JOVE FILM DISTRIBUTION (JFD) is the boutique international licensing agency operating worldwide that distributes audio‐visual productions developed by independent companies. We represent producers and suppliers of quality content in the international marketplace. Our goal is to provide additional revenue streams for producers and gain international exposure for their content.

To whom does JFD sell? 

JFD licenses content to broadcasters and distributors in every territory, and across multiple distribution platforms, including terrestrial, cable, digital, satellite, HD, DVD, internet, VOD, mobile and educational. We have a presence at the major international markets.

Does JFD represent internationally only those programs that are distributed by JFD in the U.S.? 

No. We represent quality content regardless of how it is distributed in the United States.

How much money can be made in the international market? 

This is a complex answer! The amount of money a program will generate in international licensing depends on a combination of factors: the quality of the content, the size of the territory for which it is being licensed, the type of rights requested and exclusivity. Typically, the U.K., Japan, France and Germany pay the highest license fees. They also buy the least amount of foreign programming because they produce much of it themselves. Terrestrial broadcasters pay more than cable and digital, but again, buy the least amount. We try to be honest when estimating how much revenue a program can generate, as we want you to have realistic expectations. However, we will always try to negotiate the best deal and make recommendations in order to maximize licensing revenue.

How does JFD  market programs?

At the major international television markets (MIP, MIPDOC, NATPE and MIPCOM), we have a booth where we meet with buyers from around the world. Each program is marketed with its own individual one‐sheet as well as being listed on a genre one‐sheet and in the print catalog, which is produced twice a year. The catalog is distributed at the markets and mailed to buyers who could not attend. Our advertising appears in the print and electronic versions of the major non‐fiction trade publications. We conduct planned email marketing campaigns around designated genres and scheduling suggestions as well as spontaneous campaigns related to news events. JFD press releases have been picked up by Variety, RealScreen, WorldScreen News, C21 and Television Business International.

What are the terms of JFD representation? 

We represent content on a commission basis, and give our clients approval over every offer. Our commission is a percentage of the gross license fee, taken only when a sale is completed. We don't charge back marketing costs but do expect that program suppliers will fulfill the materials delivery obligations (broadcast masters, promo materials, transcripts, etc.) according to the buyer's specifications. We require that all relevant rights are cleared for international licensing in all media and that you have appropriate amounts of E&O insurance to cover worldwide exposure. We require exclusive representation.

How does a producer submit a program to JFD?

Please submit your content on DVD with descriptive materials to Sam Laurence or Joan Borsten at JOVE Film Distribution 22631 Pacific Coast Hwy. # 308, Malibu California USA 90265 - info@jovefilm.com. We will screen your materials and respond back as quickly as possible. If we accept your content, you will be asked to sign a Representation Agreement and fill out a Program Information Form. You will also need to provide a program description and publicity materials (e.g., color or b&w photos) for us to use in preparing one‐sheets and our catalog.

What are the deadlines for program submission?

We accept content submissions throughout the year. However, there are specific dates by which we must receive materials for guaranteed representation at major program markets. These deadlines are:

July 15 for the MIPCOM market in October
November 1 for the NATPE market in January
January 15 for the MIPTV market in April

Which types of productions are distributed ?

We distribute feature films, documentaries, TV documentary series, animation series.

Does JFD pre‐sell productions in development ?

Yes, we start working with at the development stage with scripts provided by production companies. We help them finance their projects as long as they have strong marketing points and/or a strong subject and a interesting point of view.

How can I apply for JFD to becaoe my distributor ?

You must send us a screener on DVD or via web subtitled to english attaching a letter that details, the film synopsis, cat, crew, shooting format (i 35mm /  HD), aspect ratio, budget in US Dollars and the details copyrights ownership.

In addition we suggest you e‐mail us at : info [at] jovefilm.com to get a receipt confirmation. Our professional staff will evaluate the material and will get in touch with you ASAP.