2. Film Distributors
What happens to a film when the producers and
directors have completed it? Are you going to use
vertical integration? So many films are produced and
distributed by the same company.
3. The Role of Distribution
It’s the take of distributers to identify and deliver the
largest possible audience for the film. There are over 500
films released in the cinemas every year. Research suggests
that most cinema goers know in advance what they are
going to see all because of the promotional marketing
campaign.
4. What do Distributors do?
They have to launch the film into the market place. They create a promotional marketing
campaign, a trailer, press and publicity, posters, interviews, online campaigns etc. They all so
use digital services, free movie downloads, orange (orange Wednesdays).
Producer/company acquires rights to film a story – screenplay is developed by one or more
writers -production finance and cast and crew confirmed - principal photography takes place,
in studios and/or on agreed locations, followed by post production, editing and scoring -
distributor develops a strategory, considers release date, and takes delivery of a master print of
the finished film - distributor presents the film to exhibitors and negotiates bilateral
agreements to have shown in cinemas distributors marketing campaign aims to create a ‘want
to see’ buzz among the target audience and launches the film - film prints including the British
Board of Film Classification certificate are delivered to cinemas a few days before opening -
films run extends any number of weeks subject to demand, which may be augmented by
additional marketing - following its run in cinemas, the film is released in other formats (home
entertainment, television) and quickly becomes a catalogue title.
A typical week sees about 10 new films opening in UK cinemas; however the cinemas choose
which movies they are going to show.
Should you be looking to target 15-25 year olds, or family orientated? Will my movie be an
event film? Or is it going to be specialised for a more discrete audience? Is there any star
power in my cast?
5.
6. Film Production Companies
The production company can be directly responsible
for fundraising for the production or could
accomplish this through an emissary. It sorts out
budgeting, scheduling, scripting, the supply with
talent and resources, and the organisation of staff,
post production and distribution. Companies sell
products to film studios or at a theatrical venue.
