Is a Producers-Rep your only and best option

To answer the above question, NO!! A Producers-Rep is not your only option nor is it necessarily a best option however, it is another part within the business of filmmaking. First, let's define what they actually do.

Their main function is to represent a producer's movie to distributors with the ultimate goal of the producer receiving an offer of distribution. Do they find producers or do producers find them?

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It happens both ways. A Producer may learn of one by word of mouth or by searching the many industry publications. Let's also not forget that little giant, the internet.

A Producers-Rep may contact a producer while they are attending a Film Festival. They know the producer is seeking a distribution deal and if a deal isn't acquired at the festival, then the producer just might need their assistance.

When a producer hears someone wants to help and has contacts within the industry, especially in distribution, the producer is of course more than interested. Although they may address the distibution part of the bigger picture, filmmaking solutions, producer BEWARE!

The more you hear the more you like. You may have just found the right industry contact to represent your movie to decision- makers. Of course after hearing how great your movie is and all the contacts now available, you also hear the cost.

They don't work for free and so very few work on a contingency basis. Meaning there is upfront money to be paid. They may charge anywhere from $5000-$10,000 to represent your movie.

Generally the fee covers their expenses and time. They may also request a percentage of gross profits. Is the agreement negotiable? You'll find in this industry almost everything is negotiable.

Never forgetting that it's all about money, this is where a good little movie has a touch of bargaining power. If a producer isn't able or prepared to pay the standard rate a lower rate may be offered. This can be a sign that the Rep really wants your movie and is willing to assume some risks.

One thing to remember while at the festival and within the world of independent filmmaking, more than likely you are not the only producer the Rep has contacted. They need and want movies. So how does that affect you?

The best thing for any producer is for the Rep to only represent their movie, but generally that just doesn't happen. They represent several movies. The worst that can happen is that you are one of several movies the Rep shotguns to multiple distributors. Instead of your movie being sent alone the distributor received ten in one mailing.

If a producer is willing to take the time and get all the contact information for distributors who handle like genre movies, then why not do it yourself? Remember it's your movie. No one can represent it better than you.

For just a taste of my experience of which I will talk about more in My Productions, I secured the help of a Rep from an ad in the "Variety." Over the period of our contract their help cost me over $40,000.

It wasn't until I caught the distributor lying about sales and their subsequent filing for bankruptcy that I learned $35,000 of my fees were attributed to a back door (hidden) deal between the distributor and my Producers-Rep.

From Producers-Rep to Distribution