LUX is Europe's largest distributor of artists' film and video with a collection including over 4000 works from the 1920s to the present day. Each year LUX takes a number of new works into its distribution service, the focus of the collection is primarily British work and key international works. If you are interested in LUX distributing your work please see below for more information.

Selection process
In the past, our predecessor organisations (London Filmmakers Co-op and London Video Access/ London Electronic Arts) operated a process of open submission (i.e. anyone could lodge work with the organisations). Due to the enormous amount of new work being produced in the early 1990s both organisations introduced a selection process, as they could no longer effectively distribute such a large amount of work and they were running out of space.

LUX for the time being maintains a selection process for new work for the main reason that we want to take on work in good faith knowing that we can effectively promote it. Due to scarce resources, LUX is only able to distribute a limited number of new works in a year. For the purpose of selection, we convene a quarterly acquisitions panel made up of internal and external members. Unfortunately, because of the volume of submissions, the panel is unable to give feedback on individual works however if you would like to have more detailed feedback on your work we would encourage you to book a one on one session with a LUX staff member.

Selection criteria
LUX's distribution collection is focused on artists' film and video work. While this area is hard to define, broadly speaking it is based in the area of visual arts rather than narrative drama or documentary (although of course these all overlap). If you are unfamiliar with LUX, please have a look at our online catalogue to get a sense of the kind of work we currently distribute before submitting.

In terms of selection criteria, the acquisitions panel will consider work in terms of such things as its aesthetic quality, its relevance to current trends and issues in visual arts, originality, use of the medium and the artist's practice as well as how it fits within the wider LUX collection. In general the LUX distribution collection is focused on British work, and key international works (although we try not to replicate too much work that is represented through other distributors).

Submitting work
As well as actively looking for new works throughout the year, LUX welcomes unsolicited submissions of British work for possible distribution which have been made in the last 2 years prior to the submission date. PLEASE NOTE WE DO NOT ACCEPT UNSOLICITED SUBMISSIONS FROM NON-UK BASED ARTISTS. To submit work for consideration by the acquisitions panel, please send the following:

· VHS preview tape/ DVD
· Completed submission and equal opportunities form.
· A stamped, self addressed envelope if you wish to have the materials returned.

Download the submission form (Word format, 40k)
Download the submission form (Text only format, 4k)

PLEASE NOTE. LUX cannot be held responsible for work sent to us - do not send master copies.

NEXT DISTRIBUTION PANEL DEADLINE: 30 April 2008

Formats:
We can distribute work on the following formats: 16mm, 35mm, DVCam, BetaSP PAL and Digibeta PAL.

Please note that the selection process may take up to three months; please contact us in advance to find out when the next acquisition panel is being held.

If you have any specific questions concerning submissions please contact us at info@lux.org.uk

Sending
Send submissions to:
NEW ACQUISITIONS
LUX
3rd Floor
18 Shacklewell Lane
London E8 2EZ
UK

FAQ
What does distribution with LUX mean?

If your work is selected for distribution with LUX we will do the following:
· Submit your work to relevant festivals and competitions Worldwide.
· Represent your work to international curators and programmers.
· Act as a sales agent for your work to TV, collections, libraries etc
· Negotiate exhibition and sales fees on your behalf.
· Assist with exhibition negotiations related to the showing of your work.
· Advise you in matters of self-promotion, contracts and technical issues.
· Generally promote your work as part of the LUX collection

What does LUX get out of it?

We are a public-funded organisation with a remit to promote artists' film and video and distribution is a vital part of this work. However this funding does not cover all of our costs and distribution is very labour intensive so we take a percentage of the royalties we generate on your behalf. These break down in the following way - 50% of royalties generated through hires and sales and 33.33% through TV sales and we take no percentage of prizes. Royalties are paid on a yearly basis, but activity reports are available at any time direct from us.

What is the contractual situation?

LUX has a standard contract for each work it distributes. Basically we license the work from you and act as an agent on your behalf, all copyright (and responsibility for copyrights) remains with you. Ideally we seek exclusive distribution rights in the UK (limiting other organisations but not your own activity) and non-exclusive World rights. This is flexible, but it is important, especially with broadcast sales that you keep a good record of all contracts you have entered into.

What do I need to provide?

We can distribute work on the following formats: 35mm, 16mm, Digibeta PAL, BetaSP PAL, DVCam PAL, DVD. Ideally we would need an exhibition print (if one exists), a video submaster (the highest quality possible - broadcast standard if possible), then the following marketing materials: VHS preview tape, work description, work still, short biography and portrait. If relevant it is also very useful to have the following: transcript and music cue sheet.

Will LUX deal with every event on my behalf?

No, we have a list of festivals we deal with on a regular basis, although this is flexible we will use our discretion. As a basic rule we mainly deal with festivals which pay a screening fee or will pay for your travel and accommodation or which offer a high-profile platform for your work. We do not enter work to any event which charges an entry fee. Distribution with LUX is a partnership rather than an exclusive deal, we are not able to do everything but will help you as much as we can.