Guide to Marketing a Feature Film to Online Streaming Platforms in 5 Easy Steps
For independent creators, selling a feature film to streaming giants like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video can seem like a daunting task. However, with a strategic approach and a bit of persistence, it's achievable. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this exciting journey:
1. Submit to Film Festivals
Kickstart your journey by submitting your film to relevant film festivals worldwide. Festivals serve as a platform to build credibility, create buzz, and attract potential buyers and distributors from streaming platforms [1].
2. Prepare Your Marketing Assets
Develop eye-catching marketing materials such as a poster, logline, trailer, and stills. With thousands of submissions to sift through, streaming platforms value materials that immediately stand out [1].
3. Build an Industry Network
Connect with producers, distributors, and content buyers who have relationships with Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and others. Industry contacts are often necessary for direct pitching opportunities [1].
4. Direct Pitching and Negotiation
Reach out to buyers and distributors mid-to-late in the process. This may be facilitated by sales agents who can negotiate deals and contracts on your behalf, improving your chances of sale and favourable terms [1][5].
5. Place Film on Aggregators or VOD Services
Consider using trusted distribution platforms like FilmHub that have direct relationships with streaming services for self-distribution and licensing placements [1].
6. Ensure Technical Readiness
Prepare your film with proper metadata, subtitles, and technical specifications required by streaming platforms to avoid delays or rejections [1].
7. Marketing and Visibility Campaign
Once your film is placed on streaming platforms, support visibility with targeted social media campaigns, influencer collaborations, and paid advertisements to drive viewer engagement and platform promotion algorithms [1][2].
Additional Considerations
- Understand each platform's distinct acquisition preferences and marketing approaches [2].
- Weigh the benefits of a streaming-first release against the potential loss of leverage for downstream licensing deals [2].
- Building sustainable audience relationships and focused marketing investment aligned with your distribution strategy is critical for success [2].
Working with an experienced film sales agent can simplify the pitching and negotiation process by leveraging their industry knowledge and connections [5].
The Cost of Distribution
The price for distribution can range from a few thousand dollars for a library title on a smaller platform to millions for a bidding war at a top festival.
Finding the Right Partner
Our website offers industry briefings, global TV+Film productions reviews, and information on micro-dramas and mobile-first storytelling, among other topics, to help you find the right distribution partner.
Technical Requirements
Before signing a deal with an OTT platform, it's important to know the technical requirements for video, audio files, closed captions, and artwork, and to have a plan to meet them.
Navigating the Industry
Navigating the world of global distributors, sales agents, and post-production vendors can be overwhelming, but a platform like our website can transform the process into a streamlined, data-driven workflow.
The Role of Sales Agents
Netflix, for instance, acquires almost all of their independent films through trusted distributors or sales agents who have a long-standing relationship with them.
Our website tracks global Film & TV projects, partners, and deals, and can be used to find vendors, financiers, commissioners, licensors, and licensees.
[1] [Source 1] [2] [Source 2] [3] [Source 3] [4] [Source 4] [5] [Source 5]
- In the quest to catch the attention of streaming giants like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, creating marketing materials that stand out is crucial, as they value materials that are eye-catching and immediately captivating [1].
- To succeed in the competitive world of independent film distribution, it's beneficial to work with experienced film sales agents who can leverage their industry knowledge and connections to simplify the pitching and negotiation process [5].
