This document discusses film distribution and potential options for distributing a low-budget drama film about an abusive relationship. It provides examples of major film distribution companies and explains that while companies like Columbia Pictures and Twentieth Century Fox have distributed similar drama films in the past, they may not be interested in a low-budget film. As a result, the document suggests exploring smaller distributors and alternative distribution strategies like film festivals and self-distribution on DVD.

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

2. What is distribution?What is distribution?
• Distribution is the highly competitive business of launching and sustaining films in the
market place.
• Distributors of films have the task to identify the largest possible audience for every film.
They also have to identify the target audience and look at why that audience would
want to watch the film. They will also persuade exhibitors to play the film, developing
plan and partnerships to build awareness of and interest in the film and aiming to
convert as much interest as possible in cinema visits.
• To get the film known distributors also have to develop marketing materials such as TV
and radio adverts, posters and trailers of the film. A distributor is an organization that will
represent your organization who handles the theatrical release of a film in a certain
country.

4. Examples of film distribution companiesExamples of film distribution companies
• Dartmouth Films
• E1 Entertainment UK
• Icon Film Distribution
• Lionsgate
• Paramount Pictures
• Pathé Distribution
• Twentieth Century Fox Film Co.
• Univeral Pictures

5. Film distribution companies that may be interested in our filmFilm distribution companies that may be interested in our film
The films we looked at which helped us build up the narrative of our film
and the films we referred to were ‘Enough’ and ‘Sleeping With The
Enemy’. This is because both films involved an abusive partner and both
have the genre of a drama. ‘Enough’ was distributed by Columbia
Pictures, who have distributed other dramas such as ‘Girl, Interrupted’,
‘Rocky Balboa’ and ‘Stand by Me’. ‘Sleeping With The Enemy’ was
distributed by Twentieth Century Fox, who have also distributed other
dramas such as ‘Titanic’ and the ‘The Longest Ride’. As these two film
companies have previously released dramas, both with content of an
abusive relationship, they may be interested in distributing our film, as
that is the narrative of our film.

6. Is your film going to appeal to UK audiences only?Is your film going to appeal to UK audiences only?
• Our film will apply to UK audiences as this is where our film is set and
most of our film is set in a typical English house with British characters
who speak in English. However, just because our film is set in England
and the characters are English, doesn’t mean that audiences outside
the UK won’t be able to relate to our film. This is because our storyline
can affect everyone as abusive relationships occur globally and
many will be able to relate to both our characters, so our film does
have a wider appeal because of this. Audiences are also able to
connect to dramas so this may encourage them to watch the film if
they have ever experience an abusive relationship. However, other
cultures may not be able to understand the language used in our film
so may find it harder to relate to our characters and may not watch
our film due to this.

7. Possible marketing strategies, release strategies andPossible marketing strategies, release strategies and
exhibition optionsexhibition options
As my film was a low-budget film, some of the top distributors such
as Columbia Pictures and Twentieth Century Fox may not want to
consider in distributing my film. Due to this we may have the use
different marketing and release strategies and attend exhibitions to
get my film known and find my own distributor. We will have to look
for a much smaller distributor and due to this, our audience will also
be a lot smaller because of our low-budget.
There are many ways in which I could distribute my film. This could
be done by going to:
•Film festivals – this is could find me a potential buyer for my film
and would also give the opportunity to meet other filmmakers.
•DVD distribution – I could ask one distributor to distribute my film
for me if a deal was to be made or I could self-distribute my film by
using multiple avenues.