pr0tag

Not OP, but I work for a film/doc production company that also acts as a sales agent on films. Not saying that this is the only way to distribute films onto a streaming platform, but many times a sales sizzle is created to presell the film (before it is finished) for distribution in territories across the world.

In OP's case, I'm guessing the film was finished before selling. He may have representation at a talent agency who have sales agency contacts or contacts directly with acquisitions at major streaming platforms. The film was likely sent to the acquisitions or a similar department and evaluated in terms of potential market success, then an offer was made and then accepted.

In my experience, there is usually a negotiation period or even bidding-war situations in which we can leverage one offer against another, even if they are for different territories. But, again, in OP's case, I'm guessing Amazon Acquisitions made him an offer and he took it. Likely for just domestic distribution.

OP please feel free to add on if you have any more details you can reveal =)

This would be for rental or purchase - not for streaming. OP's film is streaming, which would require an actual deal with Amazon.

Huh - TIL. Is this via their Prime Video Direct? A model that pays out based on the amount of streams rather than a minimum guarantee?

Have you seen the movie Trade? How accurate are the major motion films on human trafficking?

Thanks for doing this AMA!