Film Distribution License Agreement Template

When a film is ready for release, one of the most important steps is securing distribution. A distribution license agreement defines how and where a film can be shown, what revenue will be shared, and what obligations both sides carry.

With fynk’s customizable distribution license agreement template, filmmakers, producers, and distributors can quickly create a professional contract that covers everything from global streaming rights to revenue splits. It’s designed to protect all parties and simplify negotiations, so that you can focus on getting your film to audiences.

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Full Text Template

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Film Distribution License Agreement

EnderbyWorks, LLC., 92 Films, LLC.

FILM DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

This Film Distribution Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into as of by and between , a ("Distributor") and , a ("Licensor") in connection with the motion picture currently entitled "" (the "Picture").

The parties' obligations hereunder are expressly conditioned upon and subject to receipt of a fully executed copy of this Agreement.


Picture

The Picture as delivered to Distributor shall: (a) be "", directed by and starring , , , , and ; (b) be photographed substantially in the English language, fully colored and with a running time (inclusive of main and end titles) of approximately minutes; (c) be fully scored with all music fully cleared for all Rights granted hereunder and, (d) any related bonus footage including the "Making of" the Picture, cast interviews, outtakes, etc.


Territory

("Territory").


Rights

Licensor hereby irrevocably grants to Distributor, on an exclusive basis, all rights in and to the Picture (including, without limitation, the copyright therein) and all characters and literary and artistic material contained therein in any and all media now known or hereafter devised throughout the Territory, in all languages in which motion pictures are customarily distributed in the Territory (subtitled and/or dubbed), throughout the "Territory" (as defined herein) during the "Term" (as defined herein), including, but not limited to non-fungible token media, theatrical, non-theatrical, all forms of television (including, without limitation, free, pay, pay per view, terrestrial, satellite, cable and near video on demand), all forms of homevideo or other home viewing technology now known or hereafter devised (including without limitation cassette, videodisc, DVD, HD DVD and Blu Ray), video on demand, online/internet, digital streaming, download to own, interactive, ships, airlines, hotels, clips, mobile (e.g., cell phones), merchandising (including, without limitation, interactive games and devices, electronically read, digitized, interactive and computer-based or computer-assisted systems, devices and services), live stage, derivative works (e.g., remakes and/or sequels in any media including episodic series, mini-series and MOWs), novelization, comic book, music, music publishing, theme park rights, commercial tie-ins, screenplay publishing and any and all allied and ancillary rights, and the right to advertise, publicize and promote any of the foregoing in any and all media (collectively, the "Rights"). Any Rights not expressly licensed by Distributor to a third party during the Term shall automatically revert to Licensor at the end of the Term.


Term

The term of this Agreement shall commence as of the above date and shall continue for 0 years (the "Initial Term"). The "Term" shall be the Initial Term, and if extended pursuant to a written extension agreement between the parties, any Extension Term.


Minimum Guarantee

In consideration of the Rights granted to Distributor, Licensor shall receive the sum of (the "Minimum Guarantee"), which shall be payable by Distributor to Licensor upon satisfaction of the Condition Precedent.


Distribution Terms

"Gross Receipts" means all sums actually earned and received by or credited to Distributor and/or its affiliates from the exploitation of the Rights or any part thereof. Gross Receipts will be applied on a continuous and rolling basis as follows: (a) first, to Distributor's recoupment of all actual, direct, out of pocket, third party marketing and advertising costs and expenses (the "Expenses"); (b) second, to Distributor's recoupment of the Minimum Guarantee; and (c) third, all sums remaining after the deduction of (a) and (b) will be paid % to Licensor (the "Licensor Share") and % to Distributor. The parties agree that the Expenses shall not exceed (the "Expenses Cap"). In the event that Distributor desires to spend in excess of the Expenses Cap, then Distributor shall obtain Licensor's prior written approval, and the Expenses Cap shall not apply to any such approved expenses.


Accounting and Audit

Distributor shall maintain full and complete records of all matters relating to the exploitation of the Rights in the Picture. Distributor shall account to Licensor in a customary industry manner on a quarterly basis from the end of the first quarter following the release of the Picture in the Territory and all accountings (and payments when due as aforesaid), shall be on a quarterly basis throughout the Term. All accountings hereunder shall be sent to Licensor within 0 days of the end of the relevant accounting period and be accompanied by payment of any sums due to Licensor thereunder. Licensor shall have customary motion picture industry audit rights, at Licensor's expense, in connection with the Picture to be exercised not more than once per calendar year during reasonable business hours to be conducted by a certified public accountant and otherwise in accordance with custom and practice in the industry and in a manner that will not frustrate Distributor's business. Licensor shall notify Distributor in writing of its intention to audit Distributor's books, specifying at least the statement upon which Licensor's audit is to be based, and such audit must be commenced within 0 days of such written notice.


