Introduction to Media Distribution: Film, Television, and New Media

by Scott Kirkpatrick

Overview

In this second edition, author Scott Kirkpatrick draws from over a decade of personal experience in the distribution arena to provide a clear and up-to-date overview of the entire film, television, and new media distribution business.

Readers will learn what fuels the distribution process and exactly how the distribution business works from beginning to end—not merely what happens to a film or television series upon acquisition, but how distributors develop, presell and broker deals on content before it even exists. This new edition considers a much more international approach to media distribution, with case studies and analyses from across the globe. It also reflects on the ever-increasing relevance of diversity and inclusiveness in the industry, as well as the new media verticals like podcasts and the effects of social media influencers on the media landscape.

The book will be an integral guidebook for any student or professional wishing to understand both the basics and the subtleties of media distribution. The book also contains a robust appendix containing in-depth studies of legal definitions, material delivery requirements, territory-by-territory financial projections and more.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781032413952
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	12/04/2023
Edition description:	2nd ed.
Pages:	292
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Scott Kirkpatrick is Executive Vice President of Co-Productions and Distribution for Nicely Entertainment—a Los Angeles-based production and distribution company that produces original TV movies and scripted TV series—where he brokers major content deals and has executive produced a variety of TV movies. Previously, Kirkpatrick served as Senior Vice President of North American Sales & Business Development for NENT Studios UK where he oversaw international television distribution deals on a variety of programs. Prior to this, Kirkpatrick served as Executive Director of Distribution for MarVista Entertainment, a production and distribution company that produces original TV movies and has managed international TV deals on major franchises. Before shifting to the distribution side of the industry, Kirkpatrick worked behind the scenes on major studio productions, including Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, and has produced and directed TV series and feature films including Eye for an Eye and Roadside Massacre. He is the author of Writing for the Green Light: How to Make Your Script the One Hollywood Notices and Mastering the Pitch: How to Effectively Pitch Your Ideas to Hollywood.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1. The Principles of Media Distribution 2. Developing and Distributing Media Content Before It Exists 3. The Acquisition of Finished Content 4. Negotiating and Brokering Content Distribution Deals 5. Windowing Rights and Strategizing Releases 6. Global Media Distribution 7. Marketing, Ratings and Audience Cultivation 8. Accounting Practices, Monetization and Business Structures 9. Practical Approaches for Kick-Starting Your Career

Editorial Reviews

"A real development ‘Bible.’ An entertaining and extremely informative read that provides a practical insider’s perspective of the entertainment industry. It will appeal to both entertainment business and creative hopefuls as well as seasoned professionals."

—Amy Sauertieg, M.A., Lecturer in Communications, Penn State University, USA

"Too many of those studying to enter the film and TV industries with ambitions to express themselves creatively—as writers or directors—fail to appreciate the complexity and significance of the content acquisition and distribution business and how much influence is exerted through this buyer’s market. For them, Kirkpatrick’s book should be mandatory reading."

—Stephen Gordon, Program Leader, BSc (Hons) Film Production Technology, Birmingham City University, UK

"Understanding the principles behind the distribution of film and TV within the industry is crucial in preparing our own content for the world. Scott's book breaks down this complex business and makes it both simple, and relevant to producers like ourselves. A must-have for any content producer."

—Noah and Brigham Sunday, Co-Founders of StoryBox Studios

"The Pulitzer Prize-winner E.O. Wilson once wrote, ‘We are drowning in information while starving for wisdom.’ The same could be said for filmmakers who are ‘drowning in the production of content while starving for answers on how to distribute their content effectively.’ Kirkpatrick’s book provides this much-needed wisdom."

—Scott McMahon, Founder of Film Trooper Podcast; Author of How to Make and Sell Your Film Online and Survive the Hollywood Implosion While Doing It

"Media distribution is the piece of the puzzle that separates Hollywood players from Hollywood wannabes. I am in awe of Scott Kirkpatrick's deep understanding of the content market and his ability to snap it all into place."

—John Ott, makingthemovie.com

"Many filmmakers mistakenly rush to market without having a solid plan for distribution. This book provides the necessary foundation for how distribution works, so you can avoid common pitfalls and improve the chances for ROI. It is a recommended read for any filmmaker who wants to ‘level up’ their career."

—Jason Brubaker, Film Distribution Executive, Founder of Filmmaking Stuff

"A real development ‘Bible.’ An entertaining and extremely-informative read that provides a practical insider’s perspective of the entertainment industry. It will appeal to both entertainment business and creative hopefuls as well as seasoned professionals."

—Amy Sauertieg, M.A., Lecturer in Communications, Penn State University, USA

"Too many of those studying to enter the film and TV industries with ambitions to express themselves creatively—as writers or directors—fail to appreciate the complexity and significance of the content acquisition and distribution business and how much influence is exerted through this buyer’s market. For them, Kirkpatrick’s book should be mandatory reading."

—Stephen Gordon, Program Leader, BSc (Hons) Film Production Technology, Birmingham City University, UK

"Understanding the principles behind the distribution of film and TV within the industry is crucial in preparing our own content for the world. Scott's book breaks down this complex business and makes it both simple, and relevant to producers like ourselves. A must-have for any content producer."

—Noah and Brigham Sunday, Co-Founders of StoryBox Studios

"The Pulitzer Prize-winner E.O. Wilson once wrote, ‘We are drowning in information while starving for wisdom.’ The same could be said for filmmakers who are ‘drowning in the production of content while starving for answers on how to distribute their content effectively.’ Kirkpatrick’s book provides this much-needed wisdom."

—Scott McMahon, Founder of Film Trooper Podcast; Author of How to Make and Sell Your Film Online and Survive the Hollywood Implosion While Doing It

"Media distribution is the piece of the puzzle that separates Hollywood players from Hollywood wannabes. I am in awe of Scott Kirkpatrick's deep understanding of the content market and his ability to snap it all into place."

—John Ott, makingthemovie.com

"Many filmmakers mistakenly rush to market without having a solid plan for distribution. This book provides the necessary foundation for how distribution works, so you can avoid common pitfalls and improve the chances for ROI. It is a recommended read for any filmmaker who wants to ‘level up’ their career."

—Jason Brubaker, Film Distribution Executive, Founder of Filmmaking Stuff

From the Publisher