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A recognized leader in distributing high quality programming to end-users throughout the world, PorchLight acquires movies, series, children’s programs, short films, and documentaries for distribution on multiple platforms including Television, DVD, Internet, Mobile and Satellite.
PorchLight Acquisitions:
- Children’s Programs
- Feature Films & Prime Time Series
Scripts & Literary Material
Submission Form
Sales & Marketing of Your Film
FAQ
Children’s Programs
Annually, PorchLight acquires dozens of children’s programs from independent producers around the globe. Headed by Brenda Bisner, PorchLight acquires children’s programs for worldwide distribution, US DVD distribution, as well as for digital distribution via kidmango.com, its broadband Internet site.
Recent acquisitions for DVD and digital include the hit Noggin show, 64 Zoo Lane, Animania’s Loopdidoo, Disney’s This is Daniel Cook and This is Emily Yeung, Granada International’s Grizzly Tales, and many more.
Contact: Brenda Bisner, Vice President, Acquisitions, Children’s Programming
Email: bbisner@porchlight.com
How To Submit Your Children’s programming:
We are always eager to look at completed films. Please send a VHS screening cassette or DVD along with a letter describing the budget, format the film was shot on (i.e. 35mm), cast, synopsis and what rights are available. (Please see the attached form)
Please submit your Children’s Programming to:
Brenda Bisner
Vice President, Acquisitions, Children’s Programming
PorchLight Entertainment
11050 Santa Monica Blvd., 3rd Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Tel: (310) 477-8400, ext. 251
Fax: (310) 477-5555.
Email: bbisner@porchlight.com
NOTE: If you would like your materials returned please include a SASE.
Feature Films & Prime Time Series
PorchLight actively acquires several movies and television series annually. Headed by Robert Yu, PorchLight's Movie Acquisition division has a high profile in the independent film world.
We acquire distribution rights for all international markets and for domestic television, DVD and digital distribution platforms including Internet, mobile and satellite. The company has a reputation for being extremely “producer-friendly” and welcomes collaboration with its growing list of independent producers at all levels from pre-production through marketing and distribution.
Recent movies acquired by PorchLight include The Ultimate Gift starring James Garner, Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine), and Brian Dennehy, Normal starring Carrie Anne Moss and Kevin Zegers, Towards Darkness, starring America Ferrera, Running the Sahara, exec produced by Matt Damon, The Note, Hallmark Channel’s highest rated film of 2007, Outsourced, starring Josh Hamilton, and The Twelve Dogs of Christmas, a heart warming holiday classic.
In addition to acquisitions from independent producers, PorchLight produces or co-produces several films per year, ranging from high concept family films like The Family Holiday, starring Dave Coulier, to thrillers and high concept movies for such US networks as Sci Fi Channel, Lifetime and others.
Contact: Robert Yu, Vice President, Acquisitions
Email: ryu@porchlight.com
Sales/Marketing Your Film
PorchLight Entertainment is a full-service distribution company, utilizing a team of industry professionals to create and implement a specific marketing plan for each property we acquire. PorchLight creates artwork, posters, flyers and trailers for each title we distribute, and uses these materials to create an impact with buyers worldwide. PorchLight also uses outside public relations companies, as needed, to ensure that our product is kept in the spotlight.
PorchLight utilizes its relationships to establish a worldwide distribution network to ensure maximum exposure and revenue for its product. The Sales Team attends all of the major film and television markets and makes regular trips overseas to meet with the buyers on their own turf. PorchLight has an excellent reputation for its service to customers and responsiveness to its producers. Let our experienced staff of professionals help make the most out of every aspect of your production.
How To Submit Your Film
We are always eager to look at completed films. Please send a VHS screening cassette or DVD along with a letter describing the budget, format the film was shot on (i.e. 35mm), cast, synopsis and what rights are available. (Please see the attached form)
PorchLight is only considering finished films for acquisition at this time.
Please submit your film to:
Robert Yu - Vice President, Acquisitions
PorchLight Entertainment
11050 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Tel: (310) 477-8400, ext. 269.
