NAICS 512120: Motion picture and video distribution
NAICS 512120 is the industry code for motion picture and video distribution. Use it on loan applications, tax forms and registrations. Explore financing for technology and start your application when you are ready.
What 512120 covers
Motion picture and video distribution companies acquire distribution rights to films and shows and license them to theaters, TV networks and streaming services.
Included in this code
- Film distribution
- TV program distribution
- Video library licensing
Not this code
- Film production: see 512110 Motion picture and video production
- Media streaming services: see 516210 Media streaming distribution services, social networks, and other media networks and content providers
- Movie theaters: see 512131 Motion picture theaters (except drive-ins)
Businesses that use 512120
Financing for this trade
Distributors borrow against film libraries and contracted license fees from broadcasters and streamers, often through specialty entertainment lenders. Lenders value the library on its historical cash flow and review minimum guarantees owed to producers.
Apply for funding with AIIs 512120 the right code for a film distributor?
Yes, if you acquire rights to films or shows and license them to theaters, broadcasters or streamers. Producers use 512110, and streaming platforms use 516210. The closest alternatives are 512110 (motion picture and video production) and 516210 (media streaming distribution services, social networks, and other media networks and content providers). Use whichever matches your largest revenue stream, and keep it consistent across tax filings, SBA forms and lender applications.
What is the SBA size standard for 512120?
The SBA size standard for 512120 is $39M in average annual receipts. SBA averages total gross receipts over the last five completed fiscal years and adds in any affiliates under common control. A film distributor at or below that figure counts as small for SBA 7(a) and 504 loans and for federal small business contracts.
How do film distributors get financing?
Lenders advance against contracted license fees and the value of the film library, often with specialty entertainment lenders. Lenders review licensing contracts, collection history and library performance. Businesses within the $39M SBA size standard can also use SBA 7(a) loans of up to $5 million for working capital, equipment or a buyout, and SBA 504 loans for owner occupied buildings.
What does NAICS 512120 cover?
Motion picture and video distribution. Industry level code in NAICS 2022, under 51 Information, 512 Motion picture and sound recording industries, 5121 Motion picture and video industries, 51212 Motion picture and video distribution.
What financing do NAICS 512120 businesses use?
Equipment financing, working capital, SBA loans and invoice factoring are the products placed most for technology businesses. Start an application and the AI matches the deal to lenders that fund this code.
Where do I put NAICS 512120?
On the SBA loan application, on federal Schedule C or Form 1120, on SAM.gov and state registrations, and on most lender applications. A business can report more than one code; use this one if it describes what produces most of your revenue.