"Stacey Parks' Distribution in Reverse is an invaluable source for up-to-date information on the current state of film distribution and on how filmmakers can build relationships with distribution outlets and with audiences. It is useful for both beginners and veterans - I have been in the film and tv business for 30 years but still got a lot out of Stacey's insights into the latest trends in independent film distribution." - Peter Rowe www.peterrowe.tv “I was recently a student on the distribution in reverse course and found it extremely informative. I am now using the practical tools and devices taught by Stacey in my everyday producing on films with budgets from next to nothing, to millions of dollars. The principals are universal and I believe essential learning for any independent producer. Highly recommended.” - Mark Shields, independent producer Atlantic Picture Company, London "Stacey Parks' extensive experience and knowledge in the area of distribution makes her an invaluable resource for anyone looking for advice or insights into navigating its waters. She is a true expert and someone for whom I have the utmost professional respect and admiration." - Julie Colbert, VP, William Morris Endeavor Entertainment "I have been consulting with Stacy Parks on distribution since the very early stages of my independent film project and it has been invaluable. I cannot recommend her enough and for independent filmmakers, especially in the current economic climate, consulting with a distribution expert before you shoot your film in my opinion is essential. But Stacey’s input goes way more than just distribution. On top of her extensive knowledge of distribution and actors, she is guiding me as I make decisions on many things, including producers, casting directors and very early stages of marketing. Stacey with her wealth of experience and knowledge combined with her caring guidance and support should be a vital ingredient of any independent filmmakers development strategy. " - Anne Renton, Writer/Director, Certainty Films Without Stacey's help we wouldn't be where we are today in finally getting our feature out there." - Kris McLaughlin, Either/Or Films To begin the journey of Independent Film maker, one chooses the road less travelled. Stacey Parks is an experienced and invaluable guide." -Peter Matthews, Director/Producer, Oil on Water Ready To Register? SPACE IS EXTREMELY LIMITED, SO CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW

Back for 2011! Our Wildly Popular 5 Part Virtual Group Coaching Intensive Teaching You How To Get Your Projects Off The Ground & Plan For Distribution At Every Stage Of The Production Process - Newly Revamped & Kicking Off March 22, 2011

Did you know that less than 5% of all independent films made every year get distribution? And scores more never even get their projects off the ground?

That means tens, maybe hundreds of thousands of films remain either unmade, unseen and unappreciated by the audiences for which they were intended. But that's only part of the problem. Most filmmakers don't actually think about their audiences, or several other critical factors in advance, and therefore end up making films that are 'undistributable' or never even making the film at all.

It's not because the projects aren't good or worthy, but because if a distributor is unable to see an audience they can market your film to, and certain other simple and practical variables aren't in place, they have no incentive to make a deal with you. There are just too many other films out there to choose from. And for projects that never make it past the script stage it is often the result of filmmakers simply being unaware of how and what to present to investors or producers, the various financing options which may be available, and the steps they can take to be pro-active in moving their projects forward.

So What If Your Knew How to Turn The Odds In Your Favor?

In fact, what if you knew everything distribution depended on BEFORE making your film, so that you could be rest assured during the entire production process that your film would see the light of day once it was completed.

What if you knew how to do things differently from almost every other independent filmmaker out there -- you knew all those variables and factors that distributors look for that make a project attractive, and you knew about them IN ADVANCE, so you could make your film accordingly? No, this isn't about making big artistic compromises or removing all the artistry from your films to turn out some generic product. This is about telling your stories, making your films, and getting them seen globally. It's about taking into consideration the life your film will have after you've made it and incorporating the essential practical and pragmatic elements your projects need in order to thrive in the global marketplace.

Join Me For DISTRIBUTION IN REVERSE 2.0

I've taken over 15 years of experience and expertise in independent film and created a 5 part Intensive Group Coaching Program that filmmakers anywhere in the world can take advantage of to take their projects to the next level and beyond. And you will receive personalized coaching, guidance, input, feedback and hand-holding each step of the way.

No traveling is required -- all you need is a telephone. And the times have been set to be as accessible to filmmakers in as many different time zones as possible.

In these 5 live, virtual sessions, I'm going to show you step-by-step everything you need to know about integrating distribution into the production process, starting all the way from the script stage. That's why it's called Distribution In Reverse -- because we are going to back ourselves right into Distribution. Plus, each step of the way you'll receive personalized guidance, advice and feedback to help you in getting your projects off the ground and as ready for distribution as they can be.

Here's what we'll be covering in each coaching session:

Each 60-90 minute group coaching session will consist of in-depth lectures and live Q&A, brainstorming and strategy sessions. Please see dates and times for each session below. All live sessions are accessible by telephone and will be recorded and made available for download by participants.

