Film Sales FAQ
Q: Why do I need a sales agent?
A: After you have finished your movie, oftentimes the question is: now what? With Wave Films exclusively representing your film, we will make sure your film is being put in front of distributors, TV channels, and streaming platforms worldwide. We have been in the industry for many years and have an extensive network across the globe. More people will see your film, and you will have the potential to make some money with your film.
Q: How does it work?
A: Once you agreed to submit your film to us for consideration, we will screen your film to make sure it fits into the categories and style we represent and believe we can sell. This is based on the technical quality of the film, but also the execution, any significant festival wins, or known talent attached. Once we decide to represent your film, we will send you a standardized agreement to sign. This process normally takes between 4-6 weeks until you have your contract - should we decide to represent you. Should we choose to pass on your film, you will also hear from us. We are committed to screen every single submission and give it the best possible evaluation and we will reply to every single submission with either a positive or a negative answer.
Q: Why is there a marketing fee?
A: A lot of sales agents charge a marketing fee upfront before they even start representing you. We don’t. However, we still have marketing fees and other sales and distribution-related expenses to cover. But we will not charge that upfront but rather recoup them as we make money for you. So we actually will invest in your films to create private online screeners, potentially update and polish the key art, trailer, and marketing materials required to sell the film. All that without any upfront costs for you.
Other than that the marketing fee is also used to cover, for example, screenings at markets, ads, posters, and other printed marketing collateral for markets or other activities, booth expenses, and travel costs when attending markets. When delivering a film to a distributor we might also incur costs like materials costs, postage, and other miscellaneous expenses.
All these costs are included in our marketing fee, which again, you are not paying a single dollar upfront. We only make money if you make money.
Q: What if I already have some representation?
A: If you already have representation for all rights and the entire world, then you are already set! Congratulations. There is nothing we can do for you until your agreement with your sales agent or distributor expires.
If you have only partial sales agreements in place, e.g. for certain territories or media, you can let us know which territories or channels you already cover, and we can assist you with the rest. We are a boutique firm and are able to accommodate your strategy.
For example, you already have TV deals in place in most of the world but you have not started on streaming platforms. We could do a deal for all SVOD platforms worldwide and represent you only to them. Or we could take up TV rights in a few select territories that you haven’t sold to yet and we would try to get you on TV there.
Q: Will I definitely get represented by Wave Films?
A No, unfortunately we cannot guarantee representation for all submissions we receive. Passing on a piece of content can happen for many different reasons as we need to make sure our catalog is interesting and of very high quality so that there is a higher chance we can sell the films and TV content that we represent.
Do you have any other questions regarding our sales agency services? Then just send us a message using the contact form you can find here. We are looking forward to hearing from you! Otherwise, if you are ready to submit, just click the button below!