Distribution involves getting a film to audiences through cinema screenings or home video. The major Hollywood film studios that dominate distribution are Warner Bros, Disney, Universal, Sony, Fox, and Paramount. This psychological thriller film aims at a young adult audience and will be distributed by Sinuous Pictures, allowing for worldwide promotion. Potential third party distributors that could be suitable due to their experience with similar films include Rogue Pictures and Warner Bros. Self-distribution is an option but has disadvantages like greater workload and lower profits compared to using an established distributor. Various marketing strategies like trailers, interviews, billboards and premieres can help generate hype for the film's release.

1. Media institution and
distribution
By Charlotte Wickens

2. What is distribution?
Distribution is the term used to describe the process of getting a
product to the consumers.
In terms of film distribution, that is the way in which a distribution
company gets the film out to the audience. This could be by deciding
where and when it is going to be shown and the marketing strategy
in order to create a hype about the upcoming film. They will also
decide on the release date of the film.
The film could either be exhibited directly to the public through the
cinema route or by home viewing which includes on DVD’s,
download or on demand.
If the company decides to go down the cinema route then they will
have to send the film to the cinemas to get their approval before they
strike a deal.

3. The Big Six film studios of Hollywood
These are the leading film distributor companies in Hollywood
who have distributed all of the big films out there;
 Warner Bros Pictures
 Walt Disney Pictures
 Universal Pictures
 Columbia Pictures
 20th Century Fox
 Paramount Pictures

4. Our film
Our film is a psychological thriller aimed at male and female (more
at females as they tend to watch more psychological thrillers) aged
15-25, although it could appeal to other ages.
The production company used is called Sinuous Pictures and is a
mainstream company so it has a big budget for distributing and
marketing.
This means that we are able to promote it across the world so it
could appeal to not just the UK audience, but also to international
audiences.
I think it could be a hit with other countries purely as we haven’t
tried to make it seem a typical British film, although non-English
speaking countries may not enjoy having to use subtitles so that
may be the downfall.

5. Distribution companies
After carrying out some research on current psychological thrillers
and who distributed them, I found that there are only a limited
range of distributors that would be suitable for our film.
One that could work with us is Rogue Pictures as they have
distributed quite a few thrillers including The Strangers, A Perfect
Getaway and The Unborn. This means they should know how to
promote our psychological thriller film to get it the most publicity.
Another distributor that could work is Warner Bros Pictures.
Although this is the top film distributor out there at the moment
and may be a far stretch, they have distributed a large number of
the psychological thrillers including Copycat, Insomnia and 88
Minutes so they will know what they are talking about and may be
interested in our film.

6. Self-distribution
Although we are looking to work with a film distributor, there are
other options we could take; self-distribution is one.
The positives of us taking that route are that we are able to retain
full control and rights over the film and can make any decisions on
where and when it is shown. The other benefit being that we wont
have to give a cut of the profit to a distributor.
However, there are disadvantages including it being very time-
consuming due to having to chase buyers and filling in paperwork.
It can also limit the options for sales as distributors meaning we
would make less money. We will also have to be careful with all of
the legal aspects.

7. Marketing strategies, release
strategies and exhibition options
All of these strategies will help to give the film publicity and
create hype;
Trailers, behind-the-scenes clips, teasers
Website for the film
Interviews in magazines, newspapers or on TV on major talk
shows
Billboards
Advertisements on buses, popular websites
A premier in a busy location
Publicity stunt
Merchandise
Extras