Where can I find distribution for independent films?

How can I stay informed about film distribution deals in the US and abroad?

• I'd like to know as soon as possible when a film is licensed for theatrical distribution in the U.S. If it's been licensed, I'd also like to know as soon as the distributor has given it a release date. I've yet to find a reliable source for this information. iMDb is often out of date and doesn't have the information that individual distributors have. Is there anyone aggregating this information? Is there a reliable newswire or feed that I can aggregate and search myself? Ideally, I'd also like to have information about films that are seeking U.S. distribution, but have yet to secure a deal. How do professional film programmers acquire this information? Are they constantly contacting distributors in an ad-hoc fashion in order to stay informed?

• Answer:

  Variety Magazine is the film industry trade publication that reports what films are getting distribution deals.  Variety's staff finds out directly from the distributors when a film is purchased and it is updated daily.  To answer your second question, look at the major film festivals (Cannes, Toronto, Sundance, SXSW, Tribeca, etc.) and take note of the features for that year.  Cross reference those films with this list:  http://www.movieinsider.com/movies/-/2014/.  If any of the film festival entries are not on this list, their producers are most assuredly looking for distribution.