This document discusses distribution options for an independent film. It explains that an independent film would likely be distributed by an independent film company rather than a major Hollywood studio due to its lower budget. The document suggests that Fox Searchlight Pictures could be a suitable distributor as they have distributed similar psychological thriller films in the past. It proposes marketing the film through an online campaign on social media platforms and a platform release strategy in key areas initially.

1. TASK 3
WHAT KIND OF MEDIA INSTITUTION MIGHT DISTRIBUTE YOUR MEDIA PRODUCT AND WHY?
By Lauren Bullough

2. WHAT IS DISTRIBUTION?
Distribution is the process of when the films are being distributed to their audience and is
usually accompanied by when, how and how much money the production wants to spend
to get their film promoted.
For example, if the film is aimed at a young audience it is better for the film to come out in
the summer or within a half term, as more children would be able to go as they are not at
school. Then the production has to decide what kind of promotions they want to use during
their distribution, such as, TV, radio, trailers, posters, billboards, premieres, interviews,
press previews, etc. However, this all depends on whether how much money the production
company can afford to spend. Also, the films are distributed differently depending on
whether they are a big Hollywood film or a smaller US or UK film.

3. BIG HOLLYWOOD FILMS
• Usually distributed by the same production company.
• They will have a massive marketing campaign by using
TV, radio, posters, premieres, cast interviews, press
previews; and most films nowadays have a huge
online campaign.
• The marketing budget is often the same cost as the
cost of the films production.
• It is preferred that they release the film on as many
screens across the country as the same time; this
strategy is called, 'saturation release.'
• There may be only be one or two sources of funding;
from the producers/production company.

4. LOW BUDGET/INDEPENDENT FILMS
• Low budget films have to find their own distributor. They often do this by attending Film
Festivals.
• They cannot afford expensive promotions, such as, TV adverts or billboards. So, they use the
internet and posters.
• Their release strategy is also different. A copy of the film is very expensive, so they often just
show the film at one or two screens in key areas in the country, such as London, and hope that
positive reviews will enable them to afford a wider release later. This release strategy is called,
'Platform' release.
• Often independent distributors specialise in particular genres or styles.
• British filmmakers can look to various sources for funding. However, funding is scarce as most
British films fail to make any money. Such as, the government is limited to give the film company
up to 30% of their budget or the lottery, which is made available through the UK film and the
budget would £20 million; which would then be replaced by the BFI (British Film Institute).
• As for this several different investors common with low budget independent films.
• However, if the film was to get funded by a American Major Company they would need a Big
name in the film, such as, a well-known director or based on a popular book, etc.

5. EXAMPLES OF DIFFERENT DISTRIBUTION COMPANIES.
Big Hollywood Film Companies Independent Film companies

6. OUR OPENING SEQUENCE
• We have tried to produce a film opening sequence that is
a psychological thriller.
• We researched the film, The Black Swan, which was
distributed by Fox Searchlight Pictures. They usually
make independent films, from film festivals. Such as, Me,
Earl and the Dying girl, the wrestler, etc. They also
distribute varied films of these films. However, the black
swan is to be the 4th on their top
50, http://www.flickchart.com/Charts.aspx?franchise=183
&perpage=50 .
• So, in my opinion I think that our film could also be
distributed by Fox Searchlight Pictures, as our film is
a psychological thriller like some of their films, and yet
unique to other films they have made.

7. OUR AUDIENCES
• In my opinion, I think that our film would appeal to audiences in the UK. This is because
most independent films are only shown in a few different areas, until the profit from the
film raises and can be shown in more places; such as a few places worldwide.
• I think that it would have a wider appeal to more audiences worldwide, such as
teenagers, as our cast our teenagers the audience will be able to relate more to them.
• Although, in my opinion I think that the kind of media institute that will produce our film
would be by an independent film company. This is because of the camera angles,
location and lighting is conventional to independent style of films.

8. OUR POSSIBLE MARKETING STRATEGIES
• We have already uploaded our film opening on YouTube, so that we can link it to our
journals but also the distributors can view these on our channels. Also, this could
have a similar effect as the film festivals.
• So, as a independent distribution company we could use the, Platform release
strategy.
• Moreover, as a part of the marketing campaign, to make promotions like; Posters,
interviews with the cast and crew, an Online campaign – through social medias, such
as, Twitter, Facebook, etc. Also if we have enough budget we could, make TV
adverts, create a film trailer, etc.

9. SELF DISTRIBUTION?
• Self distribution, is where you physically have to
distribute the film, to try and sell the film
independently. Which is often common in the majority
of indie films. Moreover, the easiest way to do this is
to pitch your film at a film festival and hope that it gets
noticed by a company.
• In my opinion it is very difficult to do self distribution
and would be difficult to get the attention of our target
audience. This is because not many teenagers go to
the film festivals to see the film ideas. Also, as there
are many films competing at film festivals to is very
difficult as you all want to have your film recognised by
a film company to further distribute your film.