Distribution
Distribution Contracts Explained
A distribution contract is the deal that decides how much of your film's money you actually keep — and it's written in language designed to be read carefully. This course breaks a distribution agreement down in plain English: the terms, the rights, the money, the red flags, and how to negotiate and sign with confidence.
By Will Roberts — updated August 14, 2026
What you'll learn
✓What a distribution contract is and what's actually in one
✓The key deal terms: rights, territories, term, and the money
✓The red flags and bad clauses to watch for before you sign
✓How to negotiate, get legal help, and sign with confidence
Pairs with this tool
Contract Assistant
The Contract Assistant helps you read a distribution agreement clause by clause — flagging the terms that matter, translating the legalese, and pointing you to the questions to ask before you sign.
Open Contract Assistant →Course chapters
Module 1 — Foundations
I8 min
What a distribution contract is and why it decides what you keep
What a Distribution Contract Is
II8 min
The main kinds of distribution deals and how they work
Distribution Deals & How They Work
III8 min
A tour of the sections inside a distribution agreement
Inside a Distribution Agreement
IV9 min
The handful of deal terms that decide everything
The Key Deal Terms
Module 2 — Core Craft
V9 min
Which rights and territories you're granting — and keeping
Rights & Territories in the Contract
VI9 min
Splits, fees, advances, and how the money actually flows
The Money: Splits, Fees & Advances
VII9 min
How long the deal lasts and how you get your rights back
Term, Reversion & Getting Out
VIII9 min
The clauses and warning signs that should give you pause
Red Flags in a Distribution Contract
Module 3 — Putting It to Work
IX8 min
How to read a sample distribution agreement section by section
Reading a Sample Agreement
X9 min
What you can actually negotiate — and how to ask
Negotiating Your Distribution Deal
XI8 min
When and how to get an entertainment lawyer's help
Getting a Lawyer's Help
XII9 min
A final checklist to sign your distribution deal with confidence
Signing With Confidence