How to Sell Your Film to Streaming Platforms?

Introduction

In today’s world, many people watch movies on streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and others. If you’re a filmmaker, you might want to get your film on these platforms to reach a bigger audience. But how do you actually sell your film to these services? It’s not as simple as just uploading it there are some steps to follow and things to consider.

This article will explain how to sell your film to streaming platforms, step by step. We’ll also cover tips and things you should know before you start.

How to Sell Your Film to Streaming Platforms

1. Know the Different Streaming Platforms

Before trying to sell your film, it’s important to know about the different streaming platforms out there. Some of the big ones include:

• Big platforms (like Netflix and Amazon Prime): These services have a huge number of viewers, but they may ask for high-quality films and good marketing.
• Smaller, niche platforms (like Shudder or Criterion Channel): These focus on certain genres (like horror or art-house films) and might be more flexible.
• Digital rental platforms (like iTunes and Google Play): These allow people to rent films, and filmmakers might have more control over their films on these platforms.

Understanding the differences will help you decide which platform is best for your film.

2. Get Your Film Ready for Submission

Once you decide which platform you want to target, you need to make sure your film is ready for submission. Here are a few things to think about:

• Quality: Make sure your film is in the right format and has good video and audio quality. Most platforms prefer HD or 4K films.
• Metadata: This is the information about your film, like the title, description, genre, and cast. Make sure it’s complete and accurate so the platform can easily list it.
• Subtitles: Many streaming platforms require subtitles in different languages. This makes it easier for people worldwide to watch your film.
• Promotional Materials: You’ll need a good trailer, poster, and other promotional items to catch the attention of streaming platforms.

3. Understand the Submission Process

Every streaming platform has its own rules for how films can be submitted. Here’s what you need to do:

• Read the platform guidelines: Each platform has its own submission rules. Make sure you follow them exactly.
• Content Aggregators: Some platforms require you to submit your film through a third-party distributor or content aggregator. These companies help get your film onto the platform, but they may take a percentage of the revenue.
• Direct Submission: Some platforms, like Amazon Prime, allow you to submit your film directly. This might be easier but can be more competitive.

4. Negotiate the Deal

If your film gets accepted, you’ll need to negotiate the terms. There are different ways platforms pay filmmakers:

• Flat Fee: The platform pays you a set amount of money to show your film for a certain time.
• Revenue Share: You get a percentage of the money made when people watch or rent your film.
• Exclusive vs. Non-Exclusive: If you sign an exclusive deal, your film can only be shown on that platform. A non-exclusive deal means your film can be shown on multiple platforms.

It’s important to understand the deal before you agree to anything.

5. Legal Aspects to Consider

When selling your film, there are some legal things you need to take care of:

• Copyright: Make sure you own the rights to your film and all the music, images, and other content used.
• Distribution Rights: Understand what rights you are giving to the platform. For example, will they have the right to show your film forever, or just for a limited time?
• Contract Review: Always have a lawyer look at your contract to make sure you’re not signing away too many rights or agreeing to something you don’t understand.

6. Film Festivals and Streaming Platforms

Film festivals are great places to get your film noticed by streaming platforms. If your film is featured at a major festival like Sundance or Cannes, it’s more likely that streaming services will take an interest in it.

• Submit to Festivals: If possible, submit your film to festivals that match its style and genre.
• Networking: Festivals give you the chance to meet people who work in the industry and can help you get your film onto a streaming platform.

7. Marketing Your Film

Once your film is on a streaming platform, you still need to promote it to ensure people watch it. Streaming services often don’t do much marketing for you, so it’s up to you to spread the word.

• Social Media: Promote your film on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. This can help you reach more people.
• Press: Reach out to journalists and bloggers who write about movies to get them to review or mention your film.
• Reviews: Good reviews can increase interest in your film, so try to get critics to watch it and write about it.

How Streaming Platforms Are Changing the Entertainment Industry

Streaming platforms are changing the way movies and TV shows are made. In the past, filmmakers had to rely on traditional movie theaters or TV networks to get their work seen. Now, with streaming services, they can release their films directly to a global audience. This gives filmmakers more freedom and control over their projects, and it allows them to reach more viewers without the need for a big studio or network deal.

The Impact of Streaming on Traditional TV

Streaming platforms are having a big impact on traditional TV networks. Many people are choosing to cancel their cable subscriptions in favor of streaming services, which are cheaper and offer more flexibility. This has caused a decline in viewership for traditional TV. As more people turn to streaming, TV networks may need to adapt by offering their own streaming services or changing their business models to keep up with the trend.

How Streaming Benefits Independent Filmmakers

For independent filmmakers, streaming platforms offer an exciting opportunity. In the past, it was difficult for small films to get noticed in theaters or on TV. Now, independent filmmakers can distribute their films on streaming platforms, reaching a wider audience than ever before. Platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and others are constantly looking for fresh, new content, and they provide a great place for indie films to shine.

Why Viewers Love Streaming Platforms

Viewers love streaming platforms because they offer convenience and choice. With streaming, viewers can watch their favorite shows and movies at any time, on any device. They can also pause, rewind, or fast forward whenever they want. Many platforms offer content in different languages and provide personalized recommendations based on what viewers watch. This level of control and customization makes streaming platforms a popular choice for entertainment.

The Growth of Streaming in Different Countries

Streaming services are growing rapidly all over the world. While they started out mainly in the United States, they are now available in many other countries. This global reach has helped bring new films and shows to different cultures and audiences. As more people get access to streaming platforms, we can expect to see more diverse content from all over the world. The growth of streaming in different countries also means that filmmakers from all over the globe can showcase their work on a global stage.

Why Streaming Is Changing How People Watch TV Shows

Streaming platforms have changed the way people watch TV shows. In the past, viewers had to wait for a specific time to watch their favorite shows. Now, with streaming, people can watch entire seasons of shows at once, a trend called “binge-watching.” This allows people to enjoy their favorite content without interruptions. It has also led to a rise in new kinds of storytelling, like shows with complex plots that unfold over multiple episodes.

How Streaming Is Helping Global Content Reach Wider Audiences

Streaming platforms are helping films and TV shows from around the world reach a much wider audience. For example, shows from South Korea like “Squid Game” have become global hits, even though they were originally only available in Korea. Streaming services make it easy for people everywhere to watch content from different cultures, and this trend is likely to continue growing in the future. As a result, viewers are exposed to new perspectives and stories from different parts of the world.

Challenges of Streaming Platforms

While streaming platforms have many advantages, they also come with challenges. One major challenge is the increasing competition. There are so many platforms now, and standing out can be hard for new services. Another challenge is the need for constant content creation. To keep viewers interested, platforms must keep adding new movies, shows, and original content. This can be costly and requires a lot of resources.

The Future of Streaming Platforms

The future of streaming platforms looks bright, but they will continue to evolve. We may see more platforms offering specialized content in certain genres, like sports or educational videos. There could also be more interactive features, where viewers can choose how a story unfolds. As technology improves, streaming services might offer even better quality and more personalized recommendations to viewers. Streaming will likely remain a major part of how we watch entertainment in the years to come.

Analysis Table: Important Things to Know About Streaming Platforms

Comparative Table: Popular Streaming Platforms

Conclusion

Selling your film to streaming platforms takes time and effort, but it can be very rewarding. By understanding the different platforms, preparing your film well, following submission processes, negotiating fair deals, and promoting your work, you can increase your chances of success. Remember to pay attention to the legal aspects and take advantage of film festivals to get noticed. With the right approach, your film could reach a global audience on popular streaming platforms.