About This Course

Do you have dreams of getting your film or doc series on Netflix, Paramount+ or one of the other premium channels and streamers? You’re not alone! 

Cable TV and the streaming market represents a $billions/year opportunity for filmmakers. 

But if that's as far as your distribution strategy goes, you're missing out.

"Don't leave money on the table because you don't know your options and you don't have a plan."


This course takes you step-by-step through the distribution landscape, empowering you to seek out deals from an educated and confident place, helping you to decide when to go DIY, and when to create a Hybrid Distribution Plan.

You'll understand who the players in the industry are, how to negotiate deal points, how to access your paying audience, and what steps you can take to sell your film or series today — even short docs and older archived films!

What You Get

  • Step-by-step video tutorials - How to create a unique selling proposition for your documentary and generate revenue across every market including to streamers, foreign markets, educational licensing, airlines, niche markets and more!

  • An insider's guide on how to pitch, negotiate and make deals with Streamers and Channels (NETFLIX, Discovery+, Hulu, BBC, iTunes, etc)

  • Downloadables, PDFs & Resources including Pitch Deck Sample, Press Kit Samples, Distribution Budget Template, Corporate Sponsorship Sheet, Check-Lists, Deliverables and more!

  • Distribution Database with a searchable listing of 210+ distributors, film buyers and sales agents; includes contact names, emails & phone #s.

  • Distribution Strategy Workbook to create your personalized Distribution and Monetization Plan (a must-have for successful distribution!)

  • A bonus workshop on Negotiating Contracts – What Rights You MUST Keep


  • Options for selling short docs and even older archived films

  • Certificate of Completion

  • And much more!

"Excellent"

by Sam Clarke/Indie Filmmaker

"The attention to detail in this course is phenomenal. I have come away feeling like I know what my next step will be!"

"Grateful"

by Michael Speltz/Dir., Seastainable Documentary

"I'm on a mission, and you and your team helped me find my focus and direction. I cannot tell you how much you have helped me in getting my project completed and more importantly ready for distribution."

"Amazing course"

by Kelly Moneymaker/Creative Media Producer

"This is the most comprehensive and well-curated online course I have ever taken. Jilann Spitzmiller and Anna Darrah are generous knowledge-sharers. Thank You!"

BONUS #1 - Distribution Database


As a free bonus, get an interactive Distribution Database with a searchable listing of 210+ distributors, film buyers and sales agents; includes contact names, emails & phone #s. (Value $97)

BONUS #2 - Distribution Budget Template + Budgeting Tutorial


Get a free Distribution Budget Template and Budgeting Tutorial (VALUE: $67) covering every line item and budgeting consideration during the distribution phase.

"Valuable... and well thought out"

by Heidi Reinberg - ITVS/HBO/Hot Docs

"I'm an experienced producer... this is one of the better presentations I've seen. Overall, it contains valuable information, the delivery and pace are good, the handouts are well thought out..."

"Absolutely Relevant"

by Seun Adeleye/Enhance 360

"This has been most enlightening for me. I have been a filmmaker for about 15 years... Honestly, I feel like a veil has been taken off my eyes and I am only just seeing now. This course is absolutely relevant and most essential. Thank you."

Maximize Revenue & Impact

With your one-time investment in this course, find your ideal film buyers and potentially generate $$ tens or even hundreds of thousands in additional revenue.

About Your Instructors

Anna Darrah and Jilann Spitzmiller

Co-presenters with decades of industry experience.

Anna Darrah (left) is an experienced film buyer, negotiating with and licensing 800+ films in her 15 years working for Gaiam and Spiritual Cinema Circle. She is currently the Head of Development for Film Nest Studios.

Jilann Spitzmiller (right) is an award-winning filmmaker whose work has premiered in competition at Sundance, SXSW, DOC NYC and Edinburgh. Jilann's films have been broadcast around the globe on BBC, NBC, Sundance Channel, Aljazeera, PBS, Discovery Networks, and many more. She successfully implemented a hybrid distribution plan for her film, STILL DREAMING, which was broadcast on PBS with corporate underwriting. She is also a Director, Co-Producer, Writer and Editor of MEOW WOLF: ORIGIN STORY which recently showcased on AppleTV, Amazon and many airlines around the world. 

Documentary Sales & Distribution For Independent Filmmakers

The Ultimate Step-By-Step Guide For Selling Your Film or Doc Series In A Competitive Market

Buy Now:

$195

"This is amazing. I've learned more in the first two modules than I did in almost four months with a "coach". Thank you. I'm in tears and so grateful!" 

- Miranda Childers

Frequently Asked Questions

  • I haven't yet completed my film. Is this course appropriate for me?

    Yes! The sooner you can start crafting your monetization & distribution strategy the better.

  • Can I download class materials?

    Yes! Any PDF assets, templates or other resources inside a course are yours to download and keep!

  • What is the length of this course?

    The course is comprised of 20+ videos -- total length 270-minutes (4.5 hours). Plus access to bonus webinars and distribution strategy workshops.

  • How long can I access the course?

    This course comes with a 2-year access pass.

  • Who can I contact if I have a question?

    Please contact Customer Service by sending an email to support@desktop-documentaries.com