What are the most effective strategies for negotiating distribution deals with streaming services?

Best way to assess film’s value objectively was to see box office sales, back in the day. Audience voted with their wallets. In the streaming age, rather than agreeing on a fixed price for streaming rights, earn per consumption over a predefined period or earn per consumption on a sliding scale might be fairer distribution of revenues where one party does not get ‘luckier’ than the other and claim disproportionate share of value. If the movie is super hit, it gets streamed a lot which means more subscribers to the streaming service or that much less streaming of poor content. Either way, studio shall be compensated well from increased revenue share or take a piece from other studios that did poor job of making a film.

Find an experienced sales agent who has the know how to secure a licensing agreement that will be a positive experience for both you and the platform. Always focus on the two most important sales tools for a film, genre and cast. These two things will make all the difference in the performance achieved.

I prioritize thorough research and preparation. Understanding the platform's audience, content preferences, and market trends allows me to tailor my pitch effectively. Highlighting the unique selling points of my content and its potential appeal to their viewership is crucial. Negotiating fair terms and being open to flexible agreements that benefit both parties fosters a positive relationship. I leverage data on the content's performance, audience demographics, and market demand to strengthen my negotiation position. Additionally, staying informed about industry standards and being willing to collaborate on marketing efforts enhances the chances of securing a favorable distribution deal with streaming services. Keepy going :)

One of the great things about the business having multiple streaming services of various sizes and interests is that there is a marketplace for more kinds of content than ever before! When Netflix was basically the only streaming game in town if a piece of content wasn't exactly what they were looking for (or looking to complement an upcoming Netflix Original or notable licensed title) there wasn't much room for negotiations. Now that the streaming marketplace is much larger, researching the services you are considering will tell you a lot about how to approach the dealmaking process. Is the service ad-supported? Are they aiming for general, broad audiences or niche markets like Shudder or Britbox? Pick your targets and go for them.

Based on my experience, conducting comprehensive market research and assessing the intrinsic value of your content is essential in establishing an appropriate license fee. Additionally, when negotiating the revenue share, the emphasis should be on achieving an equitable arrangement that mirrors the content's value. Factors such as viewer engagement, anticipated advertising revenue, and the size of the streaming platform's user base should be carefully taken into account. This approach contributes to a more collaborative and mutually beneficial partnership with the streaming service.

Networking is key here - even if a streamer doesn't buy one project, it doesn't mean that they aren't possibly interested in your next one. Cultivate relationships by periodically checking in, be honest and direct but always respectful, and ensure that others who are acting on your behalf are doing the same. In my experience nothing kills a deal faster than ego and disrespect; keep the Golden Rule in mind and you'll do well in cultivating long-lasting and profitable business relationships.