In the context of film production and distribution, "sub rights" refer to the various secondary or ancillary rights associated with a film or television show. These rights can be separate from the primary distribution rights and can be licensed or sold independently to different parties for additional revenue.

 

Sub rights can include:

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Home Video/DVD/Blu-ray Rights: This involves the distribution of the film on physical media for sale or rental. This market has declined with the rise of digital streaming but is still relevant for collectors and certain demographics.

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Television Rights: These rights pertain to the broadcasting of the film on television networks and channels. This can include free-to-air, cable, and satellite television, both domestically and internationally.

 

Streaming and Digital Rights: In the digital age, this is one of the most significant sub rights categories. It includes licensing the film to streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, and others.

 

VOD (Video on Demand) Rights: This involves making the film available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like iTunes, Google Play, and Vudu.

 

Pay-Per-View (PPV) Rights: Some films are made available on a pay-per-view basis, where viewers pay a fee to watch the film for a limited time.

 

International Rights: These rights cover the distribution of the film in foreign markets. They can be subdivided into different regions or countries, and multiple deals may be made to cover different regions.

 

Ancillary Rights: This category can include various other rights such as merchandise (e.g., toys, clothing), theme park attractions, video games, and more, depending on the franchise's popularity.

 

Remake and Adaptation Rights: Sometimes, studios may sell or license the rights to remake a film or adapt it into a different format, such as a TV series or stage production.

 

Clip Rights: These rights allow others to use clips from the film in various contexts, such as in documentaries, educational materials, or commercials.

 

Music Rights: If the film includes original music, the rights to the music can be sold separately for use in other media, such as commercials or soundtracks.

 

Novelization Rights: If the film is based on a book, the rights to create novelizations or other literary adaptations can be a source of revenue.

 

Merchandising Rights: These rights involve the creation and sale of products related to the film, such as action figures, clothing, posters, and more.

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The negotiation and management of these sub rights can significantly impact a film's profitability. Production companies often work with distribution companies and entertainment lawyers to handle these rights and ensure that they maximize revenue potential while adhering to contractual obligations.