Third Party Payments

Licensor shall be solely and exclusively responsible for the calculation, accounting and payment of any and all third-party participations (whether in the form of percentage contingent compensation, deferments, bonuses or otherwise) that become payable by reason of the exploitation of the Picture in the Territory, and Licensor shall indemnify and hold Distributor harmless with respect to any claims by any person or entity in connection with any such payments. Distributor shall be solely and exclusively responsible for the calculation, accounting and payment of any and all third-party payments derived from its exploitation of the Rights (e.g., public performance royalties, etc.).


Delivery

"Delivery" means Licensor providing Distributor with the materials referenced in Exhibit "A", attached hereto and incorporated by this reference.


Credit

Distributor shall receive a first position logo and first position presentation credit in connection with the Picture on screen and in the billing block of all paid ads in the Territory. Distributor shall adhere to all credit obligations of which it is notified in writing. The Picture as delivered to Distributor shall contain all required screen credits, and, provided that Distributor does not alter such credits, Licensor does hereby indemnify and hold Distributor harmless with respect to any claims regarding such screen credits.


Representations & Warranties

Licensor hereby represents, warrants and undertakes: (a) that Licensor has all rights necessary to enter into and perform this Agreement; (b) that there are no liens or encumbrances against the Picture materially adversely affecting the Rights granted to Distributor hereunder; (c) the Picture and any advertising or publicity materials supplied by Licensor hereunder shall not contain any material which violates or infringes, nor will Distributor's exploitation of the Rights in accordance with this Agreement violate or infringe the copyright of any person, firm or corporation or any other common law or other right including without limitation, any right of privacy or trademark, of any person, firm or corporation; (d) every musical composition contained in the Picture and every performance of a musical composition contained in Picture have been licensed for use in and in connection with the Picture for the entire Term on a "flat buy-out basis" for the Territory, so that no payment of any kind shall be required other than the one-time fixed fee provided in the applicable license, all of which fees are fully paid; (e) all costs of production of the Picture, including, without limitation, all compensation, laboratory costs, license fees and royalties will be paid in full prior to Delivery except any deferred costs, participations and/or guild residuals, all of which shall be payable by Licensor; (f) there is no action, suit or proceeding relating to the Picture pending or threatened, before any court, administrative or governmental body which might materially affect Distributor's rights hereunder; and (g) the Picture has not heretofore been exploited anywhere in the Territory in any medium.


Indemnification

Licensor will, at its own expense, defend, indemnify and hold harmless Distributor, its parent company and any and all related or affiliated entities, its officers, employees, agents, licensees and assignees, from any and all loss, damage, liability or expense (including reasonable outside attorneys' fees and expenses on a full indemnity basis) resulting from any breach of Licensor's representations, warranties and/or agreements herein. With regard to any matters for which Licensor is indemnitor, Distributor may elect, in its sole discretion, to control the applicable action or proceeding, in which event Licensor may join in any such action or proceeding and be represented by its own counsel at its sole cost. Distributor shall, at its own expense, defend, indemnify and hold harmless Licensor, its parent company and any and all related or affiliated entities, its officers, employees, agents, licensees and assignees, from any and all loss, damage, liability or expense (including reasonable outside attorneys' fees and expenses on a full indemnity basis) resulting from any material uncured breach of Distributor's representations, warranties and agreements herein or otherwise from Distributor's exploitation of the Picture (other than those claims for which Licensor must indemnify Distributor as set forth above).


Confidentiality and Press Release

The terms of this Agreement shall remain confidential. If Distributor elects to issue a press release concerning this Agreement, Distributor shall prepare the content and timing of such press release in consultation with Licensor.


Editing

Distributor shall not have the right (and shall not grant the right to any third party) to edit, dub or subtitle the Picture without Licensor's prior written approval, which shall not be unreasonably conditioned, withheld or delayed.


Choice of Law/Choice of Forum

This Agreement and all related documents, including all exhibits attached hereto, and all matters arising out of or relating to this Agreement, whether sounding in contract, tort, or statute are governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of (including its statutes of limitations), without giving effect to the conflict of laws provisions thereof to the extent such principles or rules would require or permit the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than those of the State of .

Each party irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that it will not commence any action, litigation, or proceeding of any kind whatsoever against any other party in any way arising from or relating to this Agreement and all contemplated transactions, including, but not limited to, contract, equity, tort, fraud, and statutory claims, in any forum other than the state and/or federal courts located in the county of , state of , and any appellate court from any thereof. Each party irrevocably and unconditionally submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts and agrees to bring any such action, litigation, or proceeding only in such courts. Each party agrees that a final judgment in any such action, litigation, or proceeding is conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law.


