Description
Introduction to Media Distribution offers a clear, direct and comprehensive overview of the entire film, television and new media distribution business, valuable to both students and professionals. In this book, author Scott Kirkpatrick draws from over a decade of personal experience in the distribution arena to explore what fuels the distribution process, and explains in real-world terms how the business works from beginning to end—not merely what happens to a film or television series after a distributor acquires it, but how distributors develop, pre-sell and broker deals on content before it even exists. Kirkpatrick covers deal structures, release strategies, acquisition approaches, rights sales, international co-productions, tax credits, audience research, global regulatory boards, and even ‘behind closed doors’ monetization practices.
The book offers:
- A straightforward, clear and insightful approach to understanding the fundamental basics of how the global distribution marketplace works, and how distribution companies actually operate and create the content they need;
- An insider’s analysis of all levels of the business with an emphasis on the independent scene, the root from where development in the industry grows;
- A comprehensive overview of how film and television markets and festivals work, and how buyers and sellers actually broker deals in the field;
- Detailed explanations of how each media right is defined and windowed to maximize potential revenue;
- A detailed overview of several major international territories, and how each operates within the context of the global media business;
- Guidance and advice from an industry expert on how one can initiate their professional career in the entertainment industry, applicable to individuals in all roles;
- A robust appendix containing in-depth studies of legal definitions, material delivery requirements, territory-by-territory financial projections, and more.
An accompanying eResource offers template contracts, sample agreements, and further resources for download.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements
Disclaimer
Introduction
Chapter One – The Principles of Media Distribution
Chapter Two – Developing and Distributing Media Content Before it Exists
Chapter Three – The Acquisition of Finished Content
Chapter Four – Negotiating and Brokering Content Distribution Deals
Chapter Five – Windowing Rights and Strategizing Releases
Chapter Six – Global Media Distribution
Chapter Seven – Marketing, Metrics and Audience Cultivation
Chapter Eight – Accounting Practices, Monetization and Business Structures
Chapter Nine – Practical Approaches for Kick-Starting Your Career
Appendices
- Appendix I: List of Exploitable Rights with Definitions
- Appendix II: Materials Delivery Schedule with Definitions
- Appendix III: Projections Form & Schedule of Minimums
- Appendix IV: Metadata Forms
Glossary
References
Index
