4 Season Films
DISTRIBUTION
4 Season Films is an Omani sales outfit specializing in international distribution of feature films, short films, documentaries, and animations by Iranian filmmakers to a wide range of continents.
Deeply engaged in both the upstream and downstream sectors of MENA cinema and film industry, we focus on high-profile titles as well as films by first-time producers which have the potential to reach a global audience.
Our vertically integrated structure built on 2 decades of experience, with our spirited and dynamic team of media experts, provides strong connections across MENA’s films and media industry. This network is a valuable asset to discover the best contents to distribute in international film markets.
At 4 Season Films, we do not just sell films but we share the rich cultural fabric of MENA with international markets.
What is sales in film industry?
You usually sell or license specific rights to your film Instead of selling the entire copyright of your film. The rights you license is mainly broken down to the followings.
Territory
This defines the geographic area where the buyer can exhibit your film (e.g., North America, MENA, or Worldwide) territory can also be defined based on the languages spoken in different areas and countries.
01
Term
is briefly related to the length of time the buyer has the rights and how the duration can be extended (e.g., 2 years, 5 years).
02
Media
specifies the type of platforms or formats the buyer can use the film. Common media rights are: Theatrical (cinema release) Video-on-Demand (VOD – can be SVOD like Netflix, AVOD like Tubi, or TVOD like iTunes) Television (Pay TV, Free TV, Cable) Inflight (for airplanes) Educational Home Video (DVD/Blu-ray – less common now but still exists)
03
Exclusivity
Are the rights exclusive to that buyer in that territory for that media and also in that language for the defined period of time.
04
The distribution journey varies hugely.
However, it generally includes:
The distributor is provided with all the required materials (the “deliverables” – master files, artwork, legal documents).
Usually in consultation with the filmmaker, the distributor plans and executes a marketing campaign. This could involve trailers, posters, press, advertising, social media.
For Theatrical: The distributor books the film into cinemas.
For Streaming/VOD: The distributor ensures the film is listed on the platform.
For TV: The distributor schedules the broadcast with the TV network.
Delivering actual film files (DCP for cinemas, digital files for streaming) to the exhibitors or platforms.
The filmmaker share is paid after the distributor tracks performance, collects revenues, deducts their agreed-upon fees and expenses.