Diff between talent agent and distributor plus -

I made a two hour historical documentary on the first day of the American revolution. I went to all of the actual locations and filmed them w a compelling narrative.

This is my first project and my first effort at selling a documentary.

I got a list of MSO cable companies and called a few of the programming heads up. I got voice mail and left messages. Of course - nobody called me back.

Later - I was told - that all of the important people like that, only work through talent agents.

1.Is that true?

2. what is the diff between a talent agent and a distributor?

But then at pbs they list an address to send projects to for consideration.

4. Is that address only for agents? Must I have an agent?

I read it's hard to get an agent unless you've done something w some clout.


Then I found this article (link below) and emailed some of the companies on the list and several responded and said they would look at my project so I sent them a screener link.

http://stfdocs.com/film/guide-to-tiff-doc-sellers/

Are they talent agents or distributors? I think they are distributors.

Previously - a distributor sent me a contract to distribute my project. I would have to relinquish all rights for 7 years and an option for 7 more and hope that he does a good job. However, someone else posted on a forum they had used that distributor - and did not make a penny. There was no upfront money offered. I decided not to sign away my rights in hopes that the distributor sold it. Of course - he has lots of other films he's selling so who knows how much attention any one movie gets.

5. Is there anyone who can advise me on best path to follow and the protocols?

Of course - the film is currently online available via online streaming and I will also be posting it to Amazon, Ebay, Walmart and the other streaming services.
 
1.Is that true?

I'm not in that space, but from everything I've read, you're after a sales agent.

Go to filmspecific.com, pay for a month access. The gal who runs it is an old sales agent. There, they have lists of agents/distributors and a lot of training to help you learn what your best next move should be.

Is there anyone who can advise me on best path to follow and the protocols?

Talent Managers. From memory they're like a talent agent and also take 10% (if not more) of what you earn. They're the ones who advise you for your filmmaking career.

Of course - the film is currently online available via online streaming and I will also be posting it to Amazon, Ebay, Walmart and the other streaming services.

This might turn out to be an issue for any distributor. Streaming is usually late in distribution and from what I understand, may eliminate other distribution options. YMMV.
 
I read it's hard to get an agent unless you've done something w some clout.

I understand that's the case for Talent Agents, yes.

Sales agent, they only care whether they can sell what you put in front of them.
 
First: if you are serious about getting a distributor then you must
take you movie off the streaming site immediately. A product that
has already been seen is of little value to a distributor.

An agent represents the interest of their client – they broker the
deal with a distributor. A talent agent deals with on screen talent,
a literary agent deals with writers and a sales agent deals with
selling a product. A distributor sells a product.

It is true that most distributors prefer to work with known agents
rather than individuals.

PBS will look at projects sent in by individuals. It will take a long,
long time to hear back from them so sent it in immediately.

I can be hard to get an agent. If your project is something an agent
believe will sell getting one is much easier.

That link is a guide to sales agents – sales agents are the folks
who represent a project to distributors.

Any distributor who won't offer any money up front has no financial
reason to promote your project. They lose nothing if they let it sit.
A distributor needs to have incentive and that means they need to
have money invested.

Same with an agent; they need to have a financial incentive to represent
your project. If they think they can make money they will rep you.
 
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