Movie Licensing Made Easy: How to License Your Christian Film for TV and Streaming

For independent filmmakers, especially those producing Christian films or faith-based content, licensing can seem like a complex and daunting task. However, with the right approach, licensing your film for TV and streaming platforms can be a straightforward process that opens up incredible opportunities for both exposure and revenue generation.

Movie licensing involves securing the legal rights to distribute your film on various platforms, including traditional TV channels, streaming services like Amazon Prime, Netflix, Pure Flix, and Hulu, and other digital channels. Licensing is an essential step for filmmakers looking to reach wider audiences and maximize their film's potential.

In this article, we’ll break down the movie licensing process and answer common questions that filmmakers have when licensing their Christian films for TV and streaming. Whether you’re a seasoned filmmaker or a newcomer, this guide will make the licensing process easy to understand and actionable.

What is Movie Licensing?

Movie licensing refers to the process of obtaining the necessary legal rights to distribute a film. It allows filmmakers to grant others the permission to showcase their work on TV channels, streaming platforms, DVDs, or other distribution channels. Licensing can be done for various territories, time periods, and platforms.

When it comes to Christian films or faith-based content, licensing involves securing distribution deals with platforms that cater to spiritual, inspirational, or family-friendly films. These platforms may include global streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime, or niche platforms dedicated to faith-based content, such as Pure Flix.

The Importance of Licensing Your Christian Film

Licensing your film to TV and streaming platforms is essential for several reasons:

1. Wider Audience Reach: TV networks and streaming services provide access to millions of viewers globally, ensuring your Christian film reaches a diverse and dedicated audience.

2. Revenue Generation: Licensing agreements typically involve financial compensation, allowing filmmakers to recoup their investment in the production and even earn ongoing royalties.

3. Increased Exposure: Having your film on platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime can significantly increase the visibility of your work. This opens up further opportunities for marketing, press, and even collaborations with other filmmakers or distributors.

4. Global Distribution: For Christian films, there is a worldwide audience eager for positive, uplifting content. Licensing your film internationally can allow it to be seen in multiple languages and regions.

5. Long-Term Earnings: TV and streaming platforms often generate long-term royalties based on views or licensing agreements, providing an ongoing revenue stream for your project.

Step-by-Step Process for Licensing Your Christian Film

The process of licensing your Christian film for TV and streaming platforms involves several key steps. Here's a breakdown:

1. Create a Quality Film

Before licensing, ensure that your film is of high quality. This includes good production values, solid storytelling, and professional editing. Streaming platforms and TV networks are particular about the quality of content they accept. Christian film distributors provide an ideal way to make Christian films accessible to a wide audience and spread your message.

2. Determine the Rights You Hold

It’s important to know what rights you own. If you’ve made the film independently, you likely hold the rights to the distribution. However, if you worked with others, such as co-producers or co-financiers, you may need to confirm what rights you control. This could include distribution rights, territorial rights, and broadcast rights.

3. Find a Movie Licensing Company or Distributor

Finding the right movie distribution company or licensing agent is essential. These companies have the expertise to navigate the licensing process and can help you secure deals with major streaming platforms and TV networks. Lewabo Inspirational Movies, for example, specializes in faith-based films and can help you get your movie on platforms like Amazon Prime, Netflix, and Pure Flix.

4. Create a Licensing Agreement

Once a distributor or licensing company is involved, they’ll help draft a licensing agreement. This contract outlines the terms of the deal, including where your film will be distributed, how long it will be available, and how much you’ll be paid.

5. Submit Your Film to TV Networks and Streaming Platforms

With the help of your distributor or licensing agent, your film will be submitted to various streaming services and TV networks. Each platform has its own submission guidelines, but generally, distributors will handle the technical and legal aspects of submission for you.

6. Negotiate the Deal

Once platforms or networks show interest in your film, the next step is negotiation. Your distributor will help you negotiate terms, including license fees, royalties, and other aspects of the deal. The goal is to secure favorable terms that protect your rights while maximizing the financial potential of your film.

