1. What Kind Of Media
Institution Might
Distribute Your Media
Product and Why?
2. The Media Product Itself
For our AS level, we created an opening sequence to a
film, as well as a title sequence for an independent, low
budget British film.
Our film was call ‘Hunted’.
This consisted of a heavy planning stage beforehand, a
lengthy process of filming, and then spending hours in
post production.
Our film is a crime thriller, inspired by other crime
thrillers such as ‘Se7en’.
3. Before making this, I did some research into UK film
distribution to learn what institution would be best for
our film.
In November of 2016, as part of my research, we took a
trip to London to visit the British Film Institution. Whilst
here, we learnt plenty of things which would help us out
when creating our own films.
As part of our AS level, we had to create an ident for
our film producer.
4. C&M Productions
Charlie and I created our own production company,
called ‘C&M Productions’ which would make our film
‘Hunted’
We created our own ident too in order to show clearly
who produced the film. See below:
https://youtu.be/vupbu-7vwx4
5. Studio Canal
Studio Canal could possibly the distributor of my film.
Some films they have distributed in the past include:
- Brighton Rock (2010)
- Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011)
Both of these films have themes of crime within them,
with sub genres such as spy films and cops, therefore since
my film is a crime thriller, it would suit it to be distributed
by Studio Canal
6. Studio Canal has established a ‘reputation for an innovative
approach to distribution’, as they ‘work collaboratively with
our film makers to achieve the best possible results’.
Studio Canal is a European independent company which aims
to launch an international multi-quadrant franchise outside of
the studio system. Therefore, If I were to distribute my film
with them, it has a higher chance of gaining more popularity
because it isn’t just a British distributing company.
However, whilst the above points are good factors for my
film, I’d need to keep my film at a low budget
7. Studio Canal is experienced with distribution as it has
distributes over 50 films a year.
If my film were to be distributed by them it has a higher
chance of success because of its experience, they know
what they’re doing.
8. Working Title
A British Film Company, which would relate to my film
itself being set in Britain
My film is low budget, and what’s good about working
title Is that they’re ‘committed to low budget films with
new writers.’ Since I am a new writer it would work
well with their aims.
9. In the past they have distributed films such as ‘Baby
Driver’ (2017), a crime as well as thriller film, ‘Legend’
(2015) and ‘Contraband’ (2012).
The many crime thriller films they have produced means
it would be fitting to distribute with them since my film
is a crime thriller
10. Cinema distributor
If I were to distribute my film through cinema, I would
choose working title. They are solely based on lower
budget films, and studio canal have produced films with
a much higher budget, e.g. £55 million for Paddington
bear.
11. Film 4
Film 4 distributes their films through TV
They offer a platform for independent cinema on
terrestrial television because they commit to
show a film 4 production on both sistering
channels: channel film 4 and channel 4.
There are aims to develop British talent which is
new to the industry.
12. BBC
The British Broadcasting Channel (BBC) is
focused on British television, which would be
good if I was to distribute my film through TV
since it’s a British film.
They host a variety of different films on their
slate
They develop new talent after focusing on
independent British film makers.
13. TV Distributing
If I were to distribute on TV, I would choose the BBC. After
thinking about my target audience of younger people (15-29)
it would fit better, as more people watch the BBC than film 4
because it’s the channel that has to be paid for.
Also, they are heavily focused on British films and after
looking at the aims of both channels, the BBC focus more on
new film makers and help develop their talent, which is
fitting for me.
Whilst the BBC has several channels, it isn’t as focused on
showing films on all of them unlike channel 4 who show films
on both sistering channels, but this can be overcome by
showing repeats.
14. Social Media
In the new age of films, distributing can be done in
more ways than one. Social media is now an option.
15. Facebook
Per day, face book has 890 million active users, which
means if I were to share my film through Facebook,
there would be many people there to watch my film.
It is a good idea for a low budget film as it is easily
shared
Whilst there are many users on Facebook, 60% of users
belong in the age category of 35+, which doesn't’t fit
our target audience demographic.
Facebook is a good way of sharing things, as you can
share things with your friends which means my film
would be seen by more people.
16. Youtube
Youtube is another visable option for distributing my film.
It is a world wide website that reaches more 18-34 and 18-49
year olds than any cable network in the U.S.
This fits better with my target audience demographic
It is very easy to share content on Youtube, which would
mean it is a good way to distribute my film. It would also
receive ad revenue.
If I were going to distribute my film through social media, I
would choose Youtube because it fits my audience
demographic better and it is a very popular social networking
site, being the third popular site in the world. It is also the
most popular choice for low budget films.
17. If I had an older target audience, I would choose
Facebook over Youtube because of the popularity and
age range.
18. DVD
Sharing the film via DVD means it saves costs on advertising
and distribution, as my film is a low budget film it works well
Although, it isn’t always best for budding film makers as they
take advantage of the profit made
Often self distribution is easier than going through a
distribution company because it is sometimes hard to strike a
deal with a reputable company, especially when it’s low
budget film.
With DVDs (self distribution) you can sell them to family and
friends and receive word of mouth publicity, as well as
advertising and selling on websites such as ebay and amazon.
19. The problem with using DVDs however to distribute your
film is that It may prove harder to make a profit
opposed to distributing through a company.
A way money can be lost is if too many DVDs are made
and they don’t sell well.