Services | Distribution
Documentary Distribution
If you are seeking distribution, we ask that you take some time to browse our catalogue to make sure your program seems like a good fit for DER's content and background. We specialize in educational, direct-to-consumer and international broadcast markets, not theatrical distribution. DER looks for documentaries with high technical standards that are committed to their subjects, informative and innovative. We provide a diverse, world-wide network of customers and filmmakers with a wide range of personalized services to suit individual and institutional needs. Before submitting, please also check our list of required materials for distribution to make sure that you can provide appropriate master materials and promotional images if DER agrees to distribute your film.
To submit a film for consideration, email with a synopsis, press material, and if possible, a link to the film's website or trailer. If we are interested in receiving a screener, we will contact you within four to six weeks.
PLEASE NOTE: Unsolicited screeners sent to DER will not be reviewed or returned.
General Submissions Criteria
The following is a list of general guidelines your film must meet in order to be considered for distribution.
Language – Films must be in English or subtitled in English unless distribution is not intended for North American audience.
Original Production Format - Programs originally produced in film or shot and edited in HD (or film transferred to HD) are preferred.
Running Time – Films may be no shorter than 5 minutes. While there is no limit on the maximum length of a film, the best selling films for our market are either 26–28 min, 52–58 min, or 82–88 min. Please specify if the film is part of a series.
Prior Screenings – Please include a list of prior screenings of film, if applicable.
Required Materials for Distribution
If your film is accepted for distribution, you will be expected to provide the following materials and information:
Film/Video Materials:
Master - your film or video must be supplied to us on one of these formats (listed in order of preference):
- Mac-formatted hard drive with firewire connection (400 or 800) with Uncompressed Quicktime file
- Mac-formatted hard drive with firewire connection (400 or 800) with Uncompressed AVI file
- BetaCam SP
- DigiBeta
- DVCAM
- MiniDV
Extra video materials for web or DVD - same as above
Documentary Information:
- Film Title (including subtitle, if any)
- Total Running Time (in minutes)
- Year of Release
- Language of Dialogue and Subtitles (if applicable)
- List of Credits
- Log Line (1 sentence), Short Synopsis (2-3 sentences) & Full-Length Film Description
- High Resolution Images - five or more images at a minimum size of 5 x 7 inches at 300 pixels-per-inch, in TIFF or JPEG format
- Approximate Budget
- List of Screenings, Broadcasts & Awards with Dates
- Festival List - a list of all other festivals submitted, with results
- Directors Statement or Background Info (optional)
- Study Guide (optional)
example: Best Film, Human Rights Category, Mexico City International Film Festival, 2007
example: PDX Film Festival, Portland, Oregon, 2009
Filmmaker Information:
- Biography & Filmography (include film title and release date, with appropriate links if applicable)
- Director Birthdate
- Director Photo - minimum size of 5 x 7 inches at 300 pixels-per-inch, in TIFF or JPEG format
Download a printable list of these requirements in PDF
