The Guerrilla Rep - Blog

Filmmaker's Glossary of Distribution Jargon

1/15/2020

If you’re going to read and understand your distribution agreement, then there’s some terminology you have to grasp first. So with that in mind, here’s a breakdown of some key terminology you ABSOLUTELY need to know if you’re going to get traditional distribution for your film.

Can You Get Your Movie on Netflix or Disney+ By Yourself?

1/8/2020

At least until recently, a lot of filmmakers assumed that they could get on any platform they needed to be on just by calling up Distribber or another aggregator like Quiver. With the fallout of the fall of Distribber, many filmmakers are wondering what they can do for distribution. So, I thought I’d share some knowledge as to what platforms a filmmaker can still get on themselves using aggregators like Quiver, and what platforms you’ll need an accomplished sales distributor, or producer’s rep to get on.

What does current state of Independent Film Distribution look like in 2020?

1/1/2020

2019 was a quite a year for most of us, and while we’re entering 2020 with more stable an economic footing than we’ve expected, there are definitely some notable industry trends heating up that I thought weigh in on a bit and let those of you who frequent my tiny corner of the internet know my thoughts on the matter.

5 Things to expect from the 2019 American Film Market #AFM2019

10/17/2019

AFM this year will be interesting. Here’s the current state form someone who’s been going for 10 years, and has been a Practicing Producer’s rep for 6 years. Two quick things before we get started. First, You should definitely go to AFM at least once. It’s eye opening, and if I hadn’t done it I probably wouldn’t have a career.

Second: These opinions are mine alone, and have not been approved, endorsed, or otherwise condoned by the International Film and Television Alliance (IFTA) owner of the American Film Market. (AFM is also a Registered Trademark of the IFTA.)

6 Things for Filmmakers to Prepare for the 2019 American Film Market #AFM2019

10/9/2019

With AFM 2019 right around the corner, it’s time for filmmakers to prepare for the market and do their best to get a traditional distribution deal. For those of you who don’t know, AFM is still the best place for American Filmmakers to get traditional, non-DIY distribution. So, with that in mind, here are the major things you need to prepare.

The 6 Steps to Negotiating an Indiefilm Distribution Deal

10/2/2019

Much of my job as a producer’s rep is negotiating deals on the behalf of filmmakers. However, now that I’m doing more direct distribution, I’m realizing there are several things about this process that most filmmakers don’t understand. As I tend to write a blog whenever I run into a question enough that I feel my time is better spent writing my full answer instead of explaining it again, here’s a top level guide on the process of negotiating an independent film distribution deal.

Why you ABSOLUTELY MUST Become an INDIEFILM ENTREPRENEUR

9/25/2019

The concept of filmmaking entrepreneurship has been coming into vogue for quite some time now, but has really started to take hold in the zeitgeist of our industry in the last 3-6 months. The culmination of this being the launch of the Filmtrepreneur website, blog, and podcast. From Alex Ferrari (Best known for Indie Film Hustle.).

How and Why to TEST SCREEN Your Independent Film

9/18/2019

If you’re a filmmaker who’s got a film that’s nearing completion, you’re probably going to want to get some opinions on it before you think you’re ready. This involves test screenings. Given that I’ve been hosting some of these screenings through THIS MEETUP GROUP, I’ve learned a few things that work and others that don’t.

How Filmmakers Can Use a Community Screenings to Maximize Impact and Profits

9/11/2019

For those of you who are unfamiliar, a community screening model is an alternate version of a theatrical where instead of booking theaters across the country. There are so many places with high quality sound systems across the country that it can make a lot of sense to book these secondary locations instead of spending the money to four wall a theater. Since we talked about what a community screening package generally includes, I thought I’d go over what it takes to book those screenings this week.

9 Essential Elements of an Independent Film Community Screening Package

9/4/2019

If you’re making a film with an extremely niche audience, it can make A LOT of sense to consider hosting some community screenings in place of a more traditional theatrical run. While this tactic most commonly used for documentaries that have a strong social message, it’s also a tool that can be quite effective when utilized by narrative films targeting a very well defined niche. Here’s what goes into the package you’ll be selling to anyone who might want to screen your film.