Introduction To Media Distribution (film, Television, And New Media)

Introduction to Media Distribution offers a clear, direct and comprehensive overview of the entire film, television and new media distribution business, valuable to both students and professionals. In this book, author Scott Kirkpatrick draws from over a decade of personal experience in the distribution arena to explore what fuels the distribution process, and explains in real-world terms how the business works from beginning to end—not merely what happens to a film or television series after a distributor acquires it, but how distributors develop, pre-sell and broker deals on content before it even exists. Kirkpatrick covers deal structures, release strategies, acquisition approaches, rights sales, international co-productions, tax credits, audience research, global regulatory boards, and even ‘behind closed doors’ monetization practices.

The book offers:

• A straightforward, clear and insightful approach to understanding the fundamental basics of how the global distribution marketplace works, and how distribution companies actually operate and create the content they need;
• An insider’s analysis of all levels of the business with an emphasis on the independent scene, the root from where development in the industry grows;
• A comprehensive overview of how film and television markets and festivals work, and how buyers and sellers actually broker deals in the field;
• Detailed explanations of how each media right is defined and windowed to maximize potential revenue;
• A detailed overview of several major international territories, and how each operates within the context of the global media business;
• Guidance and advice from an industry expert on how one can initiate their professional career in the entertainment industry, applicable to individuals in all roles;
• A robust appendix containing in-depth studies of legal definitions, material delivery requirements, territory-by-territory financial projections, and more.

An accompanying eResource offers template contracts, sample agreements, and further resources for download.

Acknowledgements

Disclaimer

Introduction

Chapter One – The Principles of Media Distribution

Chapter Two – Developing and Distributing Media Content Before it Exists

Chapter Three – The Acquisition of Finished Content

Chapter Four – Negotiating and Brokering Content Distribution Deals

Chapter Five – Windowing Rights and Strategizing Releases

Chapter Six – International Media Distribution

Chapter Seven – Marketing, Metrics, and Audience Cultivation

Chapter Eight – Accounting Practices, Monetization, and Business Structures

Chapter Nine – Practical Approaches for Kick-Starting Your Career

Appendices

• Appendix I: List of Exploitable Rights with Definitions
• Appendix II: Materials Delivery Schedule with Definitions
• Appendix III: Projections Form & Schedule of Minimums
• Appendix IV: Metadata Forms

Glossary

References and Sources

Index

"A real development ‘Bible.’ An entertaining and extremely informative read that provides a practical insider’s perspective of the entertainment industry. It will appeal to both entertainment business and creative hopefuls as well as seasoned professionals."

—Amy Sauertieg, M.A., Lecturer in Communications, Penn State University, USA

"Too many of those studying to enter the film and TV industries with ambitions to express themselves creatively—as writers or directors—fail to appreciate the complexity and significance of the content acquisition and distribution business and how much influence is exerted through this buyer’s market. For them, Kirkpatrick’s book should be manda