Film Distribution Glossary

What is In-Theater Advertising? In-Theater Advertising refers to the practice of promoting products or services to a captive audience within a movie theater. This form of advertising typically involves displaying commercials, trailers, or other promotional materials before the start of a film or during intermissions. In-Theater Advertising is a popular marketing strategy for film distributors, … Read more

I. What is a Distribution Agreement? A Distribution Agreement is a legal contract between a filmmaker or content creator and a distributor, outlining the terms and conditions under which the distributor will distribute the filmmaker’s work. This agreement typically covers important details such as the rights granted to the distributor, the territories in which the … Read more

What is an Advance Screening? An advance screening is a special showing of a film or television show before its official release date. These screenings are typically held for select audiences, such as critics, industry professionals, and sometimes fans who have won tickets through contests or promotions. Advance screenings allow filmmakers and distributors to generate … Read more

I. What is a Multi-Territory Deal? A multi-territory deal, also known as a multi-territorial agreement, is a type of contract in the entertainment industry, particularly in film distribution, where a distributor acquires the rights to distribute a film in multiple territories or regions simultaneously. Instead of negotiating separate deals for each territory, a multi-territory deal … Read more

I. What is a First Run? A First Run refers to the initial release of a film in theaters or on a streaming platform. It is the first time that a film is made available to the public for viewing, and it is typically accompanied by a marketing campaign to generate buzz and attract audiences. … Read more

I. What is Cross-Collateralization? Cross-collateralization is a financial term that refers to the practice of using one asset to secure a loan or credit for another asset. In the context of film distribution, cross-collateralization occurs when a distributor uses the revenue generated by one film to cover the costs and expenses of another film in … Read more

I. What are Satellite Rights? Satellite rights refer to the rights granted to a television network or a digital platform to broadcast or stream a film or television show. These rights are typically acquired by the network or platform for a specific period of time and for a specific geographical region. Satellite rights are an … Read more

I. What is Syndication in Film Distribution? Syndication in film distribution refers to the process of licensing the rights to distribute a film or television show to multiple outlets or platforms. This allows the content to reach a wider audience and generate additional revenue through various channels. Syndication deals can involve selling the rights to … Read more

I. What is a Rights Window? A rights window refers to a specific period during which a film or television show is available for distribution through a particular platform or medium. In the world of film distribution, rights windows are crucial as they determine when and where a film can be viewed by audiences. These … Read more

I. What is Screen Count? Screen count refers to the number of screens on which a film is being shown in theaters. It is a crucial metric in the film industry as it directly impacts a movie’s reach and potential box office performance. The more screens a film is shown on, the more opportunities it … Read more