WORKSHOP: Distribution and the Law – From Idea to Audience

What happens after you come up with a great idea—or after your film is finally finished? Entertainment attorney Pete Salsich breaks down the often-confusing world of film distribution and the legal steps that can make or break your project. From protecting your intellectual property and structuring production agreements to understanding deliverables, music licensing, and distribution contracts, Pete will walk participants through what filmmakers need to know at every stage.

Pete will be joined by Cole Payne founder and head of Traverse Media, and Board President of Film in MO (the member-driven non-profit that funds our lobbying efforts for the Missouri Film Tax Incentive program).

Cole has successfully financed and produced several features in Missouri this year, and we will discuss the core structures of independent film financing, the importance of including distribution strategy in your up-front financing efforts, and some positives and challenges of filming in Missouri right now.

We will also devote a segment of the program to a 2-year anniversary update on the success of the Missouri Film Tax Incentive program, and the ongoing efforts of Film in MO to improve that program going forward.