FAQ
Here to answer all of your questions related to working with 7 Palms Entertainment.
🎥 About the Company
Who is 7 Palms Entertainment, and what do you do?
7 Palms Entertainment is an independent film distribution company that specializes in bringing bold, original stories to global audiences. We focus on short films, documentaries, and features—working closely with filmmakers to get their work onto major platforms.
With nearly a decade of experience, our mission is to support emerging and established creators by offering transparent, accessible distribution that helps their films reach both niche and mainstream viewers worldwide. From digital release strategies to DVD sales and international pitching, we help films find the right home—and the audience they deserve.
How long have you been in business?
We were founded in May of 2016.
What types of films do you distribute? (Shorts, features, documentaries?)
Our primary focus is on short films, but we also work with a variety of feature films, feature documentaries, short series, etc.
Where are your films currently available?
We have films currently available on platforms such as Amazon Prime, Apple TV, YouTube Movies & TV, HBO Europe, Canal +, Future Today, Filmzie, VIDAA SA, Tubi, The Roku Channel, and others.
Do you only work with finished films or also with works-in-progress?
We usually only work with finished projects.
📦 Distribution Process
How does your distribution process work, step by step?
From the time we come to an agreement on terms, we ask you to send us your materials within two weeks. After we receive them, we do a full QC and then prepare the film to begin the pitch process within 6-8 weeks. Once pitches begin, we reach out to a variety of outlets encompassing both TV and VOD simultaneously.
How long does it take for a film to go live on platforms?
For TV broadcasters, it typically takes 3-4 months to get a response. If they choose to license your film, they then schedule it to be played usually within 3 months after that. For VOD, it is much faster. Sometimes films can be live within a few weeks from the first pitch.
Can I choose which platforms my film is submitted to?
Filmmakers can always recommend platforms they want us to pitch to on their behalf.
Do you do festival submissions or just digital distribution?
The majority of our business focuses on digital distribution, but we are willing to consider films for festival distribution on a limited basis.
💰 Earnings & Revenue
How do filmmakers get paid?
Payouts occur twice a year on an automatic basis as long as a minimum threshold of revenue is reached. If the minimum threshold isn’t reached however, filmmakers have the option to request a payout twice a year no matter the amount.
How much money can a short film or feature typically earn through your channels?
Our short films earn anywhere from $500 - $10,000 throughout a given term. Typically, our goal is to generate at least $2,000 - $3,000 for a short.
For features we’ve seen films gross up to $50,000.
What are the revenue splits or fees involved?
For feature films, we offer a 70/30 split. For short films, we offer filmmakers a choice of either an 80/20 split (with a $250 upfront fee) or a 90/10 split (with a $500 upfront fee).
Why do you charge a fee for short films?
Over time, we’ve seen a growing number of short filmmakers struggle to provide the essential materials needed for effective distribution—such as trailers, closed captions in multiple languages, and a range of poster options. To continue supporting short films while maintaining high distribution standards, we’ve transitioned to an upfront fee model and increased the revenue share for filmmakers.
This approach has proven beneficial: by paying a modest one-time fee, filmmakers avoid the often high costs of outsourcing required materials. In many cases, this model has actually saved filmmakers money while streamlining the distribution process.
Do you offer Minimum Guarantees for your feature films (MGs)?
We do not offer a traditional MG. Typically, we will offer a corridor guarantee, which allows filmmakers to receive a specified amount first as revenue comes in before we take our fee.
Can I see a report of my film’s performance?
All reporting is shared through our online filmmaker portal which is updated every two months for the best communication and transparency.
🧾 Contracts & Ownership
Do I keep the rights to my film?
Yes, you always maintain ownership rights of your film.
Is your contract exclusive?
No, our contracts are almost always non-exclusive.
How long is the term of the agreement?
Our standard term is for 5 years.
Can I exit the agreement if I’m unhappy?
Yes, our agreement is considered an at-will contract. Meaning you have the freedom to terminate at any time for any reason.
🤝 Transparency & Trust
What makes 7 Palms different from other distributors?
At 7 Palms Entertainment, we take a filmmaker-first approach. Unlike many distributors who offer one-size-fits-all deals, we provide flexible distribution models that prioritize transparency, fair revenue splits, and real partnership. We specialize in short and independent films, and we understand the unique challenges indie filmmakers face—so we streamline the process by offering creative support, accessible pricing, and hands-on guidance.
How do you ensure transparency and accountability with your clients?
Transparency in reporting has long been a challenge in the film distribution industry—and we’ll be the first to admit that 7 Palms Entertainment was no exception. Over the years, one of the most common concerns we heard from filmmakers was the lack of consistent updates about their films’ performance.
To address this, we launched our Filmmaker Portal in March 2024. From the moment a distribution agreement is signed, filmmakers gain access to this platform, allowing them to track key updates, monitor progress, and stay connected with every step of their film’s journey. It's part of our ongoing commitment to accountability, clarity, and putting filmmakers first.
What kind of reporting do you provide? How often?
The portal is updated at least every two months and shares information related on who we are pitching their film to, who is licensing their film, revenue, expenses, etc.
✉️ Getting Started
How can I submit my film for consideration?
If you would like to submit your film for consideration, please head over to the “Contact” section of our website.
What are you looking for in a film?
We are looking for films that have a unique voice and a high production value (whether or not you had a big budget or not).
How long does it take to get a response after submission?
Typically, we’ll get back to you within a couple of weeks if you send in your film for consideration.
Can you help me promote my film too, or just distribute it?
Yes, we typically will support your films through two forms of promotion. The first is paid social through platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, etc. The second is through streaming ads on platforms such as Amazon Fire TV, Roku TV, and Paramount +.
Do I need a professional trailer or poster before submitting?
It is advised to have a trailer and poster before submitting.
🧠 Bonus “Myth-Busting” Section
Will I make my money back if I distribute my short films with you?
Our primary goal is to help you recoup your investment and generate meaningful revenue—whether to fund future projects or support everyday needs. More importantly, we focus on maximizing exposure for your short film, ensuring it reaches a wide audience across major platforms worldwide. We believe that visibility is key to building your reputation and opening doors for your next opportunity.
Do I need a big marketing budget for your distribution to work?
No, we have represented films that have had budgets of all sizes.
Can short films actually earn revenue?
Yes. Over the years short films are increasing in popularity, thus giving them the ability to generate more revenue than ever before.
Do I need to be a known filmmaker to work with you?
No, we welcome filmmakers at all stages of their careers.
What if my short film has already been online—can you still help?
Yes, we can always help you get your film out to the world on various platforms whether your film is online currently or not.
Why Should Filmmakers Work With You?
At 7 Palms Entertainment, we’re committed to delivering the highest standard in film distribution—while recognizing that no one is perfect. Whether you're an individual or a company, mistakes are part of the journey toward meaningful success. What defines us is how we respond: when issues arise, we address them quickly, openly, and with integrity.
If given the choice between being the largest film company in the world or being known for our transparency and genuine relationships within the industry—we would choose the latter every time.
We won’t make empty promises about overnight fame or massive earnings. What we can promise is our full dedication to getting your film in front of global audiences, supporting your journey with honesty, respect, and a real effort to help you earn along the way.