Assignment

Distributor, in its sole discretion, shall have the right to sell the Rights to one or more third parties. Distributor shall not have the right to assign and pledge its rights hereunder without Licensor's prior written consent, which shall not be unreasonably conditioned, withheld or delayed. Licensor hereby acknowledges and approves the execution of a Security Agreement between Distributor and , which extends to all of Distributor's rights in and to this Agreement, and that if such Security Agreement is enforced, the assignment of this Agreement to , or its designated assignee. Licensor may not assign its rights under this Agreement without Distributor's prior written consent, which shall not be unreasonably conditioned, withheld or delayed. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed as creating an agency, partnership or fiduciary relationship between the parties.


Entire Agreement

This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and shall supersede and replace all prior and/or contemporaneous written or oral agreements pertaining hereto and can only be modified by a writing signed by both parties.


Relationship of Parties.

Nothing in this Agreement creates any agency, joint venture, partnership, or other form of joint enterprise, employment, or fiduciary relationship between the parties. Service Providers is an independent contractor pursuant to this Agreement. Neither party has any express or implied right or authority to assume or create any obligations on behalf of or in the name of the other party or to bind the other party to any contract, agreement, or undertaking with any third party.


Counterparts/Electronic Signatures.

This Agreement may be executed by the Parties in counterparts or via a reputable electronic signature system, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Facsimile signatures, signature pages sent by email, or signature pages completed through a reputable electronic signature system shall be binding as though they are originals.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement by their duly authorized officers as of the date first above written.

[ No signatories assigned ]
Pending

Name:
Title:

[ No signatories assigned ]
Pending

Name:
Title:


Exhibit “A”

Delivery Materials

 

Use this template

Disclaimer: The original creator, the author of this template, and fynk GmbH are not responsible for any damages or liabilities that may result from using this template. This template should not be considered a substitute for legal advice, and consulting with a legal professional is recommended before use. fynk GmbH, the original creator, and the author do not provide legal advice and will not be held accountable for any legal consequences arising from its use.

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Background Information

Defines the rights and revenue terms between a film’s producer and distributor

A distribution license agreement sets out how a film can be marketed and shown, outlining rights, payments, and delivery obligations to protect both producer and distributor.

What is a distribution license agreement?

A distribution license agreement is a contract between a film’s rights holder (the producer or licensor) and a distributor (the licensee). It spells out how the distributor can use the film for example through theatrical release, television, streaming platforms, DVD sales, merchandising, or newer formats such as NFTs.

These agreements are vital because distribution is how films reach audiences and generate revenue. Without a written contract, disputes can quickly arise over which territories are covered, who pays for marketing, or how profits should be shared.

A clear agreement ensures both the filmmaker and the distributor understand their rights, obligations, and financial returns.

Why filmmakers and distributors need one

For independent filmmakers and production companies, a distribution agreement secures an upfront payment (known as a minimum guarantee) and creates a path for ongoing revenue.

For distributors, it ensures exclusive rights to market and monetize the film, with protections if the film underperforms.

Without a distribution license agreement, both sides are exposed to risk.

For example, a producer might license the same film to two distributors in overlapping regions, creating legal conflicts. Or a distributor might spend millions on marketing without a guarantee of recoupment. A well-drafted distribution license agreement prevents these issues by setting rules that are legally enforceable and commercially fair.

Key elements of a distribution license agreement

What can you expect to see in a distribution license agreement template?

Scope of rights

The agreement must define exactly what rights are being granted. This includes media formats (theatrical, streaming, TV, VOD, physical copies, merchandising) and geographic territories (single country, regional, or worldwide). Language rights are also critical, for example, whether dubbing or subtitling is permitted.

Term

Distribution rights are not forever. Most agreements specify a fixed term, such as 10 years, after which rights revert to the producer. Renewal options can also be negotiated.

Financial structure

The financial section typically includes three main components:

  • Minimum guarantee (MG): An upfront payment made by the distributor, which secures the rights.
  • Expense recoupment: The distributor is usually allowed to recover marketing and distribution expenses, sometimes capped at a set amount (for example, $3M).
  • Revenue share: Once expenses and the MG are recouped, profits are split, often 50/50 between licensor and licensee.

This structure protects both sides. The producer receives upfront cash, while the distributor can recover its investment before sharing profits.

Delivery requirements

Producers are typically required to deliver a full package of materials to the distributor. This might include:

  • Master copies of the film in agreed formats
  • Copyright and chain-of-title reports
  • Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policies
  • Cast and crew agreements
  • Credit charts and promotional materials

Clear delivery requirements ensure that the distributor has everything it needs to release the film without legal or technical issues.

