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MotorSport Ranch Update: How to pick a television distributor

February 20, 2008

Two years ago I came up with an idea for a television show called MotorSport Ranch.  Ultimately we produced a one-hour pilot, which we sold to INHD (HD cable channel).  Subsequent to that we produced thirteen additional episodes that aired on VOOM (Dish Networks HD) this summer.  The international rights to the program reverted back to us last month and as a result we are looking for ways to sell our content internationally (both SD and HD formats).  My partner in the project, Robert Bennett, gave me some interesting insight that I thought might be worthwhile for any of you looking to sell your a television show (i.e. one that you already have in the can).

Robert likes John Mclean Media, a solid and reliable distributor with a deep library and a set of established clients.  He also suggested that we could talk to Defianace Distribution (they sell to HDNET) or Behr Entertainment.  Robert explained that two of the most important factors are a) the length of time they have been in business and b) whether or not they exhibit at MIP and MIPCOM (i.e. both conferences are expensive).

Robert also explained that our existing distributor, Rainbow Media, is a real player not to be discounted.  Specifically, he suggested that they can get in networks that most distributors can’t touch including top tier cable, DBS or television outlets in most of Europe.  Based on my own research it would there are three tiers of distributors:

  • Tier One: Giants like Sony Pictures
  • Tier Two: Rainbox, Discovery and various cable outlets
  • Tier Three: Mclean, Behr and Defiance

One last bit of advice from Robert was to ask a potential distributor what current titles they are representing.  If they are focused on Three’s Company or I Love Lucy you might be in trouble.  Got your idea for a show and want to understand what it takes to produce and air your own show?  I blogged about doing it here.

Written by Alexander Muse · Filed Under Blog, Startups 

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