In a Housekeeping deal, what is the distributor providing?

• A. The distributor covers the producer's overhead costs in exchange for getting pitched all the producer's projects.
• B. The distributor provides only development money.
• C. The producer receives the rights to all his works.
• D. The producer must pay a fee for development.

Answer: (A)

A housekeeping deal is an arrangement where a distributor or production company funds a producer’s ongoing overhead and development work in exchange for being pitched all of that producer’s projects. In practice, the distributor covers the producer’s operating costs so they can develop projects, and in return the distributor earns the right to review or obtain the producer’s ideas and pitches. This setup gives the producer steady support while giving the distributor access to a steady stream of material. It isn’t about handing over rights to all works, nor about the producer paying for development; it’s about the distributor funding the producer’s overhead in return for first look or exclusive development rights to the producer’s slate.