Information for Producers
BECKMANN GROUP : OUR FUNCTION
Beckmann Group is a multi-rights distributor specialising in high quality factual programming.
We represent independent producers by placing their programming with broadcasters, DVD and home video companies world-wide. Working on a 'commission on sale only' basis Beckmann only accepts productions that they know will do well internationally.
In the UK, Beckmann Visual Publishing is the longest established independent distributor of specialist videos and DVDs. We publish the widest range of material catering for small but enthusiastic minority groups.
Producers who have programmes are welcome to contact us to discuss their potential for video/DVD and international markets. With constant contact with broadcasters and home video distributors, the Beckmann sales team makes sure it keeps up with the latest developments and needs of the marketplace, ensuring maximum potential for its catalogue of programming. Beckmann International www.beckmanngroup.co.uk has clients all over the world who are constantly requesting different kinds of programming - series and one-offs. Consequently, we are always looking out for new production companies who produce high quality programming - or have produced programming in the past, which has not been marketed to its fullest potential. Every month, new stations and channels burst onto the media stage, eager to fill their hours with exciting, informative or entertaining programming. We know that you, as a producer, have such programming and therefore no matter what the subject we want to hear from you.
Please send us an email at sales@beckmanngroup.co.uk with information and a synopsis or list of your work using the programme submission form. There's a whole world waiting out there to see your programmes - and we have the contacts to make sure they are seen!
MARKETING STRATEGY
The following provides a basic outline of our international distribution strategy and information regarding our activity in the global marketplace.
I. PRELIMINARY PREPARATIONS
A. Prepare publicity materials and artwork:
1. Catalogue/flyer
2. Information sheet/synopsis
3. Posters
4. Media kits
B. Prepare demonstration viewing cassette:
1. Trailer (if necessary)
2. In the case of series, compile three best episodes onto one pal betacam time coded master.
NOTE: programmes should not show any sponsors or advertising.
II. INTRODUCTORY MARKETING EFFORTS
A. Send Mailer:
1. Fax and send catalogue/flyer, synopsis and letter introducing series to all clients (about 2,750) advising them of the new releases.
2. Send Beckmann catalogue and sales leaflets to the most prominent world-wide buyers targeted for the specific programme.
B. Trade Magazines:
1. Publish articles/PR releases introducing series
2. Place advertisements
III. EXHIBITIONS - CONVENTIONS / TRADE SHOWS
A. Send mailer to all clients via fax and mail (including flyers) prior to each major convention.
B. Advertise in trade/convention magazines as well as market directories/listings.
C. Attend with an exhibitor's stand the following exhibitions:
MIP DOC
MIPCOM
NATPE
MIPTV
IPCOM
SUNNY SIDE
IV. BASIC FACTS ABOUT BECKMANN INTERNATIONAL
A. Client list - Approximately 2,750.
B. Country base - Over 110 territories.
C. Duration of international distribution experience - 19 years.
D. Personal relationships developed with several hundred buyers of the world's leading multimedia, television, cable and video distribution firms/networks.
E. Rights distributed - Terrestrial television, satellite cable and pay television, internet, closed circuit television, home video DVD & VHS non-theatrical video rights, airline exhibition, hotels, syndication.
F. Revenue and Net Operating Profit have both increased consistently in the past five years.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Masters
1. Dubs should be supplied on Digital Betacam in PAL.
2. Dubs should be copied from the original edit master.
3. The aspect ratio of the dubs should be 4:3. Alternatively, material destined for widescreen playback should be supplied in 16:9 anamorphic / 4:3 safe.
4. Blanking and other technical specifications should conform to :
EBU technical specifications for PAL material.
SMPTE technical specifications for NTSC material.
5. Dubs should commence with at least 90 seconds of 100% bars and - 18db tone (PAL) or - 20db tone (NTSC).
6. Programme audio will peak at no more that +18db over tone.
7. There should be a 30 second countdown clock with series title, episode name/number and programme running time.
8. Programme should commence at 10.00.00.00 and, where possible, the episode number should be incorporated into the user bits.
9. Textless title backgrounds, where available, should be located 60 seconds after the end of the main programme and their presence should be very clearly indicated on the labels.
Standards Conversion
Any standards conversion should be carrried out via a 'motion compensated' standards converter such as the Alchemist Ph.C.
If the original edit master already contains converted material that has not been subject to motion compensation, this must be notified in advance.
Audio
The audio configuration should be as follows :
Channel 1 : English Final Mix - Stereo (L)
Channel 2 : English Final Mix - Stereo (R)
Channel 3 : International Music & Effects - Stereo (L)
Channel 4 : International Music & Effects - Stereo (R)
When only mono audio is available:
Channel 1 : English Final Mix - Mono
Channel 2 : English Final Mix - Mono
Channel 3 : International Music & Effects - Mono
Channel 4 : International Music & Effects - Mono
Scripts & Music Cue Sheets should be supplied via email or on a floppy disc in PC format where possible.
Publicity Materials 100 word synopsis per series or individual programme.
A selection of 35mm slides or high resolution scans on a CD which convey the content of the series or programme.
NOTE: 'The majority of buyers from non-English speaking territories require digi beta masters with a separate Music & Effects track. If you are unable to supply a master with separate M&E the sales will be largely limited to the English speaking world.'
Information for Producers