Frequently Asked Questions

Contact

How can I get some one-on-one advice on my outreach campaign?

If you are looking for personalized advice on fundraising, outreach or distribution for your social-issue film, we encourage you to sign up for an Outreach Consultation or to purchase the Independent Producers' Outreach Toolkit.

How do I post an announcement?

Any member of MediaRights can list an announcement. Simply log in and post your call to action, job listing, screening or other news item.

Can I invite a MediaRights staff person to organize a workshop, panel or screening in my community?

MediaRights staff organize workshops, panels and screenings at conferences, film festivals, schools, community centers and offices around the country. Topics include using film for social change, DIY distribution, media reform and independent film, youth media outreach and distribution, curriculum development through film and more. Contact us if you are interested in bringing a MediaRights staff person to your community.

How do I watch or buy a film that I find on your site?

MediaRights is only one of many distributors listed on this site.

You can find out who distributes each film by looking under the “get this film” section of the film description page. Clicking on a link will take you to a website where you can buy or rent the film.

Alternatively, you can visit the film’s official website for more information or send a query to the contact email. We make every effort to keep our listings current, but if you find a broken link or unavailable film, please let us know.

Please be advised that any information we have regarding a listed film is already on our website. We do not have any purchase information other than what is available on the site.

If you are particularly interested in films distributed by MediaRights, please visit our store.

How do I subscribe to or unsubscribe from your newsletter?

Please log in to the site first.

Go to your user info page, and click on "Change my user info."

To subscribe, check the box next to "Subscribe me to the MediaRights monthly email newsletter."

To unsubscribe, uncheck the box next to Subscribe me to the MediaRights monthly email newsletter."

Click on the submit button to update your preferences.

How do I post a film?

Any member of MediaRights can list a film. Simply log in and post your film.

How can I change my membership information?

You can change your email address, mailing address, newsletter subscription status and other membership preferences by logging in and going to your membership page.

Why should I become a MediaRights member?

  1. It's free, it's easy and it's secure.
  2. You'll receive our monthly email newsletter with the latest articles, events and opportunities.
  3. You'll be able to list your film, and we'll link to you and your distributor free of charge.
  4. You'll be able to list your social change organization free of charge.
  5. You'll be able to list your media company free of charge.
  6. You'll have a member profile on our site, helping you to connect with filmmakers, activists, educators, librarians and youth.
  7. You'll be able to access our members' directory.
  8. You'll be able to post announcements in our News section.
  9. You'll get the latest news about the Media That Matters Film Festival and receive our annual festival poster.
  10. You'll receive discounts at events hosted by our partners.

Register as a member!

Who can list their film on your site?

Any member of MediaRights can list a film. Simply log in and post your film. Films are listed by distributors as well as by individual filmmakers.

Currently, we are limiting our database to documentaries and advocacy videos. The political and/or social views expressed by the films in our database do not reflect in any way the political or editorial views of the staff of MediaRights.

How can I buy your festival DVD?

The festival DVD as well as the Independent Producers' Outreach Toolkit are available for purchase through our Arts Engine store.

There are errors in my film or organization listing. Can I change it myself?

If you would like to update your film, announcement or organizational listing, you need to send an email to info@mediarights.org indicating the listing and the changes that you would like made. You can update your Member Profile yourself at any time.

What is YMDi.org and how does it relate to MediaRights?

YMDi stands for Youth Media Distribution! YMDi.org is a community site for youth media producers and their instructors dedicated to promoting the distribution of youth-produced film, video, radio and print media.

Like the MediaRights website, YMDi.org features a searchable database of media, organizations and individuals, but the focus is on youth. YMDi.org features the Youth Media Distribution Toolkit and the Instructors' Toolkit, free interactive guides to help young mediamakers reach audiences with their work.

YMDi.org was created to foster the development and identity of the youth media field as well as to encourage the integration and appreciation of youth media in the larger field of independent film. By becoming a member of MediaRights, you automatically become a member of YMDi.org as well.

What is the Media That Matters Film Festival and how does it relate to MediaRights?

Produced by MediaRights staff, the Media That Matters Film Festival is an annual yearlong outreach and distribution campaign for innovative social-issue shorts of all genres. Every spring the festival launches with a new set of 16 films from independent and youth producers from around the world. After a series of exciting launch events in New York City, the festival films stream online, screen around the country, are broadcast nationally and are distributed to activists, educators and community leaders. MediaRights connects the films to campaigns for social change through the festival website where the films stream alongside take-action links. There are hundreds of ways to participate all year long!

What is Arts Engine, Inc. and how does it relate to MediaRights?

MediaRights is a project of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Arts Engine, Inc., an organization committed to producing, distributing and promoting independent media of consequence. Arts Engine's production wing, Big Mouth Films, produces feature-length documentaries and advocacy videos.

I posted my news item/film/organization, but it’s not showing up on the site. Where is it?

It can take several days for us to review and confirm your submission. We only confirm submissions that are related to social-issue filmmaking and/or educational/activist efforts. If a week has passed and your listing is still not online, please contact us.

What do I do after I purchased an Outreach Consultation?

Once you purchase the consultation, send your film on DVD (preferred) or VHS to Shira Golding, Arts Engine, 104 W. 14th Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10011, and contact shira to schedule your session.

What types of things can I post to MediaRights?

Films should be documentary features and shorts that address one or more social issues. For a list of issues check out our sidebar. Announcements are broader in scope; basically, you can post anything that would be of interest to our community of filmmakers, educators, nonprofits and youth. Examples include film screenings, calls to action, job and internship opportunities, conferences and other events, information about educational materials, ideas for collaboration, etc. All film posts and announcements are subject to review by MediaRights staff before going live on the site. Product pitches or ads may be rejected if deemed inappropriate.

Are you hiring?

Please check the news section for job and internship opportunities from MediaRights and other organizations. If nothing is listed, you are always welcome to send a cover letter and resume to ryann@artsengine.net for future consideration.