Buyers/Distributors: For additional information about the films we represent please email Thomas Baker , Ph.D., Accolade Coordinator.
Interview with the Coordinator of the Accolade Competition, Thomas Baker, Ph.D. Why the focus on helping filmmakers and television producers find a distributor? “Because our focus is on maximizing ‘customer service’, we talk with scores and scores of producers each year. Over and over we’ve been told by filmmakers that they’ve submitted entries and traveled the film festival circuit and have little to show for their investment of time and money. What they most want is to have their production discovered by a distributor. “A film festival programmer I heard speaking at the American Film Market said that over half the films shown at Sundance films never find distribution. It’s clear to me that participating in film festivals is a very passive approach to finding distribution. “The big producers and big studios arrange distribution before beginning a film or television project. They own distribution affiliates or have deep connections in the ‘Old Boy’s Club’. The independent producers served by the Accolade Competition are generally outside that network. We began to realize that we needed to court and build relationships with distributors so we could make introductions for our top-winning producers. What success have you had introducing filmmakers and television producers to distributors? “It’s taken a lot of time to build distributor relationships as each distributor seems to be looking for different types of productions. I’m pleased to report that in the past four months we’ve facilitated distribution agreements for six films, documentaries and television series. That may not sound like a lot, but it’s a big deal for the six producers. The process is very time consuming.	Productions Seeking a Distributor or Licensing	[View all productions]
	Available: All Along (United States - 2007), feature film, comedy, about a very-likable guy who has a midlife crisis when he hits the big 4-0 and runs into his high school sweetheart. Krista Allen, Baywatch star, teams with comic genius Bill Page to unlock his fantasy life that involves a blond-haired beauty. Whether daydreaming of life as a professional wrestler or performing with an Aerosmith tribute band, he always find a way to make a fool of himself. Earned a Best of Show in the Accolade Competition. Honorable Mention as Best Feature in the Myrtle Beach International Film Festival. 75 minutes, color, hi-definition. English. Rights Available: Domestic & worldwide for all types of media.
	Available: Train Master (United States - 2008), feature film, family/children/adventure, five kids, a runaway train, can they stop it? The feuding adults are forced to make amends and find a way to save the kids. Cast of likable characters, well acted, engaging film with no objectionable language or inappropriate material. Critics comment, “Simply joyous!” Disney would be envious! Earned an Award of Excellence in the Accolade Competition. Popular at the Backlot Film Festival, Fairhope Film Festival, Big Island Film Festival and Kid’s First Film Festival. 101 minutes, color, hi-definition. English. Rights Available: Domestic & worldwide for all types of media.
	Productions Placed with a Distributor by Accolade	[View all productions]
	In Distribution: Children of the Amazon (United States), feature documentary, follows Brazilian filmmaker Denise Zmekhol as she travels a modern highway deep into the Amazon to tell the story of what happened to life in the largest rainforest on earth when a road was built straight through its heart. Beautiful footage, indigenous voices, and yet another reminder that we are all interdependent. Earned a Best of Show in the Accolade Competition. 72 minutes, color, DV Cam. Portuguese with English subtitles. Rights Available: Domestic & worldwide for all types of media.
	In Distribution: God’s Forgotten House (United Kingdom), drama, tackles the theme of lost innocence. The protagonist is court-ordered to work in a home for troubled children, where, much to his surprise, he becomes deeply involved in their lives. The children had been neglected and are consumed with anger and despair; the few who escape are lifted by the surrogate parents who befriend them. Well acted and engaging film. Earned an Award of Excellence in the Accolade Competition. 88 minutes. English. Rights Available: Domestic & worldwide for all types of media except UK theatrical distribution.
How exactly do you work, and do you have both domestic and international connections? “We serve in the role of Producer’s Representative, only for the top Accolade winners, and by invitation only. Our standard agreement is non-exclusive, and can be cancelled by either party. That means our producers can self-promote their productions and work with other agents. We don’t change filmmakers for any of our expenses. The producer is free to accept or decline any distribution deal we bring to the table for any reason. A standard producer’s representative percentage fee is charged when a distributor sells broadcast rights to a production into domestic and/or foreign territories. We only get paid if the producer gets paid. What kinds of films and television productions have commercial potential? “Buyers were seeking fully developed television series with multiple episodes already in the can, and completed feature films and feature documentaries. The first question buyers always ask is whether a production has star-power. They are reluctant to become involved without stars attached as it will be more difficult to sell or broadcast. Most of the productions we represent at the Accolade don’t have a lot of star power so it takes more work to find a distributor. “The second question they ask is whether the production has international appeal. The world demand for television and film is big and growing, while the US domestic market is comparatively small. Obviously they want high technical quality, shot in HD, widescreen, and with separate music and voice tracks. “Reality, pop, urban, action, contemporary content sells; drama is difficult to sell even if high quality. Buyers and distributors always want something new and unusual. They have limited interest in any production completed more than 18-months ago. For the buyers and distributors, it’s all about money, not art. Yet, buyers and distributors do prefer television programs, films and documentaries with strong character development and interesting storytelling. What’s the background of the Accolade Competition? “Over the years the Accolade has grown into an internationally-recognized, highly-regarded mark of distinction. We now receive films and television productions of all over the world; and it’s pleasing that many producers participate year after year by sending in their most recent work. We get lots of ‘fan mail’ from producers that we’ve helped, and seldom criticism. You may find it a surprise, but we value criticism, as that kind of feedback gives us an opportunity to improve. Our goal is to provide maximum assistance to filmmakers and television producers. A personal question if I may; I notice you have Ph.D. behind your name. Is that in film studies? “Life takes many twists and turns. I have an earned Ph.D. from the School of Business and Public Administration, University of Missouri – Columbia. My visual media experience is from the school of hard knocks. It’s all hands-on. On the other hand, I’ve learned that it takes a lot of business savvy to make a film competition thrive. And that’s what the Accolade’s doing. “I’ve been with the Accolade Competition since the beginning six years ago. I became involved as the result of winning a couple of awards as the hands-on producer of training films and television programs. It was helpful to have my work reviewed by outside experts so I could gain a sense of how my work compared to the work of other professionals. I found winning an award gave credibility to my work and encouraged me to excel as I planned my next project. “The twists and turns took me to the Accolade. And now, I’m one of those lucky guys who believes in what he’s doing, and loves his work!