2. The distribution of a film (or
movie) is the process
through which a movie is
made available to watch
for an audience by a film
distributor. This task may be
accomplished in a variety
of ways.
3. Before anything happens somebody has to come
up with an idea for the film and a marketing plan.
They create the outline for the film and use it to
promote interest in it.
A studio or independent investor decides to invest
in the film to buy credits for it.
The final cut for the film is completed and sent to
the studio.
The studio then makes a licensing agreement with
a distribution company.
4. Distributor seeks people willing to exhibit the film.
The distributors and directors then look at the potential profit
and target audience for the film. The certification is also agreed.
Certification is carried out by the BBFC in the UK.
They then make a rough amount of copies of the film depending
on how many audience members the predict to target.
The distribution company shows the movie (screening) to
prospective buyers representing the theatres.
The buyers negotiate with the distribution company on which
movies they wish to lease and the terms of the lease agreement.
5. The prints are sent to the theatres a few days before the opening
day.
The theatre shows the movie for a specific number of weeks, this
is otherwise known as engagement. The opening weekend is
usually the few days that make the most money.
You as the audience then buy a ticket at the theatre or cinema to
watch the film.
At the end of the engagement, the theatre sends the print back
to the distribution company and makes payment on the lease
agreement.
Once this has been done, the production company will be able to
see exactly how much profit they have made so far. If it was
successful the film may be released on DVD/Blue Ray
