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

Introduction to Media Distribution offers a clear, direct and comprehensive overview of the entire film, television and new media distribution business, valuable to both students and professionals. In this book, author Scott Kirkpatrick draws from over a decade of personal experience in the distribution arena to explore what fuels the distribution process, and explains in real-world terms how the business works from beginning to end—not merely what happens to a film or television series after a distributor acquires it, but how distributors develop, pre-sell and broker deals on content before it even exists. Kirkpatrick covers deal structures, release strategies, acquisition approaches, rights sales, international co-productions, tax credits, audience research, global regulatory boards, and even ‘behind closed doors’ monetization practices.

The book offers:

• A straightforward, clear and insightful approach to understanding the fundamental basics of how the global distribution marketplace works, and how distribution companies actually operate and create the content they need;
• An insider’s analysis of all levels of the business with an emphasis on the independent scene, the root from where development in the industry grows;
• A comprehensive overview of how film and television markets and festivals work, and how buyers and sellers actually broker deals in the field;
• Detailed explanations of how each media right is defined and windowed to maximize potential revenue;
• A detailed overview of several major international territories, and how each operates within the context of the global media business;
• Guidance and advice from an industry expert on how one can initiate their professional career in the entertainment industry, applicable to individuals in all roles;
• A robust appendix containing in-depth studies of legal definitions, material delivery requirements, territory-by-territory financial projections, and more.

An accompanying eResource offers template contracts, sample agreements, and further resources for download.

Scott Kirkpatrick is the Senior Vice President of North and South American business development and global digital strategy for DRG, a London-based production, development and distribution company that manages over 1,000 media properties including Channel 4’s Shameless and ITV’s Doc Martin. Previously, Kirkpatrick served as executive director of distribution for MarVista Entertainment, a Los Angeles-based production and distribution company that produces original TV movies and has managed international TV deals on major franchises, including Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. 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. Kirkpatrick has produced and directed TV series and feature films including Eye for an Eye, Muslims in America and Roadside Massacre, and is the author of the book Writing for the Green Light: How to Make Your Script the One Hollywood Notices. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and daughter.