7. Maintain Control of Your Rights

As a filmmaker, it’s important to understand what rights you’re granting. Many filmmakers prefer to license their films for a set period, keeping control of the distribution rights in other territories or platforms. You can also negotiate for exclusive or non-exclusive deals, depending on your goals.

8. Track Earnings and Royalties

After your film is licensed and distributed, you’ll begin to earn royalties based on viewership or flat-fee deals. It’s important to keep track of these earnings, as they will form a significant part of your film’s financial success. Your distributor can provide regular reports on royalties and viewership data.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Movie Licensing for TV and Streaming

1. How do I know if my Christian film is ready for licensing?

Your film should have high production values, be complete in post-production, and be ready for distribution. If you're unsure, consider getting feedback from industry professionals or a movie licensing company like Lewabo Inspirational Movies, who can assess your film’s marketability for TV and streaming platforms.

2. How much does it cost to license a movie for TV or streaming?

Licensing fees vary depending on factors like the film’s genre, budget, and the platform it's being licensed to. Streaming platforms may offer flat fees or revenue-sharing models based on views. Your distributor can help negotiate these terms.

3. What is the difference between exclusive and non-exclusive licensing?

An exclusive licensing agreement means that the platform has the sole rights to distribute your film in a specific territory or platform. Non-exclusive licensing, on the other hand, allows you to distribute your film on multiple platforms simultaneously, potentially increasing your revenue opportunities.

4. Can I license my film for international distribution?

Yes, movie licensing companies like Lewabo can help you license your Christian film for international platforms. It’s important to specify the territories you wish to target and negotiate distribution rights for those regions.

5. How long does a movie license last?

The length of a licensing agreement can vary, typically ranging from one to several years. The duration will depend on the agreement with the distributor and platform. After the license expires, you can renegotiate or seek other distribution options.

6. Can I retain the rights to my film after licensing it?

Yes, you can retain certain rights to your film even after licensing it to a platform. Many filmmakers prefer non-exclusive agreements that allow them to continue distributing their film through other channels, such as DVD sales, theatrical releases, or online platforms.

7. What kind of royalties will I earn from licensing my film?

The royalties you earn from licensing your Christian film can vary depending on the platform and the specific deal terms. Typically, streaming platforms offer royalty payments based on how many views or streams your film generates. Your distributor will provide detailed reports on earnings and royalties.

8. Do I need a licensing agent to get my film on Netflix or Amazon Prime?

While you don’t necessarily need a licensing agent or distributor to get your film onto these platforms, working with one greatly increases your chances of success. Netflix and Amazon Prime have strict submission processes, and a distributor with experience in Christian film licensing can help guide your film through these complexities.

9. What are the key factors that streaming platforms look for in a film?

Streaming platforms typically look for films that are high quality, have a strong story, and appeal to a broad or niche audience. For faith-based films, the content should align with the platform’s values, such as inspirational, positive, and family-friendly themes. Having professional production and sound design is also crucial.

10. How can a movie distributor help me with the licensing process?

A movie distributor can help in several ways:

• Securing deals with streaming platforms and TV networks

• Negotiating terms and ensuring favorable financial arrangements

• Managing the licensing process and legal documentation

• Promoting your film through their networks

• Tracking royalties and providing reports

Conclusion: Simplifying the Licensing Process for Christian

Licensing your Christian film for TV and streaming platforms may seem overwhelming at first, but with the right distributor and guidance, the process can be much more manageable. By understanding the steps involved and the advantages of working with a movie licensing company like Lewabo Inspirational Movies, you can navigate this process smoothly and ensure your film reaches the audiences who will benefit most.

Movie licensing is essential for maximizing the impact and profitability of your film. By leveraging the expertise of a distributor, you can secure the best deals, ensure proper exposure, and maintain control over your rights. Whether your goal is to reach millions of viewers or generate a long-term income stream, licensing your Christian film for TV and streaming platforms opens the door to incredible opportunities.