Have you ever made a film but struggled with taking it to the next level? 

Ross Putman, producer, sales and finance agent for Verve, shares valuable insight on the world of sales and distribution agencies. He offers excellent advice for filmmakers on how to sell films and what to look for in distribution companies, emphasizing the importance of networking and constantly making material. 

Listen to Ross share with Tanya his expertise and advice for filmmakers to take their films to the next level.  

Key points:  
1:06 —  Journey to becoming a sales agent
3:32 — What the sales agent job entails
6:00 — Difference between producer & sales agent
8:00 — Agent deals 
9:42 — Global vs. Domestic Deals
11:36 — International Distribution 
13:00 — Getting in touch with a sales agency for the first time
18:35 — The importance of networking
20:51 — How to decide how much to spend in a film
24:00 — The importance of collaboration in feature films
25:20 — Debunking the term “Story is King”
27:00 — Focusing on the strengths of your film
29:13 — Challenges of foreign/ international films 
31:04 — Leverage during negotiations
36:00 — Sales discussions
40:30 — What sales agents look for in films
43:35 — How distribution deals work
46:40 — How filmmakers profit from distribution deals
48:17 — Derivative productions 
49:00— How to get an agency to read your script
53:36 — Advice on budgets

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