When you think of a movie making money, you probably imagine blockbusters opening in thousands of theaters. But indie film sales, the process of selling independently made films to distributors, festivals, or streaming platforms. Also known as film distribution, it's how small films with tiny budgets end up on your screen—sometimes even winning Oscars. These aren’t just side projects. They’re full-blown businesses that need buyers, deals, and timing to survive.
Most indie films never hit theaters. Instead, they go straight to film festivals, events like Sundance, TIFF, or Cannes where distributors scout for the next breakout hit. A strong premiere there can turn a $50,000 film into a $5 million deal. Buyers like film buyers, representatives from companies like A24, Neon, or MUBI who negotiate acquisition rights watch these screenings like hawkers at a market. They’re not looking for polish—they’re looking for emotion, originality, and a clear audience. The right film at the right festival can get picked up before the credits roll.
It’s not just about festivals. indie film financing, how filmmakers raise money to make their films often ties directly to sales. Many producers use pre-sales—getting a distributor to commit to buying the film before it’s even finished—to secure funding. That means the film has to be sellable from day one: strong cast, clear genre, and a hook that stands out in a crowded market. A horror film with a fresh twist sells differently than a slow-burn drama. And if you’re not selling, you’re not getting paid. Crews work on deferrals. Actors take pay cuts. Everyone’s betting on the sale.
Streaming platforms have changed the game too. Services like Amazon, Hulu, and Apple TV+ now buy indie films for exclusive rights, often skipping theaters entirely. These deals can be quick, but they come with strings—like no theatrical run, or limited marketing. Still, for many filmmakers, it’s better than nothing. And with platforms hungry for content, the door is open—if you know how to knock.
What you’ll find below are real stories from the trenches: how a film sold for six figures after a midnight screening, why a documentary got picked up by a museum instead of a theater, how a director turned a rejected film into a streaming hit, and why some sales fall apart at the last minute. These aren’t theory pieces. They’re field reports from filmmakers who made it happen—on zero budget, with no connections, and no safety net. If you’re making an indie film, this is the roadmap you need.
Platforms like Filmhub let indie filmmakers bypass traditional studios and sell their movies directly to audiences on Apple, Google, and Roku. Learn how to choose the right platform, avoid common mistakes, and start earning from your film.