This document discusses film distribution and options for distributing an independently produced thriller film called "Vani[she]d". It analyzes different distribution companies and recommends Altitude as a good fit since they distribute similar genre films. Self-distribution is also considered but deemed not suitable due to the benefits distribution companies provide in marketing and gaining awareness for a film. Effective social media marketing is identified as important for reaching the target 16-24 year old audience.

1. What kind of media institution
might distribute your media
product and why? (Task 3)
Sophie Dixon

2. What is Distribution?
Distribution is the way something is shared among a certain
group or area (of people). In regards to film distribution,
it the process of marketing and advertising the film. It is
the point of contact between the producer and the exhibitor.
In order for the film to be successful there needs to be an
effective marketing strategy and distribution campaigns. The
Distributors are important in making the success of the film
possible.
(This image is found from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Film_distribution)

3. Examples of Distribution Companies
Different distribution companies are needed for different
types of films as they target different audiences.A
Distribution company is a business that is in charge of
promoting a film and allowing it to reach its audience
successfully. Some examples of mass distribution companies
are; 20th Century Fox, Lionsgate,Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer(MGM),
Momentum Pictures and Paramount pictures.These film
distributors have funding and popularity to target the mass
market e.g. some films that they have distributed include The
Narnia Series. Some more independently owned films are
distributed by companies such as Dogwoof (who distribute
cinema documentaries)and Altitude (who distribute indie
films).

4. Our Film- Compare my film to the type of films the distribution companies
have released before – are any of them likely to be interested in your film?
We would class our film of Vani[she]d as a low budget independently produced film, that has a more
niche appeal of aged 16-24 year olds and possibly slightly higher. This film is for both male and
female audiences as from our primary research we conducted we realized that the common gender that
watch the genres of Thriller is more or less 50% each way (Pearl and Dean Website). Our audience is
different to the High concept Hollywood Blockbusters as our audience has specific interests and in
regards to psychographics, the audience are classed as explorers as they are thrill seekers and
have curious natures. We believe we have created a piece that could engage them. We need a
distribution company that looks at communication of this through social media and newspaper
articles etc. Altitude is a vertically integrated company that focuses more on film distribution.
They distribute a mixture of film genres including action, thrillers and horror. This shows that
they have experience in all different types of film. An example of a film that they distributed is
‘The Girl with all the Gifts’. The films narrative overall is completely different to that of
‘Vani[she]d’ as it is based around Dystopia. In the film there are different representations of
teenage girls. In “The Girl with all the Gifts” the female character is predominantly strong
whereas in our film the young girl is represented as vulnerable and weak. When reading the synopsis
i can see that during the film the girl shows elements of weakness as well as she has to be rescued
from the zoombies by a male character, so our character representations aren’t completely
different. However it targets the similar audience and is the genre of a Thriller. Also the film
company, of Altitude is independant, similar to our independently produced film so it values and
ways of completing tasks are very similar and we think could benefit us. This means it is more
likely distribute our film for us, with success.

5. Is your film going to appeal to UK audiences only? Or
does it have a wider appeal? Why? Why not?
Our film appeals to the UK market, of male and female. They are aged 16-24 year olds and
have inquisitive and curious personalities so are instantly intrigued by our opening
sequence. Our film targets a UK market only. The demand internationally is on a smaller
scale as there is less recognition based upon the smaller production company of “REVOLVE
PRODUCTIONS”. The production of ‘Vani[she]d’ as a independent film means only a smaller
proportion of the UK film will know its existence and be able to have an interest. Our
film has a lack of star names and intense special effects which is a main factor that is
used for promotion so this will detract the mass audience.
Lastly as our film is set in a suburban town in the UK, so culturally only uk citizens can
identify with the certain locations and situations in the film, especially the younger
generations and in different countries there is different ideologies of e.g. school and
police authorities so not everyone will relate and understand the narrative fully. This
means that it won’t fit in with the high concept model of a film.

6. Possible marketing strategies, release strategies and
exhibition options
Creating effective marketing campaigns means the ‘buzz’ of the film is dramatically increased which
means it is likely to do better on its opening weekend. Ways to reach the audience are TV, Radio,
Social media, Film festivals, etc.
Low budget art house films have to take a different approach to distribution.The characteristics of
an art house film is that the narrative is character driven and less dependant on stars and special
effects. This is shown in Vani[she]d as Sarah-Rose is the character who is followed around
throughout the film and no star vehicles are used. As our film is an art house film, the most
important part of the distribution campaign will be based around online promotion that leads to
word of mouth. We intend to this using social media. We will use viral marketing, via social media.
Social media attracts a lot of attention as young people (our specific audience) use it everyday
such as twitter and instagram. Tweets and adverts can give immediate attention to an audience
without them intending to view it. There is a higher guarantee of the audience seeing our adverts.
In addition another strategy could be via TV channels that screen thrillers and horrors as the
audience will be there. This would be more for a blockbuster though as it is quite expensive.
Lastly film festivals could be a good way to introduce to film critics and others audience
surrounding the existence of your film and depending on its popularity, will mean some independant
cinemas might want to showcase it. However this is very difficult to achieve as there is such high
competition.

7. Continued
Some films use online streaming to gather an audience and are exhibited there. Some
websites for independent film streaming is ‘Flix’. On the other hand usually the
conglomerates have access to a wider audience as cultural ideas in their films are
generalized and narratives suit more people. This means that hollywood blockbusters can be
reached on websites such as Netflix, which exhibit mass films.
Having a good distribution campaign can lead to word of mouth which is the biggest, in my
opinion way of generating popularity as people are likely to take advice from
friends/families rather than a complete stranger. Lastly there is a possibility of
distributing a film and winning awards, so at awards ceremonies people will become more
aware of the film leading to increased viewing.

8. Self-distribution– pros and cons
Self distribution is is when you create a way of advertising
your film yourself, rather than having a film distributor.
There are many good and bad things surrounding this
including:
Pros Cons
Cheaper (in short term) Doesn’t always work
Social Media is free and easy to use (most
common platform in modern times)
Harder to get awareness of film (only you)
If you self distribute your film there is a chance to hire
helpers which in the long run becomes a lot cheaper than having
a film distributor/ company. You need to have a lot of
dedication in order to be successful as it takes a longer time
to gain awareness. For Vani[she]d i don think this would be
suitable.