5 Film Aggregators That Can Help You Get on Streaming Platforms

Getting your film onto major streaming platforms is a crucial step for independent filmmakers seeking a wider audience. Film aggregators serve as intermediaries, handling the technical, legal, and logistical requirements to place your film on Video-on-Demand (VOD) and Subscription Video-on-Demand (SVOD) platforms such as Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google TV, and more.

When considering film aggregators, my experience suggests they're most valuable for strong films that have won awards or cultivated a built-in audience. Because aggregators typically charge upfront fees, it's essential to ensure there's sufficient audience demand; otherwise, the royalties generated may not cover these costs.

What Is a Film Aggregator?

A film aggregator is a third-party service that helps filmmakers distribute their movies, shorts, or series to digital platforms. Aggregators handle encoding, quality control, metadata, artwork, and delivery to platforms, ensuring your film meets all technical and legal requirements. Unlike traditional distributors, aggregators typically do not handle marketing or territorial rights but focus on getting your content available for purchase or streaming.

Aggregators work particularly well when a filmmaker has not secured a sales agent but also does not want to completely self-distribute. They serve as an effective middle ground between those two options, handling the technical heavy lifting of platform delivery. Even so, filmmakers must recognize that marketing and promotion remain critical—aggregators won't drive audience attention on their own.

Top 5 Film Aggregators for Streaming Platforms

When choosing an aggregator, approach it like hiring a specialist contractor: not all aggregators are the right fit for every film. Do your research into each platform—look at the types of films they tend to succeed with. Are they stronger with short films? Do they specialize in certain genres? Understanding these patterns can help you choose an aggregator that's aligned with your film's strengths and target audience.

Aggregator Key Features Pricing Model Platforms Reached Bitmax Strong industry reputation, offers post-production and content management services Starts at $600/feature Apple TV, Amazon, Google TV, etc. FilmHub No upfront fees, 20% backend commission, wide range of niche and major VODs 20% revenue share Many VODs, including niche markets Quiver Digital Transparent pricing, founded by a filmmaker, no backend percentage $1395 first retailer Apple TV, Amazon, Google TV, etc. ODMedia Preferred aggregator for Netflix, Apple, Amazon; worldwide reach and encoding services Custom quote Netflix, Apple TV, Amazon, etc. The Movie Partnership Europe-focused, full service from encoding to platform delivery, transparent reporting Custom quote Apple TV, Amazon, Google TV, etc.

1. Bitmax

Bitmax is widely respected for its reliability and professionalism. It offers a range of services, including post-production, content management, and delivery to all major platforms. Pricing starts at $600 for a feature film, with custom quotes for different projects.

2. FilmHub

FilmHub is popular among cash-strapped filmmakers because it charges no upfront fees, instead taking a 20% cut of revenue generated from sales and rentals. It connects films to a broad array of platforms, including niche VODs, and handles all technical requirements.

3. Quiver Digital

Quiver Digital is praised for its transparent, upfront pricing and was founded by a filmmaker who wanted to improve the indie distribution process. Fees start at $1395 for the first platform and $225 for each additional retailer, with no revenue share taken on the backend.

4. ODMedia

ODMedia is a preferred aggregator for Netflix, Apple TV, Amazon, and Google TV, offering encoding, quality control, and global delivery. Pricing is customized based on the project, and they assist with marketing strategy and reporting.

5. The Movie Partnership

Based in Europe, The Movie Partnership provides full aggregation services, from encoding to delivery, and works with a variety of platforms. They are known for transparent reporting and a tailored approach for each film.

Real World Example: Mark Kitchell and BitMax

Award-winning documentary filmmaker Mark Kitchell used BitMax to launch a collection titled The Films of Mark Kitchell, which includes three of his acclaimed documentaries: Berkeley in the Sixties (1990), A Fierce Green Fire (2012), and Evolution of Organic (2017). These films were made available on four major streaming platforms—Amazon, Apple/iTunes, Google Play/YouTube, and Vudu—through BitMax's aggregator services.

Kitchell's approach involved meticulous quality control, including dealing with closed captioning requirements, and the entire process of getting the three films onto these platforms cost approximately $3,000. In the first two months after launch, the films generated $939 in sales from 289 units, with about 60% being rentals—a respectable start for an independent documentary project.

Beyond streaming, Kitchell also launched a dedicated website to centralize information and sales of digital streams and DVDs, and engaged in grassroots outreach and marketing campaigns to keep the films visible. This example illustrates how aggregators like BitMax can empower filmmakers to take control of their film distribution in today's digital landscape.

One significant advantage of using aggregators is that they can get your film onto familiar platforms like Amazon Prime, making it easier for audiences to access your film compared to directing them to an independent website where new payment steps could cause friction and reduce viewership.

Common Questions and Answers

Q: What's the difference between a film aggregator and a distributor? A: Distributors usually control the entire distribution and marketing process, often acquiring rights for specific territories. Aggregators focus on technical delivery and placement on digital platforms, leaving marketing and rights management to the filmmaker.

Q: Can I get my film on Netflix or Hulu through an aggregator? A: Some aggregators are preferred partners for platforms like Netflix, but placement is not guaranteed. Platforms like Netflix curate their content, so even with an aggregator, your film must be selected by the platform.

Q: What are the typical costs? A: Costs vary. Some aggregators charge upfront fees (e.g., Bitmax, Quiver Digital), while others operate on a revenue-share model (e.g., FilmHub). Additional costs may include encoding, closed captions, and artwork preparation.

Q: Is iTunes still used for film distribution? A: No, Apple has shifted all movie and TV purchases and rentals to the Apple TV app. Aggregators now deliver films to Apple TV, not iTunes, for consumer access across Apple devices and smart TVs.

Q: What about Google Play Movies & TV? A: Google Play Movies & TV has been discontinued for new purchases and rentals. Films are now distributed to Google TV and YouTube for purchase or rental access.

Q: Can I use more than one aggregator? A: Yes, aggregator relationships are typically non-exclusive. You can use different aggregators for different platforms or territories, depending on your distribution strategy.

Film aggregators are invaluable for independent filmmakers aiming to reach audiences on streaming platforms. By understanding their services, pricing, and platform reach, you can choose the right partner to maximize your film's exposure and revenue. Just remember that while aggregators handle the technical side of distribution, the success of your film still depends largely on its quality and your marketing efforts.