Pre-sale

Definition

A pre-sale is a stage in the financing of a television production where rights to the content are sold to distributors or broadcasters before the show is completed. This process not only helps secure funding for the project but also serves as a marketing tool to gauge interest and potential viewership, making it a vital part of co-production and international partnerships.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Pre-sales can significantly reduce the financial risk associated with producing new television content by securing funds early in the process.
2. Networks and platforms often use pre-sales to evaluate the market potential of a show, allowing them to make informed decisions on which projects to greenlight.
3. Pre-sales can be particularly beneficial in international partnerships, where content may be appealing to multiple markets across different regions.
4. The success of pre-sales depends on various factors, including the show's genre, talent attached, and previous successes of similar programs.
5. Producers often engage in extensive negotiations during the pre-sale stage to maximize their returns and ensure broad distribution across various platforms.

Review Questions

• How does a pre-sale impact the financial viability of a television project?
  • A pre-sale impacts the financial viability of a television project by providing upfront funding that can help cover production costs before the show is completed. This reduces financial risk for producers, as they can secure funds based on projected viewer interest before investing heavily in production. Additionally, successful pre-sales can validate a project's concept and encourage further investment or partnerships, leading to a more robust financial foundation.
• Discuss the role of pre-sales in establishing international partnerships for television productions.
  • Pre-sales play a crucial role in establishing international partnerships for television productions by facilitating the sharing of risks and rewards among producers from different countries. By selling distribution rights ahead of time, producers can attract international partners who see potential in the content based on its appeal to diverse audiences. This collaborative approach not only enhances funding opportunities but also broadens the show's reach, allowing it to be tailored for various markets and increasing its global visibility.
• Evaluate how changes in consumer viewing habits may affect the future of pre-sales in television production.
  • Changes in consumer viewing habits, such as the rise of streaming platforms and binge-watching culture, could significantly affect the future of pre-sales in television production. As viewers increasingly seek out diverse content across various platforms, producers may need to adapt their pre-sale strategies to align with these preferences. This could lead to more targeted marketing during pre-sales and an emphasis on unique storytelling that resonates with global audiences. Ultimately, if producers fail to recognize these shifts, they risk securing inadequate funding or missing out on lucrative international deals.

Related terms

Co-production: A collaborative production between two or more entities, often from different countries, that share resources and creative control in developing content.

Distribution Rights: Legal rights granted to a producer or distributor to sell or broadcast a specific television program or film in particular markets.

Financing: The process of securing funds necessary for producing a television program, which can include investments from networks, pre-sales, and co-production agreements.