Movies: Pitching to Sales and Distribution

How do you begin pitching to sales and distribution?

You’ve written a script and sent it out.

You’ve waited for a response but it’s been so long, that you’ve had enough time to produce a mood reel.

You send out the mood reel and … it gets a positive response.

The same people who haven’t put aside 90 minutes to read a script have 5 minutes to view the reel.

This is your opportunity to pitch to sales & distribution partners.

Time (this is why the first 10 pages are key).
You’re new / unproven i.e. not a priority read.
They’re busy and have a pile of other scripts waiting.
Unproven – that word again – you’re a new filmmaker and that’s a hard sell however .. the mood reel is an instant visual medium.
It takes them less time to watch a mood reel than to read a script.
It gives them an immediate insight into the film you say you want to make
Although you’ve used other director’s movie footage to create this reel i.e. not your own work; it is your choice of movies; your style – the edit, the music, the voiceover all help to portray the tone of the movie you want to make.

Acknowledge that as a first time filmmaker, you’re aware that financing / backing your movie is hard.
Think of other movies that ‘inspire’ this vision.
Be open to all comments on the script – let them feel comfortable enough to critique (they have invited you in – they already see something they like).
If they’re confused, explain the choices you have made.
Be collaborative.
Have thoughts on keeping budget sensible – ask them where a budget ‘sits’ for this type of movie.
Location: the film might be set in New York City but they might want you to find a location that has a better rebate to ‘double’ for your location e.g. Toronto.
Cast: be realistic – but also say you’d like to ‘reach’if there is a particular role that would appeal to talent or potential for a cameo with a bigger star
If you have any talent connections, let them know.
Tell them that you’ll want to partner with ‘experience’ to support this first feature i.e. a producer; and HoDs – DoP, Editor, line producer etc.
Ask if the sales company would be willing to produce / EP the movie & work with you.
When pitching to sales and distribution: Know your script inside out, be enthusiastic about the story and who you see as the audience.

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