With Sarah Ouazzani

Application deadline : Monday, August 3rd, 2026 at 11:59pm.
Cost : $400
Total duration: 44h (4 weeks)
In person at Main Film’s office

With the financial support of the Quebec government, Main Film, dedicated to independent filmmaking, pursues its mission of supporting emerging filmmakers.

GENERAL INFORMATION

This program immerses you in the world of film distribution and international sales. Through a practical and strategic approach, you will learn how to develop marketing plans, negotiate with key players (agents, distributors, broadcasters, streaming platforms), and master the challenges of distribution. This course will help you understand the complex workings of the global distribution and sales market, identify your target audience, and master all the essential steps for successfully launching a film in local and international markets.

CONDITIONS OF ELIGIBILITY

The course is open to 8 people only.
It is addressed to self-employed media arts workers living in Quebec.

DETAILED SCHEDULE

Module 1 | Introduction to Film Distribution and the Global Market

• Tuesday, August 18, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (3h)
  Objectives :
  • Understand the general framework of film distribution
  • Identify key players, their roles, and the challenges of the global market

Module 2 | Distribution Strategies by Region

• Thursday, August 20, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (3h)
  Objectives :
  • Distinguish between regional, national, and international strategies
  • Analysis and case studies

Module 3 | Marketing Strategy and Distribution Plan

• Saturday, August 22, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (5h, 1h pause)
  Objectives :
  • Develop a coherent marketing plan
  • Understand targeting, segmentation, and positioning

Module 4 | Negotiation, Contracts, and Key Players

• Tuesday, August 25, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (3h)
  Objectives :
  • Understand the essential elements of contracts
  • Distinguish between agents, national and international distributors, and sub-distributors

Module 5 | Promotion, Communication, and Launch

• Thursday, August 27, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (3h)
  Objectives :
  • Master promotional tools and marketing strategies
  • Define the target audience and launch strategy

Module 6 | Logistics and Physical/Digital Distribution

• Saturday, August 29, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (5h, 1h break)
  Objectives :
  • Understand formats: physical and digital media
  • Identify challenges in online and in-store distribution

Module 7 | Advanced Topics: Sales to Broadcasters, Industry Players, and the Market

• COURSE 1 : Tuesday, September 22, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (3h)
  Objectives :
  • Gain an in-depth understanding of sales to broadcasters (TV, SVOD platforms)
  • Align distribution strategy with the target audience
• COURSE 2 : Thursday, September 24, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (3h)
  Objectives :
  • Understand the role of sales agents vs. distributors
  • Analyze launch strategies for domestic and international markets
• COURSE 3 : Saturday, September 26, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (5h, 1h break)
  Objectives :
  • Summarize launch and market strategies
  • Define the target audience and the world premiere

Module 8 | Consolidation, practical case studies, and conclusion

• COURSE 1 : Tuesday, September 29, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (3h)
  Objectives :
  • Apply all concepts in a practical context
  • Develop a comprehensive distribution and sales plan
• COURSE 2 : Thursday, October 1, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (3h)
  Objectives :
  • Explore digital distribution and its future challenges in depth
  • Discuss current trends
• COURSE 3 : Saturday, October 3, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (5h, 1h break)
  Objectives :
  • Summarize the course, take stock, and prepare for the next steps
  • Oral presentations by participants

APPLICATION

The deadline for submitting an application is Monday, August 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

Required documents :

1. CV
2. Motivation letter
3. Proejct descirption (1 page maximum)
4. Past work (2 maximum)

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