ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

9 years, 3 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

Rather depends on the subject matter, your special access, the quality of what you've assembled already, etc.

Doesn't need to be sensationalist, but needs to tell a good story well in order to get interest.

9 years, 3 months ago - Marlom Tander

I would def not want to go to market with a "self funded observational" docu.

Go to market with whatever the story is, and why their audience will love it. Self funded is something that impresses the once they bite, but up front it reads as special pleading.

And if they want some "sensational", nothing wrong with giving it to them. Louis Theroux and Stacey Dooley could just talk to camera, but they SHOW, and sometimes it's sensational. (I Love SD's stuff. I sometimes wonder how it ever got anywhere near mainstream TV).

9 years, 3 months ago - Dan Selakovich

So I read your question, then read the answers. So maybe I'm unclear, but you're asking about getting distribution, not on the subject, but based on the fact that it is not yet finished. Is that the opinion you're after?

If so, never go to a distributor with an unfinished film. Documentary or otherwise. First, distributors very rarely see the potential in an unfinished film. Second, if it is unfinished they think that you are looking for completion funds, and maybe you are. So if they do want it, and it's not finished, they will low-ball you. It's that simple. You may get enough money to finish it, but that's likely all the money you will ever see. If you think it's a marketable idea, finish it first. There are completion grants floating around out there for docs. Find them and apply before going the distributor route.

9 years, 3 months ago - The People's Piano

Thanks Dan yes thats right was asking about getting distribution. Thanks reply, that makes sense. Yes we are 2/3rds way thru finishing a doc. I was thinking in order to get completion funding it would be helpful to have a distribution strategy - that may not be secured but is a viable strategy. And because distribution is expanding all the time with many online options would love to hear back if anyone has experience of distribution options for docs that they have been happy with and would recommend.