1. I decided to pick Warp Films as my film
trailers distributors. I thought this was
appropriate as Warp Films distribute films of
the same genre (Thriller) as mine, for example
such as Dead Man’s Shoes and Exhibit A.
Warp Films is one of the UK’s most critically
acclaimed production and distribution
companies. I learned about Warp Films on my
study day at the BFI. It is a small
independently owned film production and
distribution company based in Sheffield and
London in the United Kingdom – we thought
this was suitable for our film trailer as ours is
a small, independent film and edited on a
small scale independently.
Why I chose Warp Films to distribute
my film trailer
2. I attended an A Level study day called UK Cinema:
Audiences and Insitutions on Wednesday 11th February
at the BFI presented by Matthew Hall. I learned about
distributors Warp and Vertigo. This helped me decide
which distributor would be appropriate for my film
opening. From completing research, as shown below, on
the the distribution of a small independent crowd
sourced film (Tortoise in Love) as well as a Hollywood
blockbuster (The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1), I
learned that distribution is incredibly important in
gaining attention when releasing a film.
Influence of A Level Study Day
3. I found the Warp Films mission statement
on a BBC News article.
4. Warp Films have a very distinct brand identity,
firstly being Northern English with their offices
based in Sheffield they believe that there is a
‘distinctive auteur filmmaking’ market. Artists
come up with ideas, they work for less money but
get a cut of the profit made distributing the film.
Warp prides themselves for distributing ‘artist-
driven content’ with ‘profit participation’ scheme
meaning cast/crew get a share of revenue –
inspiring ‘creative freedom’ and developing talent.
For example they created their first film with TV
and film enthusiast Chris Morris and released a
short BAFA winning film My Wrongs. Due to Warp
having a record label background, they endorse a
‘bedroom producer ethos’ of challenging and
experimental music to be played on their films.
This allows their distribution network to already be
established. Films that are distributed are aimed at
middle ground between ‘arthouse’ and ‘complex’.
Warps Mission Statement
5. What is distribution?
The distribution of a film is a
process that entitles a movie
to be made available to
watched by audiences. This
process is made by a film
distributor.
7. How do distributors raise awareness?
The distribution of a film with the help of film promotion is a necessity in
persuading people to go and watch a film. Technology allows this to be possible,
promoting the film – making synergy persuading people to go and watch a film.
Shown in my presentations of my Case Studies of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay
Part 1 and Tortoise in Love, distributors arrange screenings, DVD rights for films to
be played in cinemas and homes, organize press interviews and coverage of the
films.
A film can be distributed using a variety of different techniques such as through
P&A (Posters and Advertising), films website, social media sites and networks such
as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, cast and crew interviews, premieres and
trailers. I watched tutorials on the FDA website, I learned that trailers shown in
the cinema are the most powerful source of distribution and promotional
technique as they are delivering information/a message to the target audience of
their film. If audiences watch the trailer in the cinema they will be ‘nearly’
experiencing the actual film, proving that my film trailer is a vital part of the
poster and advertising campaign creating a buzz.
8. What research did I do to find out
about distributors?
I completed research on the FDA website. I learned about the steps completed to distribute a
film. For example, once a film has been produced and edited, the film can be distributed. I
learned about the process distributors take before a film is distributed:
1. Distributors discussion their intentions and plans for the distribution of the film with film
makers, producers, cinema exhibitors, PR agencies, publishers and designers.
2. The film company or producer gains rights to start filming the planned storyline from the
script.
3. A finance deal is completed by lawyers and the distributors release a strategy.
4. The chosen distributors screen the proposed film to the exhibitors (cinema companies
such as Odeon, Vue) and settle an agreement whether it is suitable to be shown in
cinemas. The release date is chosen.
5. The marketing campaign to promote the film is started, aiming to create synergy for
connections between the film produced and different ways in which is is promoted.
6. The film is finally printed with an age rating such as 15 or 12A, this is called the BBFC -
British Board of Film Classification. This age rating is presented to cinemas
7. The film is ready for audience to watch and cinemas settle on viewing dates and times
depending on demand, this can be judged on how successful the promotion and
distribution of the film is.