Session 1: REVERSE ENGINEERING YOUR PRODUCTION (Tuesday, March 22, 2011 - 11am PDT/ 2pm EDT/ 1800 GMT)
The new 2.0 Distribution paradigm and the mindset you must adopt • Understanding what you want to get out of your project in order to 'back into it' • Getting in touch with the current marketplace for independent films • Establishing realistic distribution & revenue goals for your project • How and why your goals determine the elements you'll need to incorporate in your film • The importance of establishing your target audience from the get-go • The elements you'll need in place to start aggregating your audience • PLUS, Q&A, Brainstorming, and Strategizing Session

Session 2: PRE-PRODUCTION FOR DISTRIBUTION (Thursday, March 24, 2011 - 11am PDT/ 2pm EDT/ 1800 GMT)
The importance of your initial campaign • Building a web presence integrates all the necessary elements • Casting for distribution • The elements of a solid film package • How to find marketable cast for your film at any budget level • Working with a casting director • Working directly with agents and managers • Choosing the right cast for your budget level and film • How to start building your personal brand AND your film's brand • How to start communicating with your audience • How to launch your Buzz-Building campaign • PLUS, Q&A, Brainstorming, and Strategizing Session

Session 3: FINANCING WITH DISTRIBUTION IN MIND (Tuesday, March 29, 2011 - 11am PDT/ 2pm EDT/ 1900 BST)
Budgeting your film in today's marketplace • How to create crowd funding & hybrid funding models for your film • Which traditional financing models are left for independent films • How to combine crowd funding & traditional funding models to create a financing plan for your film • International co-productions and accessing international subsidies • Pre-sales in the current marketplace • The elements you'll need to qualify for pre-sales • The costs associated with financing your film • Budgeting for Distribution expenses • Budgeting for alternative distribution • Estimating future revenue for your film • PLUS, Q&A, Brainstorming, and Strategizing Session

Session 4: PRODUCTION & POST-PRODUCTION FOR DISTRIBUTION (Thursday, March 31, 2011 - 11am PDT/ 2pm EDT/ 1900 BST)
Extra content creation and what you'll need to curate during production • Continuing your Buzz-Building campaign during the Production process • The deal with still photos • Staying connected to your audience during Production & Post • Shooting formats • Strategizing film festivals & film markets • Which festivals & markets are right for your film and where do you premiere first • How to plan for your festival premiere as a launching pad for your film • When to hire a publicist • Getting your marketing collateral together • PLUS, Q&A, Brainstorming, and Strategizing Session

Session 5: CRAFTING YOUR DISTRIBUTION 2.0 PLAN & NEXT STEPS (Tuesday April 5, 2011 - 11am PDT/ 2pm EDT/ 1900 BST)
The 7 distribution platforms that should make up your 2.0 plan • How each distribution platform works • How the deals are structured for each distribution platform • What the potential revenue opportunities are for each of the 7 platforms • Working with sales agents vs. going directly to distributors • How and when to start approaching distributors and sales agents • What you'll need as part of your presentation packet • How much you can expect to spend in the distribution process • The truth about distributor screenings • Sales agents vs. producer reps • The deliverables which will be required of you in order to satisfy your contractual obligations with a distributor or sales rep • PLUS, Q&A, Brainstorming, and Strategizing Session

In Addition, DISTRIBUTION IN REVERSE Participants Will Also Receive:

• 6 Months of Complimentary Film Specific Membership to offer on-going support (value: $149)

• A private virtual classroom for in-between personalized consulting

• MP3 recordings off all lectures and Q&A Sessions (in case you miss a live session or want to re-listen to one)

• Distribution In Reverse Session Worksheets & Supplementary Handouts to help facilitate your steps throughout the entire process

The Value Of Group Coaching:

This is a coaching program specifically designed for those who are looking to jump-start their projects and guided support for getting it off the ground, to see the path to distribution and to make sure all the essential bases are covered.

For a fraction of the price of one hour of individual consulting with me at my hourly rate of $500, you become a part of this six part intensive program designed to guide you through every step of getting your project off the ground and on to distribution.

But there is actually a much more substantial value...once you have the know-how to get your projects off the ground and make films poised for distribution you can repeat this process over and over again. Not only will an understanding and implementation of the material covered in this Coaching Program streamline and simplify the distribution process now, but they will also be a powerful tool that will equip you for all your future films. That kind of potential long-term value is immeasurable.

And, remember, once you have the knowledge, tools and tactics to get your projects off the ground and know the ins-and-outs of what constitutes a distributable film, you can use what you learn in this Group Coaching over and over again for every film in your slate.

About Stacey Parks

Stacey Parks is an expert in the area of independent film distribution, with over 15 years experience working with independent film producers. As a Foreign Sales Agent she has secured distribution for hundreds of independent features and programs worldwide. She has sold independent films and programming to HBO, Showtime, Starz, PBS, A&E, BBC, SkyTV, NHK (Japan), RTL (Germany), Canal Plus (France), and countless others.

Her clients films have premiered at Cannes, Sundance, Toronto, Berlin, SXSW, San Sebastian, and other major film festivals. Her clients include Sundance and SXSW award-winning filmmakers and producers who have secured studio and mini-major distribution.

Stacey is the author of 'The Insider's Guide to Independent Film Distribution" (2007 Focal Press), the founder of Film Specific, the educational resource and community for independent filmmakers focused on helping independent filmmakers get their works distributed, and she is an adjunct professor in the Entertainment Studies department of UCLA.

Stacey has been profiled and interviewed in MovieMaker Magazine, Student Filmmakers Magazine, The Christian Science Monitor and the Los Angeles Business Journal. She has spoken on numerous panels including the 2008 Cannes Film Festival, the American Film Market, Slamdance and the Alliance of Women Directors, has presented lectures or workshops at the British Film Institute, UCLA, Women In Film, and the Raindance Film Festival, and frequently writes articles for MovieMaker Magazine, MovieScope Magazine, and Student Filmmakers Magazine.