> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.cinelaunch.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.cinelaunch.io/film-financing-fundamentals/distribution-deals.md). # Distribution Deals **Film distribution** is the process of making a movie available for viewing by an audience. And this includes theatrical exhibition, TV broadcast, VOD streaming, and DVD sales. An expert film distributor can help get a film shown in cinemas and streamed on major VOD platforms. They understand how to market films and how to help you get films shown to an international audience. A production can sell a film independently, but working with a distributor allows you to access more opportunities and make a higher profit generally. A production must find a film distributor, then sign a contract with them. This [film distribution contract](https://filmmakermagazine.com/99280-the-fine-print/) will include a **term length**, which outlines how long the distributor will have the rights to the film. This contract comes with a premium and a performance-based revenue model usually. ### Distribution Deals Before Production Begins One does not need to make a finished film to secure a distribution deal. **Pre-sale distribution** is a guarantee from a distribution company that they will represent a given film once the project is complete. A film distributor might be interested in a film early-on if the film already has a **built-in audience**. For example, it might be a sequel to a successful movie or have a star actor attached. Occasionally, distribution companies will approve of the film if they like the script, genre, or filmmaker’s previous work as well. Read more on Pre-Sales Distribution in the next section! --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.cinelaunch.io/film-financing-fundamentals/distribution-deals.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.