What independent filmmakers need to know about deliverables, distribution and managing a film as a long-term asset

Tuesday, September 29, 2026
6:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. PT
Live Online Webinar and Audience Q&A

Many independent filmmakers assume that once the edit is locked, the movie is finished. Unfortunately, completing the creative work and delivering a commercially viable film are two very different things.

A distributor may be interested in your movie—but can you provide the technical masters, legal documentation, music clearances, captions, artwork, metadata and supporting materials required to close the deal?

An improperly delivered or poorly managed film can become difficult to sell, license or re-release. Filmmakers may discover that essential materials are missing, rights have expired, contracts are disorganized or the only usable master is controlled by someone else. These problems can delay distribution, create unexpected expenses and prevent a completed film from generating value.

Join filmmaker Richard LeMay for a practical conversation about what happens after picture lock—and why independent filmmakers should begin preparing for delivery long before postproduction ends.

Drawing upon his experience as a director, writer and producer, Richard will explain how filmmakers can properly complete, organize, protect and manage their work as long-term intellectual property.

Topics Will Include

• Why picture lock does not mean your film is ready for delivery
• What distributors commonly require from independent filmmakers
• The differences among creative, technical and legal completion
• Chain of title, contracts, releases and proof of ownership
• Music licenses, cue sheets and overlooked rights documentation
• E&O insurance and the materials needed to obtain coverage
• Closed captions, subtitles, dialogue lists and accessibility assets
• Music-and-effects tracks, split audio and international versions
• Technical masters, codecs, aspect ratios and audio configurations
• Quality control and correcting rejected deliverables
• Artwork, trailers, stills, metadata and promotional materials
• How incomplete delivery materials can delay or jeopardize a distribution opportunity
• Questions filmmakers should ask before signing a distribution agreement
• Retaining access to masters and essential production materials
• Organizing contracts, rights, revenue reports and platform information
• Tracking license terms, territories, expirations and rights reversions
• Repackaging or repositioning older films for new audiences and platforms
• Treating every completed movie as a long-term intellectual-property asset

Who Should Attend?

This webinar is designed for:

• Independent filmmakers
• Directors and producers
• Writers preparing to produce their own work
• Postproduction professionals
• Film students and emerging creators
• Filmmakers pursuing sales or distribution
• Rights holders managing completed films
• Anyone building a catalog of independently produced content

Whether you are preparing your first feature or managing several completed projects, this session will help you understand what distributors expect and how to protect the future value of your work.

About Richard LeMay

Richard LeMay is a New York-based director, producer and writer with decades of independent filmmaking experience. His body of work includes the NBCUniversal remake of Francis Ford Coppola’s Dementia 13, as well as Blood Bound, Naked as We Came, Children of God, Whirlwind, 200 American and numerous film and television projects.

In addition to developing and producing his own work, Richard has gained extensive firsthand experience managing completed films, delivery materials, distribution relationships and the long-term life of an independent catalog.

Attend Live and Ask Questions

The webinar concludes with a live audience Q&A, giving attendees an opportunity to ask Richard questions about deliverables, distribution and managing completed films.

Do not wait until a distributor requests materials you did not know you needed. Learn how to prepare your film for the marketplace—and how to keep it working for you long after the final cut.

Presented by CoMP—Conversations on Media Production.

Connecting Experience. Inspiring Creativity. Building Careers.