When you think about how a movie gets from the editing suite to your screen, you’re looking at film distribution strategy, the planned process of getting a film to audiences through theaters, streaming, festivals, and home media. It’s not just about releasing a movie—it’s about timing, partnerships, and knowing where your audience actually watches. A great film can disappear without the right plan. And in 2025, that plan looks nothing like it did ten years ago.
Today, film sales agents, professionals who connect filmmakers with buyers at markets like Cannes and AFM are more critical than ever. They don’t just pitch movies—they read the room. Buyers at these markets aren’t just looking for star power anymore. They want authenticity, niche appeal, and clear paths to audiences. That’s why so many indie films now skip theaters entirely and go straight to streaming, or use film festivals, curated events that act as launchpads for visibility and acquisition as their first real test. A premiere at Sundance or Tribeca isn’t just a trophy—it’s a signal to streamers that the film has traction.
And it’s not just about big names. The real shift is in how films are valued before they even drop. film markets, annual gatherings where rights are bought, sold, and negotiated have become the heartbeat of distribution. You can’t just upload a film to Netflix and hope for the best. You need a strategy that answers: Who’s this for? Where do they live? What else are they watching? That’s why cross-promotion with streamers, regional mini-festivals, and micro-targeted campaigns are now standard. Even a quiet documentary about climate justice can find its audience if the distribution plan matches the viewer’s habits—not the studio’s calendar.
What you’ll find below isn’t theory. It’s real-world breakdowns from filmmakers and sales teams who’ve done this. You’ll see how Hello Kitty’s movie outperformed big-budget originals by leaning into decades of emotional connection. You’ll learn how sales agents actually get meetings at AFM, why virtual festivals are now essential, and how indie films cut through the noise on streaming platforms without a million-dollar ad budget. This isn’t about luck. It’s about knowing the system—and using it.
Learn how to pitch independent films to streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Apple TV+. Discover what buyers really want, how to structure your pitch, and how to avoid common mistakes that kill distribution deals.