Film distributors aim to promote films to the largest possible audiences during the crucial first weekend, when 30% of revenues are typically generated. They must consider a film's marketability to its target audience and playability in the market. Strategies include tentpole releases across many screens worldwide for large-budget films or platformed releases in select locations for niche audiences. When developing a film, distributors must determine the intended audience, story appeal, and commercial viability to justify theatrical release costs and risks. Low-budget British films are often distributed by companies that showcase films outside of Hollywood but still deserve public promotion.

1. Film Distribution

2.  The main aim for the film distributors is to promote the film to the LARGEST
audience possible.
 There is huge competition so they must stand out from the other
competition.
 The first weekend in the cinemas can be crucial as it’s normal for a film to
generate 30% of it’s aim over the weekend.

3. Marketability and Playability
 Marketability – how the film can be promoted to it’s
particular audience.
 Playability- how the film actually performs in the market.

4. Different strategies
 Tentpole- this is when a film is shown on more than one screen in a cinema
all over the world. This is mainly for large scale films, Hollywood films,
famous actors/actress appear in it, it has a large fan base and has a very
high budget.
 Platformed- This is when the film is only shown in one location.
 Some films may play on selected screens in London or university towns
because this where local audiences are known to favour these certain film
titles.

5. The process of Film Distribution

6. Questions that you have to take into
consideration
 Who is the audience?
 Who does the film speak to?
 Do the story, characters and situation grip the intended audience?
 Does the film deliver and justify the cost and risk of a theatrical release?
 What sort of audiences have similar films attracted?

7. What to think about when making a
film
 This table contains all the
features that accompany
must consider when
making a film.
 They must try and budget
an appropriate amount for
each section in order to
stay in the selected
budget area.

8. Low budget film makers
 Film4 e.g. Attack the Block and Four Lions
 Vertigo Films e.g. Monsters
 DNA Films
 These are all examples of film distributor companies that distribute the films
that have a low budget and are not Hollywood films but still should be
shown and promoted to the public.

9. Making my film
 My film will be a low budget British film.
 It will be set/based in the local area.
 I will be using English locations because they’re public access and free to
use.
 I will have English accents and English actors/actresses.