So you’ve made a movie, and now you want to sell your film internationally. It’s a smart move—expanding your film’s reach to global markets can greatly boost your audience and revenue. But how do you even start? I’ve talked about this a bunch of times, and the answer always comes back to attending major film sales markets.
These markets are your ticket to global distribution. You need to be at the American Film Market (AFM) in Santa Monica in November, the European Film Market (EFM) in Berlin in February, or the Marché du Film at Cannes in May. Sure, there are other smaller markets, but these three are really where the action is when it comes to selling your movie internationally.
Why Attend Major Film Sales Markets?
The big markets—AFM, EFM, and Cannes—are where international film sales actually happen. Now, these markets do have domestic buyers, too, but today let’s focus specifically on international distribution. Maybe you’ve already released your film domestically and secured a streaming deal in the U.S. Great! Now it’s time to expand beyond your home turf.
At these markets, you’re aiming to connect directly with buyers—people who are the heads of acquisitions, VPs of acquisitions, or acquisitions managers. Their entire job revolves around watching and purchasing films just like yours. Approaching these people at major markets significantly boosts your chances of landing international sales.
Do Your Homework Before Approaching Distributors
Now, hold up a second—before you start talking to just any distributor or sales agent at these events, you have to do some groundwork. It’s crucial to find the right match. Use tools like Senado.com, which is a handy database listing international film sales agents and distributors. It helps you identify exactly who’s out there, what they’re buying, and if your film aligns with their interests.
For example, let’s say you made a faith-based family feature. You’re not going to pitch it to the company known for selling crazy, ultra-gory horror flicks. That’s a waste of your time and theirs. Similarly, if you have a smaller, indie movie without big stars, don’t approach the distributor known for selling giant Hollywood-style blockbusters. Finding the right fit matters—a lot.
Managing Expectations When You Sell Your Film Internationally
Now, let’s talk reality for a minute. The market today is tougher than ever, especially if your film falls into a challenging genre like an edgy drama or dark comedy. Those types of movies typically don’t fly off the shelves internationally. Sure, you might snag some sales, but you won’t necessarily achieve widespread distribution.
On the flip side, genre films—like action, thriller, horror—or films featuring recognizable actors tend to attract a lot more international interest. Sales agents love these movies because they’re easier to sell globally. If your film fits these categories and you have a reputable sales agent working hard for you, you could land multiple international territory deals.
Understanding Territory Buyouts
Once a sales agent gets involved, they usually arrange what’s called territory buyouts. Here’s how it works: let’s say the U.K. distributor buys your film. They offer you a set amount of money up front. The good news? You don’t have to worry about marketing in that country—that’s the distributor’s responsibility. They handle promotion and release in their region, freeing you up to focus on other deals or your next project.
This is exactly why partnering with a respected international sales agent is incredibly valuable. They leverage their connections to secure these buyout deals across multiple territories, significantly expanding your film’s global footprint.
Get Out There and Start Selling!
So that’s the playbook on how to sell your film internationally: show up at major markets, know your distributors, set realistic expectations, and understand the buyout process. Now, go ahead, start your research on Senado.com, and get your film ready to take on the world. With the right preparation, international film distribution might be closer than you think.
