Viewing how filmmakers sell documentaries once produced

Once a documentary has been made the distribution phase begins.


Documentary filmmaking is one of the most accessible types of filmmaking that exist currently. The reason being it is perfectly feasible for someone to create a whole documentary single-handedly. Even documentary crews larger than one individual don't need to be anywhere near the size of the typical narrative feature film, as Andrew Ruhemann will know. Because many filmmakers elect to make independent documentaries, most of them opt to remain independent in as much of the distribution process as they can. Over recent decades the choices for independent documentary distribution have increased dramatically. There was a period that the sole option a documentary filmmaker had would be to try to sell their movie straight to cinemas. The invention of VHS and DVD then permitted people to produce their very own copies of their movie to allow them to sell. In recent years, the net has provided a complete new platform, where filmmakers can upload their films online for the entire world to see.


Showbusiness is a famously difficult industry to get into if one has no connections. One of the most significant reasons people even attend film school and take entry-level internships and jobs is to build connections that could help them later on. Probably one of the most common means for a individual to make their way into the industry would be to hire a manager or an agent. This course has existed for people since the start of the industry, as Tim Parker will be well aware, but is continuing to grow over the years as getting employment contracts from studios became rarer. If a person have not produced film yet, then these specialists will help guide their profession in to the best course for achieving that objective successfully. If somebody has already made a movie, then managers and agents can help navigate the documentary distribution process and help with parlaying the movie into future jobs.


There are a wide selection of distributors nowadays, from streaming platforms and television stations to cinema and video shop chains. Mark Herbert should be able to let you know that finding a documentary distributor could be the key ensuring the long-term success of a documentary movie plus the future career of the filmmaker. Distributors can be found before and after a movie is created. If before, chances are they are likely to help fund the project but may have more impact over what is made. If after, then the filmmaker has to take all of the risk nevertheless the distributor may be more tempted because of the reduced expenses on their end. Being awarded filmmaking grants and prizes could get a filmmaker noticed by distributors, as is entering the movie to movie festivals. There is no way to guarantee attention, but that means that each direction is a chance.