The Hidden Grind of Film Distribution: Deliverables Revealed

WARNING: Finishing Your Film is Just the Beginning!

Hey #TANKarmy! Now that you've wrapped up your film, you're probably thinking, "What's next?" Well, let me tell you - the real work is just getting started!

When I sold my first movie, CRAWL or DIE, to a reputable distributor, I quickly learned that delivering your film involves more than just handing over the final cut. You'll need to provide a ton of additional materials, known as deliverables. And trust me, it's a wild ride!

As an indie filmmaker, I've learned that doing the work yourself is crucial. This includes contracts, clearances, licenses, QC reports, and more. Today, I'm sharing my experience with deliverables, so you can avoid the pitfalls and make informed decisions when it's time to sell your project.

So, what are deliverables in film? Simply put, they're the audio, visual, and paperwork files that producers must provide to distributors. This includes stereo and Dolby 5.1 sound mixes, music and sound effects on separate files, and the full movie in a specified format.

Check out these images of my deliverables list requirements via my contract:

And if you thought that was a lot, wait until you see the email chains between me and the distributors. Here's a sneak peek:

Per JAPAN DEAL:

"Mr. Ward... Japan needs these ASAP:

• Layered artwork

• High-res stills

• Logos for the DVD

• Music Score

• HD trailer

• Official billing block

• MPAA rating

• Closed captions

U.K. distributer:

• "For the Dialog List, we will require a Combined Continuity & Spotting List 

• For the Music Cue Sheet, the composer or one of the sound guys can generate this. I've attached a template.

• Please also fill out the Certified Statement with Synopsis and the Sample Metadata (attached).  I've also attached a sample Press Kit and Chain of Title for your review.

• Our lab, will be in touch shortly to coordinate delivery of materials to their attention. They can also provide services such as QC, tape output, tape capture, color-timing, sound, etc. So if you need anything, I believe they can assist as they are a full-service post facility.

...and then...

" I just heard back from the Japanese client, and they have requested the following:

1. Online screener link of the final version (vimeo will be perfect)

2. Longer synopsis

3. Dialog list – so they can start with the japanese translation

The material they would like to order is an HDCAM-SR 1080P 23.98Psf, 16x9, original screen size, YbPr 4:2:2 Ch1&2: Comp St., Ch3&4: ME Ch5-10: feature 5.1 Full Mix & trailer at the end of feature.

…and my responses were always…

“ Provided one QC passed HDCAM tape color corrected for all other platforms with stereo/5.1 mixed

Provided the dialogue list

Provided a closed caption SCC file

Provided 150+ Hi-Res images for the creation of the Japan poster

Approved Japan Poster

Provided end credit song

Provided the billing block for the Japan poster

Provided PRORES QT File of the movie color corrected for Internet in stereo/5.1

Provided PRORES QT File of the movie color corrected for all other platforms in stereo/5.1

Uploaded is HI-RES QT File of the new official Trailer to VMI Vimeo Account 

Provided the Audio stems requested in all forms to FTP

A completed DATA Sheet as requested

A completed Fact sheet

A completed Music Cue Sheet

A Complete Press Release “

...and that's just the beginning!

This went on and on for over a year and half - every time a new territory purchased the rights to the movie - more deliverables. FUN! (...it's a lot of work - but it really was fun!)

As you can see, the grind doesn't stop once you've sold your film. But I wouldn't have it any other way. I love the challenge, and I've learned so much along the way.

This time around, I'm doing things differently. I'm preparing all the deliverables BEFORE I sell my next project, so I can say, "Here you go!" with confidence.

Check out these videos to learn more about what distributors need:

Thanks for watching, and don't forget to catch our official teaser trailer!

Remember, we post every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, so be sure to follow us on social media and share your thoughts!

Create fearlessly, and I'll see you in the next post!

Oklahoma Ward