You want to make a career in film. How can you network with distributors?

Steps to Network with Distributors: -Attend Industry Events: Join film festivals, conferences, and networking events frequented by distributors to pitch your projects and establish connections. -Join Professional Organizations: Become a member of industry-specific groups like IFTA or NATO to access networking opportunities and workshops with distributors. -Prepare a Pitch Package: Create a concise pitch package detailing your film's synopsis, key team members, audience demographics, and achievements to showcase its potential to distributors. -Build Relationships: Foster genuine connections with distributors by arranging meetings, following up on conversations, and demonstrating your commitment to collaboration.

The best way to get started it is to shadow a senior. Find a creative that you admire, talk to them about shadowing them, show your dedication by always being on time, readily available, willing to learn, and always take initiatives. This is how I got started, I found a senior and worked with them so much so, I most of my lectures, however when it was time to write exams, my marks were great. This was a testimony that I was learning a lot from my time with a full production that had professionals.

Your pitch materials now have to be top notch. Money is becoming a scarcer commodity by the day. So there's a new focus on something "proven" and also of high quality. Many of us aren't "proven" in the eyes of distributors and financiers. But we can show quality. Our pitch deck has to be well designed and simple to understand (no more Canva templates). It has to address all the ways the film can make its money back. But there's another element independent filmmakers need to consider: Community How are you building community around yourself and your work. Not the amount of numbers. But the kind of people your work speaks to and if you're actively engaged with them. Because those are the people can spread the word.

Your materials are just as (if not more) important as your film itself. Distributors are busy people. Not to mention their livelihood depends on making the right decision. So on the back of their mind is a bit of fear. Your materials are part of the step of alleviating that thinking. They need to be of a high quality and need a professionals hand on them. Choosing templates in Canva or hiring someone on Fiverr is not the way to go. Look at examples of existing work that's been sold. That is your starting point. You should also know how you're going to create revenue together. Distributors are often looked at as a service provider. They are a partner. Put yourself in their shoes and think of ways that you can work together.

Prepare Your Materials: -Have a Clear Presentation: Create a concise presentation of your film's potential, including a logline, synopsis, trailer, press kit, and marketing plan. Include Key Elements: Ensure your materials also cover a realistic budget, distribution strategy, and revenue projection for your film. -Showcase Your Vision: Present your materials to showcase your vision, skills, and professionalism to distributors. -Highlight Uniqueness: Emphasize what sets your film apart and makes it appealing to your target audience.

When you're reaching out to someone. The first step is is to make a connection. The way to do this is by having something to offer. Not giving someone work. Distributors and production companies get thousands of emails and messages from strangers asking to watch their film or read their screenplay. This is essentially asking a stranger to do extra work that they (most likely) don't have time for already. Research who you're connecting with and see if your film helps them with what they already are looking for. Or (even better) if it can reach an audience or market that they're trying to connect with. It's not about making a quick sale and getting cash. It's about building a lasting relationship and making someone a collaborator.

Introductions from someone else is the best way to create new connections. That person is telling another person that they vouch for you. Focus on building a strong network with your peers and when the time is right, you can ask them to connect you with distributors. The reason this is one of the best methods is that not only is the person from your networking vouching for your BUT they are also vouching for the distributor. Then you each can feel confident that it is a reliable connection that is being made.

Network with Peers: -Join Online Forums and Groups: Engage in online communities where filmmakers and distributors interact, share ideas, and offer opportunities. Attend Workshops and Seminars: Participate in industry events like workshops, seminars, and webinars to learn from experts and connect with potential collaborators. -Participate in Contests and Festivals: Showcase your work and gain exposure by entering contests, challenges, and festivals where industry professionals gather. -Learn from Others: Benefit from the experiences of your peers, gain referrals, and enhance your visibility within the industry.

Additionally, while being open to feedback, don't just be a passive listener. Show the distributor you're willing to collaborate by suggesting solutions or areas where you can meet their needs halfway.