FAQ

What is OTT ? What are Film Syndication/OTT Distribution ? Sorry, but I am very new to these jargons. Can you briefly explain?

For sure. But before we begin, let us assure you that there are thousands of other Producers/Content Makers like you who are new to the world of OTT / VOD. So relax and allow us to explain.

OTT stands for Over The Top. Simply speaking, it is a media service offered directly to viewers via the Internet; unlike cable, broadcast, and satellite television.

So Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+Hotstar, Sony Liv, HBO Max, are some of the popular OTT platforms.

Oh yes Netflix! Now, I get it. Sounds interesting. I have an original Feature Film/Short Film/Documentary Can you help in bringing it to these platforms ?

Well, congratulations and we wish you all the very best. But the distribution depends on several factors.

1) The film's content. Our distribution strategy thrives in the power of content. So its all the more important how powerful, engaging and impactful your content is.

2) Its performance in film festival circuit/awards. Since Odia Cinema (or (so in general, Independent film in any regional language) has no stars/known faces (in the world of National/International Audience), OTTs tend to judge a film's credibility through film festival recognition and awards.

3) The format of the film. Feature film, Short Film, Documentary, Web Series each format has got different demand-supply model.

How do you consider qualified for this work ? Do you have 'contacts' in these OTT platforms ?

Sorry to disappoint you, but no. We don't have any 'contact' in these OTT platforms. Neither do we prefer to make any false promise. Our process/system/approach is purely based on merit/power of your content.

Over the last 4 years, we have been fortunate to gain knowledge and experience in distribution of all our award-winning content in several top National/International OTT platforms. Thats where we gain the confidence to take more such deserving content to these platforms.

So where should we start ? Should I first send the content to film festivals or I should submit for OTT Distribution ?

As we mentioned, in case of independent films, our experience says film festival recognition/awards add a lot of marketing/branding value to the content thus making it saleable. Hence without a doubt, you should start sending the film to film festivals. Once the film has received at least a few festival accolades, you can submit the content for our review.
You can also contact us in case you need film festival marketing support. To know more, you can also visit our parent website BnRFilms.com.

Wow!!! So much to learn. Is this service free ?

Submission of your film in our website is free. However the distribution is not. It can't be.

This is our humble attempt at building an ecosystem where filmmakers/producers can easily submit their content for distribution. Pitching such independent content to various OTTs require hours of mail/call/data processing/Asset Management. For our time/effort, we are charging a nominal service fees for each content we take up for distribution.

Of course, you won't be charged anything in case we feel we won't be able to take it up.

Fee is fine as long as there is a timeline for the distribution process. Can you tell me how soon can my award-winning film premiere in an OTT ?

While we don't leave any stone unturned as far as our own work, communications, submissions to various OTTs are concerned, unfortunately, more often than not, OTTs and our Content Partners take weeks/months of time to respond. So ultimately it requires tons of patience, perseverance to premiere any content in OTTs.

So as such, we won't be able to commit any time line unless we get any such time commitment from any OTT. Thus we would suggest, please proceed with our distribution service only when you have time to wait. In case you are looking for a quick premiere, you can try exploring other options/players in OTT market.

Ok. I still think I would like to give you a chance. What's the first step?

Thank you so much for your kind consideration. We are honored and excited to watch your film. Kindly submit your film along with other details at our SUBMIT FILM PAGE: https://ottdistribution.bnrfilms.com/submit-film/. We will get back to you as soon as we watch the film and go through the other details.

I would also like to know more about the return, revenue models of these streaming platforms. Or else how will I know whether the time spent in such efforts is worth ?

You are absolutely right and very practical. We really like you. While we will soon update this FAQ page with general info related to Revenue Models, Types of Distribution Models etc, as of now, the simple answer would be: You can set up a one-to-one (online) meeting with us. You can call/mail/whatsapp whatever is convenient to you.

When should I pay ?

After you submit your content, our content team will review the film and it's materials.

If we accept the film for distribution, we will request you to go through our terms and conditions, proceed for payment only if you agree to all the terms.

Is there any Coupon Code or Discount ? My film talks about History/Culture/Tradition/Heritage/Art/Craft of Odisha or (b) has got National Award(s).

How did you know ? 🙂 Yes, there is one.

After getting your claim verified by us, we can share the Coupon Code created exclusively for such content. After all, such content are 'PRIDEOFODISHA'.
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