All-New DaVinci Distro
A distribution deal for every submission*

DaVinci International Film Festival and Rockefellas Studio Partner to Offer VOD Distribution for All Submissions

The DaVinci International Film Festival (DIFF) is proud to announce a new partnership with Rockefellas Studio to offer a VOD distribution deal for all DIFF submissions, regardless of whether they receive an Official Selection. This groundbreaking initiative is designed to help independent filmmakers reach a wider audience with their work and build a sustainable career in the film industry.

Getting your film into a festival is a major achievement and should be celebrated, but it’s only the first step.” said Chadwick Pelletier, Founder and CEO of DIFF. “The real challenge comes in securing distribution to reach a global audience. That’s why we’re partnering with Rockefellas Studio to offer a non-exclusive VOD distribution deal. We want to help our filmmakers reach their full potential and share their stories with the world.”

The VOD distribution will give DIFF submissions access to the Roku platform, a streaming service with over 70 million subscribers. This is a significant opportunity for independent filmmakers to reach a large and engaged audiences.

We’re excited to partner with DIFF to offer this opportunity to independent filmmakers,” said Alex Garcia, Founder of Rockefellas Studio. “We believe that this is a great way to support the community and help them get their work seen by the widest possible audience.”

The VOD distribution is just one of the ways DIFF is committed to supporting the independent film community with this partnership. The Roku platform will also include the ability to receive viewership metrics/analytics, merch sales, live stream, and sell/rent movie options.  For those interested in print or digital advertising, DIFF has also secured a deal with AMG Outdoor Advertising Inc., for billboards in Southern California.  Contact us to learn more.

We’re here to help our Creatives succeed,” said Pelletier. “It’s not a common business model outside of the traditional screening and parties, unfortunately, but we’re happy to break the mold, and this distribution deal (TO ALL) is just one of the ways that we’re doing that.

If you’re an independent filmmaker, we encourage you to submit your film to the DaVinci International Film Festival. This is a unique opportunity to get your film seen by a wider audience and build a sustainable career in the film industry.

Don’t miss out on global distribution.  Questions: distro@davincifilm.org

What is VOD distribution?

VOD distribution is a way for independent filmmakers to get their films seen by a wider audience without having to go through the traditional channels of theatrical distribution. VOD stands for video on demand, which means that viewers can watch your film whenever they want, on demand.

VOD distribution is a more affordable option than theatrical distribution, and it can be a great way to build a sustainable career in the film industry. Here are some of the benefits of VOD distribution for independent filmmakers:

  • Reach a wider audience: VOD platforms like Roku have millions of subscribers, so you have the potential to reach a much larger audience than you would with theatrical distribution.
  • More control: With VOD distribution, you have more control over your film, such as how it is marketed and priced.
  • More flexible: VOD distribution is more flexible than theatrical distribution, as you can release your film on VOD whenever you want.
  • Lower cost: VOD distribution is generally less expensive than theatrical distribution.

Bottom line: If you are an independent filmmaker, VOD distribution is a great way to get your film seen by a wider audience.

Who is eligible to receive the distribution?

All titles submitted to DaVinci International Film Festival (DIFF)†*

DIFF reserves the right to refuse any titles for this service.
* Titles submitted but not offered an Official Selection are eligible for this service, however, will not be associated or linked to DIFF on Roku platform.

What is the deal?

All films, regardless of their Official Selection at DIFF, will be offered a distribution deal*.

  • Leo Award Winners:
    • Billboard Advertising for 90 days in a Southern California location (estimated viewership impressions of 1,492,000 per month).
    • Second screening at a theater venue partner
    • 40 hours of Rockefellas Studios’ space†
    • Title profile on the DaVinci Roku Channel in association with Rockefellas TV
    • 50/50 revenue share from net of advertisers on the content
    • Ability to sell direct merchandise
    • Receive data analytics
    • Non-exclusive agreement for the streaming
    • Non-exclusive On-Demand PPV for the streaming
    • Sell/Rent movie options
    • Banner advertisement for 90 days on Rockefellas TV

†Rockefellas Studios’ space: This includes space only with a max of ten (10) hours per day.
*DIFF reserves the right to refuse this service to any film title submitted to the DaVinci International Film Festival.

