Documentary Film Distributors and Wholesalers Education and Training

Use documentary film distributors and wholesalers education and training to maximize sales

By Christine Pollock
Learn the ins and outs of the business with documentary film distributors and wholesalers education and training. Check out the markets and your competition while discerning the best way to promote the films in your inventory and business list.

Documentary distribution is a great way to promote filmmakers who specialize in specific areas. There are many ways to ensure your success as a documentary wholesaler and distributor with usage of specified education and training. The following are some steps you might want to take:

1. Determine which independent documentary distributors achieve the most success with documentary film companies and analyze their strategies.

2. Obtain documentary film distributors and wholesalers education and training by linking with organizations that offer networking opportunities.

3. Attend conferences that further educate documentary film distributors.

 

Join the ranks of producers who became independent documentary distributors for their own films

While some producers find it beneficial to hire a sales staff to promote films, many producers find that they make the best documentary sales agent for their films. Not only will you know the most about your film, you can also reduce expenses by eliminating a sales force. There are many resources online that educate filmmakers on the distribution process.
Try: The International Documentary Association is a rich resource for learning how to distribute your films. It offers tips on research and strategy for the independent documentary film agent. Find information on the business aspects of starting your own documentary distribution business by looking into resources from Capital.com. This site offers basic information on starting up as a wholesaler.

Study the markets for documentary film distribution

Several resources detail film statistics over different periods of time. Studying these statistics provides patterns for optimal documentary distribution.
Try: Nash Information Services offers distributors and wholesalers an analysis of the market to aid in determining market niches and strategies. It offers detailed analysis of individual titles. The Center for Social Media highlights many resources including Docurama, which analyzes documentary markets in specified time frames.

Enhance your skills in documentary film distribution by attending conferences and seminars

Documentary distributors learn more about the industry with detailed information on the current market and through networking. Conferences and seminars offer opportunities for distributors and wholesalers to learn the inside scoop on current trends.
Try: Centaur Productions offers seminars for those interested in documentary distribution. It offers connections between filmmakers and those who plan to distribute the titles. The American Film Institute offers an international conference for documentary distributors. In addition to seminars on the inner working of the business, it also offers many opportunities for networking.

 

  • Build a relationship with independent filmmakers to increase your inventory for documentary distribution.