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Distribution Agreement

For a filmmaker or studio licensing a finished film or series to a distributor — covers distribution fees, advances, windowing, marketing commitments, accounting, and reversion rights.

Drafted by a Harvard Law entertainment attorney.

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Is this the right contract for your project?

This contract is built for a distributor releasing a finished film or show. It fits deals that need defined rights and territories, a set term, revenue splits and fees, any advance, delivery requirements, and clear accounting and reversion terms.

Good fit for

  • Filmmakers or producers licensing a finished film
  • Production companies handing a project to a distributor
  • Distributors or sales agents acquiring rights
  • Projects that need clear revenue splits and reporting
  • Anyone who wants clear reversion of rights

You may also need

Before you start

It helps to have these details on hand before you create your contract:

  • The rights being granted
  • The territories and platforms
  • The term and any exclusivity
  • The revenue split and the distributor's fees
  • Any advance or minimum guarantee
  • The delivery requirements
  • Marketing commitments
  • Accounting, reporting, and audit rights
  • When rights revert

What's Inside This Contract

Grant of distribution rights

Sets the rights granted and the delivery requirements.

Term and territory

Covers the territories, platforms, term, holdbacks, and reversion.

Compensation

Covers the distribution fee, expenses, any advance, and accounting.

Marketing and promotion

Sets the marketing plan and approvals over key art and trailers.

Representations and warranties

Confirms each side has the right to enter the deal and meet its promises.

Term and termination

Covers how long the deal lasts and how it can end.

Disputes and general provisions

Covers standard terms such as notices, how disputes are handled, and signatures.

Points Worth Negotiating

  • Which rights and territories are granted
  • The revenue split and the distributor's fees
  • Whether there is an advance or minimum guarantee
  • How long the term lasts and when rights revert
  • Accounting, reporting, and audit rights

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a distribution agreement?
It covers a distributor releasing a finished film or show. It sets the rights, territories, revenue splits, and reporting.
What rights does a distributor get?
Rights range from specific platforms and territories to broad worldwide rights. The agreement spells out exactly what is granted and what you keep.
What is a minimum guarantee?
A minimum guarantee is an amount the distributor pays regardless of sales. It is credited against your share of future revenue.
Do my rights come back to me?
Your rights come back only if the agreement includes a reversion. Some deals return rights after a set term, so check the term and reversion terms.
What should I have ready before creating it?
Have the rights and territories, the term, the revenue split and fees, any advance, the delivery requirements, and the accounting and reversion terms.
Should I choose the custom contract or the editable template?
Choose the custom contract to answer a few questions and have it filled in for you. Choose the editable template if you prefer a blank version with labeled fields to complete yourself.
What are common warning signs in a distribution agreement?

These are common issues to watch for in any distribution agreement:

  • Very long or worldwide grant with no reversion
  • Unclear fees or expense deductions
  • No release or marketing commitment
  • Slow or vague accounting
  • No audit right to check the numbers
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