Film distribution trends are always changing. If you've been in this business long enough, you've seen it happen over and over again. Years ago, filmmakers were focused on VHS rentals. Then it moved to DVD sales. After that came digital rentals and purchases. Today, we're seeing another shift, and it's important for you to understand where the market is heading.
The truth is, the filmmakers who pay attention to these changes put themselves in a much better position to succeed. The ones who ignore them often find themselves trying to sell a movie into a marketplace they don't fully understand.
The Rise of AVOD
One of the biggest film distribution trends right now is the growth of AVOD, which stands for Ad-Supported Video on Demand.
Platforms like Tubi are a great example. Viewers can watch movies for free, but they have to sit through advertisements. That model has become a major source of revenue for many independent films.
Personally, I don't love watching ads. I almost always rent or buy movies because I want to support filmmakers and because I prefer an ad-free experience. Maybe that's the good karma side of me talking. Since I'm in the movie production and distribution business, I want filmmakers to get paid.
But my viewing habits don't change the reality of the marketplace. A lot of people are perfectly happy to watch ads if it means they can watch movies for free. That's why AVOD has become such an important part of today's distribution landscape.
Why AVOD Is Strongest in the United States
What's interesting is that AVOD hasn't caught on everywhere to the same degree.
In the United States, ad-supported platforms have become incredibly popular. Outside the U.S., many territories still rely more heavily on subscription services, transactional rentals, and traditional television deals.
That's why it's important to understand where your audience lives and how they consume content. Different markets behave differently, and smart filmmakers pay attention to those differences.
At the same time, we've seen some decline in traditional television viewing. More people are choosing streaming options, whether that's a subscription service or a free platform supported by advertising.
The Surprising Return of Theatrical Releases
Here's some good news for filmmakers.
There are signs of a theatrical comeback.
For a while, many people believed theaters were finished. But we're starting to see younger audiences rediscover the moviegoing experience. They enjoy watching films on a big screen with a crowd. They want the event experience that comes with going to the movies.
That doesn't mean every independent film belongs in theaters. Far from it. But it does mean theatrical distribution may once again become an important piece of the puzzle for certain films.
The key is understanding whether your particular movie fits that model.
How to Stay Ahead of Film Distribution Trends
So how do you keep up with all of this?
First, read industry news and trade publications. The business changes quickly, and you need to know what's happening.
Second, attend film markets whenever possible. Events like Cannes, the European Film Market in Berlin, and the American Film Market are some of the best places to learn what's selling and what buyers are looking for.
When you're at these markets, talk to people. Ask questions. Find out what platforms are performing well. Learn what genres are moving. Gather information.
Third, speak with other filmmakers. Ask about their experiences. Which distributors did they work with? Were they paid on time? Did they make money from TVOD, AVOD, or streaming platforms? What worked and what didn't?
The more information you collect, the better decisions you'll make.
Research Before You Make the Movie
One of the biggest mistakes filmmakers make is waiting until the movie is finished before they start thinking about distribution.
I believe you should be researching distribution before you even make the film.
Before you spend months or years creating a project, make sure there's a market for it. Understand who the audience is. Learn where similar films are finding success. Figure out how buyers are responding to that type of content.
The filmmakers who do this homework give themselves a much better chance of success.
Because at the end of the day, film distribution trends will continue to change. They always have, and they always will. Your job is to stay informed, stay flexible, and make decisions based on where the market is today—not where it was five years ago.
