Film distribution involves making movies available for audiences to watch. Distributors must identify and deliver the largest possible audience for each film, despite competition from other entertainment options. Factors distributors consider include competition from other films, the type of event or audience a film targets, and star power. Films are released through either saturation releases nationwide on many screens or more specialized releases initially in select cities. Major film distribution companies in the UK include Paramount Pictures UK, Universal Pictures UK, and 20th Century Fox Film Co. Ltd.

1. FILM DISTRIBUTION
Harley Killingsworth

2. W H AT I S F I L M D I S T R I BU T I O N ?
 Film distribution is where the movie (in my case opening sequence) is made available
to watch for an audience. It is the job of distributors in the UK to identify and deliver the
largest possible audience for every film. This is no small task, particularly when so many
other entertainment options are available inside and outside of the home. And that’s in
addition to the 500 or more titles released in UK cinemas every year.

3. T H E P RO C E S S
This is the process of film distribution and what happens before
you see the film yourself. How the film develops to get to the
cinema stage etc.

4. W H AT FAC T O R S D O D I S T R I BU T O R S
TA K E I N T O AC C O U N T W H E N
DEVELOPING THEIR RELEASE
PLANS?
 •COMPETITION is the most important factor. Which films are other
distributors likely to release at the same time or during the following weeks –especially
those targeted at a similar target audience? Are the most appropriate films for this film
available and likely to be offered?
 •
Event is it a big blockbuster film or specialised film for more discrete audiences
for certain people.
 Star Power do they have any big name actors or a director which will attract
people to watch the film.

5. T Y P I C A L BU D G E T
C O N S I D E R AT I O N S F O R
D I S T R I BU T I N G A N D P RO M O T I N G A
NEW FILM

6. DIFFERENT RELEASES
 Saturation release – Where you release the film and it will be shown on screens
nationwide, on multiple screens in one cinema complex. Films that take this route usually
have big stars in which means they will attract a wide audience across the country. Or
large sequels with big budgets.
 Specialised release - . Initially the film may play in selected screens in London
and some university towns where local audiences are known to favour such titles before
touring more widely over the following weeks. These could be foreign language films or a
revived classic.

7. F I L M D I S T R I BU T I O N C O M PA N I E S
 Paramount Pictures UK, Universal Pictures UK and 20th Century
Fox Film Co. Ltd are all major film distributors throughout the UK
and distribute fantastic, high budget films.