  • Official Selection (in-competition)
    • Title profile on the DaVinci Roku Channel in association with Rockefellas TV
    • 50/50 revenue share from net of advertisers on the content
    • Ability to sell direct merchandise
    • Receive data analytics
    • Non-exclusive agreement for the streaming
    • Non-exclusive On-Demand PPV for the streaming
    • Sell/Rent movie options
  • Honorable Mention (not in-competition)
    • Title profile on the DaVinci Roku Channel in association with Rockefellas TV
    • 50/50 revenue share from net of advertisers on the content
    • Receive data analytics
    • Non-exclusive agreement for the streaming
    • Non-exclusive On-Demand PPV for the streaming
    • Sell/Rent movie options
  • GENiUS (All Screening)
    • Title profile on the DaVinci Roku Channel in association with Rockefellas TV
    • 50/50 revenue share from net of advertisers on the content
    • Receive data analytics
    • Non-exclusive agreement for the streaming
    • Non-exclusive On-Demand PPV for the streaming
    • Sell/Rent movie options
  • ALL SUBMISSIONS NOT SELECTED FOR SCREENING
    • Title profile on Rockefellas TV (Not associated with the DaVinci Channel or festival)
    • Non-exclusive agreement for the streaming
    • Non-exclusive On-Demand PPV for the streaming
    • Sell/Rent movie options

What is Roku?

Roku is an American company that manufactures and sells a variety of digital media players for video streaming, audio equipment and operates an ad-supported video on demand service. Roku is based in San Jose, California.

Roku was founded in 2002 by Anthony Wood, who had previously worked at Netflix. The company’s first product was a set-top box that allowed users to stream Netflix content to their TVs. Roku quickly became popular and expanded its offerings to include other streaming services such as Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+.

Today, Roku is one of the leading streaming platform in the United States. The company has over 70 million active accounts and its devices are sold in over 100 countries. Roku also operates an ad-supported video on demand service called The Roku Channel, which offers free movies and TV shows.

Roku makes money through a variety of channels. The company sells its streaming devices and earns a commission on the subscription fees paid to streaming services. Roku also sells advertising on its platform and generates revenue from its ad-supported video on demand service.

Roku is a major player in the streaming industry and is expected to continue to grow in popularity in the years to come. The company’s mission is to “enable the TV streaming revolution” and it is well on its way to achieving that goal.

Here are some of the things that Roku is famous for:

  • Being the leading streaming platform in the United States.
  • Offering a wide variety of streaming channels.
  • Having a user-friendly interface.
  • Being affordable.
  • Offering a variety of devices to choose from.

If you are looking for a way to stream your favorite movies and TV shows, Roku is a great option. The company has a wide variety of devices to choose from and its platform is easy to use. Plus, Roku is constantly adding new features and channels, so you can always find something new to watch.

What are the Service Areas?

Distribution Service Areas:

United States, Mexico, United Kingdom, Canada

Coming Soon (2024)

France

I didn't screen at DaVinci, can I still benefit?

Yes, all films (feature, short, ultra-short, or music video) are offered this distribution opportunity, regardless of their Official Selection at DIFF*.

*The DaVinci International Film Festival reserves the right to not offer this service to any title at any time and for any reason.

How do I get paid?

Rev-share distribution deals are only available for Official Selection feature and short titles and music videos.  GENiUS titles are not entitled to the rev-share program from advertisers, however, filmmakers have the ability to sell/rent their ultra-shorts.  For more information, please contact distro@davincifilm.org

All pay outs will be arranged and contracted through Rockefells Studios.

What is VOD and PPV?

VOD stands for Video on Demand. It is a media distribution system that allows users to access video content, such as movies, television shows, and music videos, whenever they want to. VOD services are typically offered through the internet, but they can also be delivered through cable or satellite television.

There are two main types of VOD services:

  • Subscription-based VOD: Users pay a monthly fee to access a library of content. This is the most common type of VOD service, and it is offered by providers such as Roku, Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.
  • Transactional VOD: Users pay a one-time fee to watch a specific video. This type of VOD service is often used for movies and TV shows that are not yet available on subscription-based services.

VOD services offer a number of advantages over traditional television, including:

  • Convenience: Users can watch what they want, when they want, without having to follow a schedule.
  • Choice: VOD services offer a wide variety of content, from movies and TV shows to documentaries and music videos.
  • Control: Users can pause, rewind, and fast-forward videos as they please.

