Film distribution is the third part of the film supply chain and involves releasing and sustaining a film in the marketplace. There are two main methods of distribution - making the audience aware through advertising, and getting the film to the audience. Common ways to make the audience aware include social media advertising, print/TV advertising, local newspapers, and word of mouth. Popular methods to get the film to the audience are through YouTube/specialist websites or in cinemas. Each method has advantages and disadvantages in terms of audience reach and cost.

2. What is film distribution?
 Film distribution is recognised as the 3rd
part of the film supply chain. This is one of
the most important parts of the film
process, as this is where the film comes to
life. Distribution consists of releasing and
sustaining a film in a market place. In the
UK distribution is more focussed on local
market places. The two main methods of
distribution are split up into two sub-
categories ‘Making the audience aware’
and ‘Getting the film to an audience’.

3. Social Media Advertising
 This is a way of making your audience
aware of your film. This includes
advertising on social media websites such
as Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Therefore making it easier for your
audience to see it depending on their
media preferences. An advantage of this is
the fact that you can target your target
audience directly. However a disadvantage
is that not all of your target audience may
have these social network accounts.

4. Print media and TV advertising
 Both of these methods involve creating an
advert either on TV or in magazines,
posters etc… This is useful to target a wide
target audience rather than a smaller one
because it is more likely that a lot of people
will see these kind of advertisements. The
advantages of this method is that a wide
range of people are able to see these
advertisements. However this is not
guaranteed as some of your audience may
not have a TV for example. This method is
also very costly.

5. Local Newspaper and ‘Word of
Mouth’
 These two methods are on a much smaller
scale of advertising. This is a good way of
advertising to a small target audience, for
example people who share interests in my
film will be able to share any information.
Making it easier to make the audience
aware. Local newspapers are a good idea
because many people read them and they
are cheaper than magazines. However no
one in my target audience is likely to read a
local newspaper.

6. YouTube/Specialist
websites
 This is one of the main methods of getting
my film to the desired target audience. It
means making my film available for my
audience to buy and watch online rather
than go elsewhere. An advantage of this is
that people may find it more convenient
and much less expensive to be able to
view the film in the comfort of their own
home. However a disadvantage is that not
all of my target audience will be able to
access it or they may miss out on the full
experience of a cinema.