Credit obligations

Distributors often require prominent credits in the film and marketing campaigns. This could include placement of their logo on posters, trailers, or opening titles. These terms should be spelled out to avoid disputes later.

Audit rights

To keep financial reporting transparent, most agreements give producers the right to audit the distributor’s books once per year. This helps verify that revenue is being correctly reported and shared.

Standard protection clauses include warranties (confirming the producer has cleared all rights), indemnification (each party protects the other against certain claims), and dispute resolution. California law and courts are a common choice in the U.S. industry, though international deals may use arbitration.

Looking for a video production agreement template? Try this:

Why use a template

Distribution contracts can be complex, and no two deals are exactly alike. A professional template saves time by providing a tested framework with all the standard clauses already in place. From there, producers and distributors can negotiate specific terms like the revenue split, term length, or delivery items.

Using a customizable template also helps reduce legal costs, as lawyers spend less time drafting from scratch and more time tailoring the agreement to the specific deal.

Introducing fynk’s distribution license agreement template

fynk’s template includes all the essential elements needed to structure a distribution deal, from rights definitions and delivery schedules to financial terms and audit clauses. But the real advantage comes from how the template works inside fynk.

Agreements can be standardised and reused across multiple projects, making it easy for producers or sales agents to manage several films at once.

Metadata fields allow you to track critical deal points such as term length, expense caps, and revenue splits, with automated reminders when deadlines or reporting dates approach.

Approval workflows let legal advisors and financiers review agreements before signing, keeping stakeholders aligned. And with eSignature support, deals can be executed securely with partners anywhere in the world.

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Checkpoints in fynk

By turning a static template into a dynamic contract workflow, fynk helps filmmakers and distributors protect their rights and keep projects moving quickly.

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Best practices for film distribution agreements

When preparing or negotiating a distribution license agreement, it helps to follow a few guiding principles:

  • Be specific. Define territories, media, and languages with precision to avoid overlap or confusion.
  • Cap expenses. Without a cap, distributors may deduct unlimited marketing costs before sharing profits.
  • Clarify recoupment order. Spell out exactly how money flows, expenses first, then minimum guarantee, then profit share.
  • Require audits. Regular audits protect producers and reassure investors.
  • Plan for new media. Include language that covers future platforms like streaming or NFTs to keep the agreement future-proof.

Conclusion

Distribution is the lifeblood of filmmaking,  it’s how a film reaches audiences and earns revenue. A distribution license agreement ensures that both the producer and the distributor know exactly what to expect, from upfront payments to delivery schedules and long-term rights.

With fynk’s distribution license agreement template, you don’t just get a contract, you get a full workflow to manage approvals, track key deal points, and execute agreements with confidence. That means less time lost in legal back-and-forth and more time focusing on the creative and commercial success of your film.

Searching for a contract management solution?

Find out how fynk can help you close deals faster and simplify your eSigning process – request a demo to see it in action.

FAQs

What does a film distribution license agreement cover?
It defines how a distributor may use a film, including rights for theatrical, streaming, and physical formats, along with payment and delivery obligations.
Who should use this template?
Producers, distributors, and sales agents who want a clear, customizable contract defining rights, revenue splits, and obligations for film releases.
Can the template handle international deals?
Yes, the agreement includes territory and language rights, allowing it to be adapted for regional or worldwide film distribution.
Does the agreement include audit rights?
Yes, it provides producers with the right to audit distributor accounts to ensure accurate financial reporting and revenue sharing.

Ready to sign?
Use this template today.

Clause Library: learn more about the clauses in this template

Learn more about the clauses appearing in this template and find other clauses that are used in real contracts.

Audit

An audit clause in a contract grants a party the right to examine and verify the financial records and compliance of the other party to ensure adherence to the agreed terms. This provision helps safeguard against fraudulent activity and ensures transparency and accountability in contractual relationships.

19 example clauses

Warranty disclaimer

A warranty disclaimer is a contractual provision that denies or limits any guarantees provided by the seller regarding the quality, condition, or performance of a product or service. This clause aims to protect the seller from liability and assure the buyer that any use of the product is at their own risk, often requiring the buyer to acknowledge this understanding.

5 example clauses

Indemnity

An indemnity clause is a contractual provision where one party agrees to compensate the other for certain costs and liabilities that may arise due to specified events or actions. This clause is designed to allocate risk by holding one party responsible for losses incurred by the other, providing financial protection in situations such as breaches of contract, negligence, or legal claims.

20 example clauses

Errors and omissions

The "Errors and Omissions" clause provides protection for parties against unintentional mistakes or oversights that might occur in the documentation or execution of a contract. It typically allows for corrections to be made without penalizing the responsible party, thereby ensuring the contract remains fair and accurate.

7 example clauses

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