VOD services are becoming increasingly popular, as they offer a more flexible and convenient way to watch video content. In 2022, the global VOD market was worth over $100 billion, and it is expected to grow to over $200 billion by 2027.

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Pay-per-view (PPV) is a type of television service where viewers pay a one-time fee to watch a specific event, such as a boxing match or a wrestling pay-per-view. PPV events are typically available through cable or satellite providers, but they can also be streamed online. The price of a PPV event varies depending on the event, but it typically ranges from $10 to $50.

Here are some of the most popular types of PPV events:

  • Sporting events: Boxing matches, UFC fights, WWE pay-per-views, and other sporting events are some of the most popular PPV events.
  • Concerts: PPV concerts allow fans to watch their favorite artists perform live without having to travel to a stadium or arena.
  • Movies: PPV movies are often new releases that are not yet available on DVD or streaming services.
  • Other events: PPV events can also include comedy specials, award shows, and other special events.

PPV is a convenient way to watch live events, but it can be expensive. However, for fans of certain events, the cost is worth it to be able to watch the event live.

Here are some of the reasons why people watch PPV:

  • Convenience: PPV allows people to watch their favorite events without having to worry about a schedule.
  • Choice: There are a wide variety of PPV events available, so people can find something that they are interested in.
  • Exclusivity: Some PPV events are exclusive to PPV, so people can only watch them by paying for them.
  • Emotional investment: PPV events can be very exciting and emotional, and people are willing to pay to experience those emotions.

Overall, PPV is a convenient and flexible way to watch live events. However, it is important to weigh the cost and potential technical difficulties before purchasing a PPV event.

What is the contract like?

DaVinci is committed to supporting the independent film and screenwriting communities. This opportunity with Rockefellas Studios is aligned with that mission. We are opening this opportunity to all submissions at DIFF, and we want to make the content onboarding for distribution simple and straightforward. The contract will reflect this commitment.

For more information, please contact distro@davincifilm.org

What file type(s) and assets do I need?

Filmmakers must provide either an MP4 or MOV file for the Roku channel. Other digital assets include:

  • A digital film poster (please do not send large print-ready files)
  • An information sheet or press kit
  • Above-the-line information

Any licensing requirments?

It is the filmmaker’s sole responsibility to ensure that all content used in their film has been cleared for streaming distribution. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Names (if based on a real person or likeness)
  • Music
  • Imagery
  • Any other content that is protected by third-party copyright or trademark

When you sign your Agreement with Rockefellas Studios for “DaVinci Distro”, you will be consenting to the following:

  • You own all rights to the content in your film, or you have obtained permission from the copyright or trademark owner to publish and stream the content for global audiences.
  • You will indemnify and hold Rockefellas Studios harmless from any claims arising from the use of any third-party content in your film.

Is this an exclusive deal?

The contract is non-exclusive, which means that you are free to share your film with other distributors.

What if I want to take my project down?

Authorized filmmakers (Owners) may request to have content taken down at any time for any reason. Please note that it may take up to 1-2 weeks to process your request and remove all content from our systems. Once your content has been removed, your contract with Rockefellas Studios / DIFF will be terminated..

Tell me about the billboard marketing ...

This is a very exciting opportunity for our filmmakers. Billboard advertising is a powerful way to reach a large audience, and it is not often available to independent filmmakers. DaVinci Leo Award winners are gifted a 90-day billboard as part of their prize package, however this opportunity is NOW AVAILABLE to all filmmakers under a discounted contract agreement. Interested to learn more?  Contact distro@davincifilm.org

What other options do I have on my profile page?

In addition to Live Stream VOD global viewership, filmmakers* have the ability to:

  • Advertising revenue share
  • Sell direct merch
  • Receive data analytics on their title(s)
  • On Demand PPV
  • Sell or Rent movie options

*Package varies based on contract and DaVinci placement.

How long is the contract?

The distribution contract will have an initial term of one (1) year, with the option to renew at end of the term. Either party may terminate the contract at any time and for any reason, with or without cause, by giving written notice to the other party at least thirty (30) days in advance.

Something we missed?  Contact us: distro@davincifilm.org

*DaVinci International Film Festival (DIFF) reserves the right to refuse distribution service to any submission for any reason. This decision may be made at the sole discretion of DIFF management.