John W. Cones, whose real goal is to stimulate a long-term film industry reform movement, shows how the financial control of the film industry in the hands of the major studios and distributors actually translates into creative control of the industry. Cones discusses the pros and cons of the debate relating to the industry's so-called net profit problem and the way in which the distribution deal plays an integral part in that problem. He then breaks down five major film finance/distribution scenarios, explaining various distribution deals and suggesting ways of negotiating distribution. Critically examining the specific terms of the distribution deal itself, Cones covers gross receipts exclusions, distributor fees, and distribution expenses. He also investigates the various forms of interest, issues of production costs, matters of creative control, and general contractual provisions. For handy reference, Cones includes an extensive checklist for negotiating any feature film distribution deal. The list deals with distribution fees, distribution expenses, interest, production costs, creative control issues, general contractual provisions, distributor commitments, and the limits of negotiating. His nine appendixes present a "Motion Picture Industry Overview," "Profit Participation Audit Firms," "ADI (Top 50) Market Rankings," an "AFMA Member List, 1992-1993," a "Production-Financing/Distribution Agreement," a "Negative Pickup Distribution Agreement," a "Distribution Rights Acquisition Agreement," a "Distribution Agreement (Rent-a-Distributor Deal)," and a "Foreign Distribution Agreement." Cones wrote this book for independent producers, executive and associate producers and their representatives, directors, actors, screenwriters, members of talent guilds, distributors, and entertainment, antitrust, and securities attorneys. Securities issuers and dealers, investment bankers, and money finders, investors, and financiers of every sort also will be interested. In addition, Cones suggests and hopes that the book will interest "Congress, their research staff, government regulators at the Internal Revenue Service, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, and law enforcement officials such as the Los Angeles District Attorney and the U.S. Justice Department."

Innovation in technology means that almost anyone can make an independent film these days. Although this may be good news for aspiring filmmakers, it also means that the oversupply of independent films on the market has caused acquisition prices to dramatically decrease. As a result, producers and investors rarely recover their initial investment in the films they make. But don't be discouraged! Use this book to learn the realities of the market in advance and map out a winning distribution plan. This comprehensive manual for filmmakers and producers dedicated to film distribution and the marketplace could mean the difference between getting your film out to the public and keeping it "in the can." Learn how to sell your movie to a studio, a cable network, a video distributor, or international buyers. Self-distribution and other alternatives to traditional distribution are also considered. As well, you'll hear some success stories from producers and hear directly from buyers what they are seeking. Stacey Parks has worked with dozens of hungry filmmakers to get their films a distribution deal and knows how frustrating the whole process can be. Let her tell you how you can take control of your filmmaking career and start getting your work seen by audiences with a few little-known distribution secrets. Features include: * Interviews and case studies with producers and distributors * Ten Ways to Market Your Film for Self-Distribution * Sales Projections per Territory * Distribution Resource Listings * Negotiation tips for distribution agreements * Sample distribution agreements

10 Legal Basics for Getting a Distribution Deal describes the different provisions that are commonly included in a contract for distributing a film. It details the rights you are licensing and the obligations you have in return for what the distributor will do in releasing your film. It lists the many documents you need to supply, and suggests what you can't or can negotiate, such as the cost of marketing fees, the term of the agreement, and the requirement for insurance on your film. The book is formatted like a journal, so readers can write down their ideas for what to do after reading each tip.The book is part of a series of short books, in which each book features tips and techniques for becoming more successful in the film industry.GINI GRAHAM SCOTT, PhD is a screenplay writer, indie film producer, and TV game/reality show developer, plus a nonfiction writer who has published over 200 books, 50 for traditional publishers and 150 for her own company Changemakers Publishing. She also writes, reviews, and ghostwrites scripts and books for clients. She has written scripts for 20 feature films and has written and executive produced 10 films and TV projects.

Original publication and copyright date: 1982.

On film finance

Innovation in technology means that almost anyone can make an independent film these days. Although this may be good news for aspiring filmmakers, it also means that the oversupply of independent films on the market has caused acquisition prices to dramatically decrease. As a result, producers and investors rarely recover their initial investment in the films they make. But don't be discouraged! Use this book to learn the realities of the market in advance and map out a winning distribution plan. This comprehensive manual for filmmakers and producers dedicated to film distribution and the marketplace could mean the difference between getting your film out to the public and keeping it "in the can. Learn how to sell your movie to a studio, a cable network, a video distributor, or an international buyer. Self-distribution and other alternatives to traditional distribution are also considered. In addition, you'll hear some success stories from producers and hear exactly what buyers are seeking. Stacey Parks has worked with hundreds of hungry filmmakers to get their films a distribution deal and knows how frustrating the whole process can be. Let her show you how you can take control of your filmmaking career and start getting your work seen by audiences with a few little-known distribution secrets. Features include: . Interviews and case studies with producers and distributors . Ten ways to market your film for self-distribution . Sales projections per territory . Distribution resources listings . Negotiation tips for distribution agreements . Sample distribution agreements . What you must know to get your independent film distributed . Written by a distributor who knows the process inside and out . Interviews with buyers and acquisitions executives from every sector of the business on what kinds of films they look for, what they're sick of seeing, and how their acquisitions processes work . Website features sample distribution agreements, budgets, and more! New to this edition: . Completely updated for modern distribution practices (broadcast, DVD, VOD, and other kinds of distribution deals) . New coverage on crowd-funding, social media, film marketing, and deal memos . Get the best inside distribution secrets from brand new interviews with an international cast of directors, producers, and distribution experts who share their experiences . Companion website features helpful downloadable forms and templates, sample distribution memos, and a great resource section

The first and so far only book on Film Markets. A Film Market is the best place a filmmaker can go to get traditional, non-DIY Distribution. The first edition of this book was used as a text at more than ten film schools in the US, and the book has an endorsement from the host of the #1 Filmmaking podcast on iTunes, and advice from 8 distributors.