing & PR: The Press Kit
  12. 12International Sales & Territory Rights
  13. 13Film Financing & Pre-Sales
  14. 14Self-Distribution Models
  15. 15Piracy & Content Protection
  16. 16Final Project: The Distribution Strategy Plan

Midterm around session 8. Final project briefed at session 8 or 9 and developed in stages until the juries.

§ 03 Final project

Final Project: The Distribution Strategy Plan

How it’s judged

Recommended reading
  1. The Business of Media Distribution by Jeffrey C. Ulin
  2. Think Outside the Box Office by Jon Reiss
  3. I Made a Movie, Now What? by JoAnn M. Hunter (or similar industry guide)
  4. The Insider's Guide to Film Finance by Philip Alberstat
  5. Marketing to Moviegoers by Marla Matzer Rose
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