Distribution deal crash course? at DVinfo.net

Robert Wheeler · September 20th, 2007, 07:45 AM

Can anybody steer me in the direction of info about distributing and what to expect in a meeting to discuss a distribution deal. I have produced a concert film for an artist who is fairly prominent. I'm not quite sure what sort of deal I should be looking for. I've got a few distributors interested, but until I sit down at the table with a few of them I can't gauge what I should be asking for.

Any advice gratefully received, and anything potentially sensitive welcome in my private message box.

Many thanks,

Rob

Peter Wiley · September 20th, 2007, 08:48 AM

If you were in the U.S. the best advice, depending on the amount of money potentially involved, is to seek the advice of an entertainment atty with experience in structuring distribution deals. He/she could help you not be taken advantage of and that might well justify the fee, but again it depends on the amount of money at stake.

What I know of the English legal system has been gleaned from Rumpole of the Bailey and The Bill (i.e. I know next to nothing) so I have no idea what the best approach would be in the UK, but I'd guess it's similar . . . good luck

Robert Wheeler · September 20th, 2007, 12:46 PM

Thanks for your reply Peter. Who should ideally attend these meetings. Would it normally be a Director and Producer plus a legal representative? Unfortunately, the chances are the Director will not be able to be present, but that may not be much of a loss...

Peter Wiley · September 20th, 2007, 01:20 PM

This is normally a producer's issue, if by producer one means the person responsible for financing, selling, distributing the work. The director might be involved if he/she had an investment in the piece.

I did a bit of googling . . . see following post

Peter Wiley · September 20th, 2007, 02:14 PM

This firm looks good:

http://www.simkins.co.uk/LegalServices/FilmAndTV.aspx

September 20th, 2007, 07:45 AM	#1
Robert Wheeler Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Hertfordshire Posts: 118	Distribution deal crash course? Can anybody steer me in the direction of info about distributing and what to expect in a meeting to discuss a distribution deal. I have produced a concert film for an artist who is fairly prominent. I'm not quite sure what sort of deal I should be looking for. I've got a few distributors interested, but until I sit down at the table with a few of them I can't gauge what I should be asking for. Any advice gratefully received, and anything potentially sensitive welcome in my private message box. Many thanks, Rob

September 20th, 2007, 01:20 PM	#4
Peter Wiley Major Player Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Lewisburg PA Posts: 752	This is normally a producer's issue, if by producer one means the person responsible for financing, selling, distributing the work. The director might be involved if he/she had an investment in the piece. I did a bit of googling . . . see following post Last edited by Peter Wiley; September 20th, 2007 at 02:15 PM.

September 20th, 2007, 08:48 AM	#2
Peter Wiley Major Player Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Lewisburg PA Posts: 752	If you were in the U.S. the best advice, depending on the amount of money potentially involved, is to seek the advice of an entertainment atty with experience in structuring distribution deals. He/she could help you not be taken advantage of and that might well justify the fee, but again it depends on the amount of money at stake. What I know of the English legal system has been gleaned from Rumpole of the Bailey and The Bill (i.e. I know next to nothing) so I have no idea what the best approach would be in the UK, but I'd guess it's similar . . . good luck

September 20th, 2007, 12:46 PM	#3
Robert Wheeler Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Hertfordshire Posts: 118	Thanks for your reply Peter. Who should ideally attend these meetings. Would it normally be a Director and Producer plus a legal representative? Unfortunately, the chances are the Director will not be able to be present, but that may not be much of a loss...

September 20th, 2007, 02:14 PM	#5
Peter Wiley Major Player Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Lewisburg PA Posts: 752	This firm looks good: http://www.simkins.co.uk/LegalServices/FilmAndTV.aspx