"Situated at the intersection of Film Studies and Media Industry Studies, this is a much-needed examination of gatekeeping in the independent sector of the film distribution business. Smits uses highly original industry research to explore the little understood ways in which sales agents, distributors, digital content aggregators and online platforms enable (some) films to reach audiences." (Professor Andrew Higson, University of York, UK) "This monograph is a much-needed addition to both Distribution Studies and Media Industry Studies. It provides an empirically rich exploration of some previously under-researched intermediaries (e.g. distributors, sales agents and content aggregators). The book also provides a fascinating discussion of the development of film markets (/festivals) and the political machinations that have led some to grow and others to falter." (Dr Virginia Crisp, King's College London, UK) "This monograph is incredibly timely and critically necessary.

It establishes a foundational understanding of sales agents and the gatekeeping role they perform in the screen industries at a time of significant disruption to traditional business models. Media industry scholars take note: we need more investigations like this one, not only for the benefit of our research, but also our teaching." (Dr Kevin Sanson, Queensland University of Technology, Australia).