Fax: (310) 477-5555.
Email: ryu@porchlight.com
NOTE: If you would like your tape returned please include a SASE.
Scripts and Literary Material
We do not accept unsolicited screenplays. PorchLight kindly requests writers and producers to submit their scripts and literary submissions through an agent or attorney. The company’s development staff annually reviews hundreds of submissions for consideration. The Company welcomes new material but is highly selective regarding the properties it options or acquires.
Frequently Asked QuestionsQ: WHAT TYPES OF FILMS DOES PORCHLIGHT DISTRIBUTE?
A: We will consider films on any subject, as long as there is no exploitational sex, drugs, or violence. We look for films that emphasize positive family values.
Q: DOES PORCHLIGHT HANDLE DOMESTIC OR INTERNATIONAL RIGHTS?
A: PorchLight distributes worldwide, but sometimes will work with domestic or international rights only. We handle all rights, including theatrical, television, home video and ancillary rights.
Q: DOES PORCHLIGHT DISTRIBUTE FILMS THEATRICALLY?
A: Many of the films that PorchLight distributes are released theatrically. However, PorchLight is not a theatrical releasing company. We utilize third-party theatrical releasing companies to actually bring a film to theaters. We handle television, home video and ancillary sales ourselves.
Q: DOES PORCHLIGHT DISTRIBUTE SHORT FILMS?
A: Currently, PorchLight does not distribute short films, however, we will review a short with the possibility that it could act as a sample or pilot for a longer program. Most of our feature films are at least 85 minutes in length, and our series are usually in half hour or hour episodes.
Q: WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A FILM?
A: We look at several factors, including production value, cast, story, and marketing possibilities. We prefer films shot on 35mm, with high quality sound and technical elements. Most international buyers require separate M&E (music and effects) tracks, full-frame video masters, production stills and slides, E&O (errors and omission) insurance and clear chain-of-title documentation.
Q: AT WHAT STAGE OF A PRODUCTION DO YOU PREFER TO GET INVOLVED?
A: As early as possible. Once the financing is in place, we can assist producers in making the most marketable film possible. We can assist in casting, story and production decisions.
Q: WHAT DOES PORCHLIGHT DO ONCE THEY HAVE MY FILM?
A: We create all of the marketing materials needed to sell the film, including artwork, one-sheets, trailers, and screening cassettes. Then we market and sell the film to buyers worldwide. Our sales campaigns are usually focused on the film markets that we attend, including Cannes, AFM, MIFED, MIP-COM, MIP-TV, and NATPE. We present the film to buyers, negotiate contracts, collect payments and deliver the materials to the buyer. We take a commission on all sales and recoup our marketing and distribution expenses from the revenue the film generates--the producer gets the rest.
Q: WHAT MARKETS IS PORCHLIGHT STRONGEST IN?
A: Although we handle all rights, we are strongly positioned in the television markets worldwide. We are a consistent provider of quality films for television buyers, including US networks such as Disney Channel, HBO, and Starz/Encore, along with major international broadcasters such as Telemunchen in Germany, TF1 in France, and BSKYB in the UK. In addition to the acquired product we sell, our in-house productions are sought-after, market-driven features that have helped make PorchLight a worldwide leader in feature films and television movies. We have also produced films and/or series for networks such as The Family Channel, Showtime, Nickelodeon, PBS and Animal Planet.
Q: DOES PORCHLIGHT ONLY DISTRIBUTE FEATURE FILMS?
A: No. We also distribute over 1200 half-hours of series programming and specials, including Undersea Explorer, Disasters at Sea, Monster Warriors, Gofrette and Jay Jay the Jet Plane. We also have numerous award-winning documentaries in our library, including Running the Sahara, War Child, and Everest.
Q: I HAVE A COMPLETED FILM. HOW CAN I SHOW IT TO YOU?
A: Please see the section entitled, "How to Submit a Film" on this website or e-mail Robert Yu at ryu@porchligght.com.
