THURSDAY 18 APRIL 2024 | 1:00PM - 5:00PM (AEST) | ONLINE 

SPA Members: $90 (inc. GST) | Non-Members: $140 (inc. GST) 

Want to discuss a SPA Membership? Contact SPA.

COURSE OVERVIEW

The world of theatrical distribution has undergone a remarkable transformation since the upheavals of 2020. The challenges posed by COVID lockdowns and the strategic shift towards direct-to-SVOD releases have reshaped audience behaviours. 

As we emerge from the lockdown era, theatrical audiences steadily return to cinemas. While box office revenue and the number of Australian titles making it onto the big screen continue to improve, they both remain below pre-pandemic levels.

What is the state of theatrical distribution? This SPA Masterclass delves into the theatrical distribution landscape in 2024. What are distributors buying, what types of deals are being made, and how are producers positioning themselves to get their projects into theatres?
 

MASTERCLASS HIGHLIGHTS:

  1. Market Analysis: Rakel Tansley, Marketplace Manager at Screen Australia, provides a comprehensive overview of the current market dynamics.
     
  2. Navigating the Legal Maze: Janine Pearce, a seasoned production lawyer, guides us through domestic and international distribution agreements. She delves into the key clauses, terms, and rights that can either fortify or undermine your negotiations.
     
  3. Producers’ Roundtable: The Masterclass culminates in a panel discussion featuring seasoned and rising producers sharing their firsthand experiences. Gain invaluable insights into approaching distributors, packaging for international sales, and nurturing/fostering strong and lasting distributor relationships.

Key Topics to be covered include:

Part 1 - The Distribution Landscape (Rakel Tansley, Screen Australia)
 

  • Who are the buyers, and what are they buying?
  • The current release chain and windowing
  • Strategies and business models
  • Rights and their values

Part 2 - Distributor and Sales Agent Agreements (Janine Pearce, JP Media Law)

  • Key terms and clauses
  • Industry standards for certain commercial terms
  • Expense caps
  • New and evolving rights
  • Short-form or long-form contracts

Part 3 - Producer Panel and Q&A

 

  • Identifying and approaching distributors
  • Packaging for international sales
  • Budgets – what can you finance
VIEW SPEAKERS

PROGRAM OUTLINE

1.00pm - 2.30pm

Part 1

The Distribution Landscape (Rakel Tansley, Screen Australia)

2.40pm - 3.40pm

Part 2

Distributor and Sales Agent Agreements (Janine Pearce, JP Media Law)

3.50pm - 5.00pm

Part 3

Producer Panel and Q&A

ABOUT SPA MASTERCLASSES

SPA Masterclasses are online intensives held quarterly by Screen Producers Australia (SPA) and are designed to give Australian producers and their peers a competitive edge and valuable training on pertinent topics across all facets of the industry.

Masterclasses include presentations by experts from the legal, finance, industrial, business, and creative sectors as well as practical panel discussions with experienced producers who will share their valuable insights and knowledge. Masterclass topics will address current and important matters affecting practitioners working across the industry to ensure they have the most up-to-date information, expertise, and practical tools to remain relevant and successful in the dynamic industry we all love.