The objective of this publication is to introduce the novice filmmaker to the legal and business related issues needed to participate in what is now a well-structured global marketplace for films. It provides a broad overview of the principles and standards currently observed and practiced in the film industry at the international level. Readers should consult local copyright experts to gain a complete understanding of these issues in their respective countries. This publication is written through the lens of the distributor. Broadly, this includes the local territorial distributor, the sales agent or even the producer acting as either of these. One of the central messages is the importance of copyright documentation, especially written agreements that identify copyright ownership in a creative work. Filmmakers and in particular the producer should be acquainted with the fundamental functions of the people and companies that will not only license their film but also market it to the public. The territorial distributor is responsible for the marketing and circulation of films to the end users (the audience) including cinemas, television, DVD and new media distribution technologies including Video on Demand (VOD). The sales agent on the other hand is responsible for the licensing of distribution rights to a territorial distributor in a particular country. This publication will describe the entire value chain with particular emphasis on the distribution agreement and rights transactions between a film distributor and the producer or between the sales agent and the territorial distributor. The producer will license or assign rights acquired by him at the development stage, against remuneration and the prospect of the film being exploited in key markets by a global distribution company or territorial distributors who have acquired local rights from a sales agent.