FILM DISTRIBUTION

What is a film distributor?

A film distributor is a company or individual responsible for the marketing of a film. The distributor may set the release date of a film and the method by which a film is to be exhibited or made available for viewing: for example, directly to the public either

theatrically or for home viewing (DVD, video-on-demand, download, television programs through broadcast syndication etc.). A

distributor may do this directly, if the distributor owns the theatres or film distribution networks, or through theatrical exhibitors and

other sub-distributors. A limited distributor may deal only with particular products, such as DVDs or Blu-ray, or may act in a

particular country or market.

1) The producer/company acquires rights to film a story or treatment.2) Screenplay is developed by one or more writers.3) Production finance and cast and crew are confirmed.4) Principal photography takes place in studios and/or on agreed locations, followed by some months of post production, editing and scoring.5) Distributor develops a release strategy, considers release date, and takes delivery of master print of the finished film.6) Distributor presents the film to exhibitors and negotiates bilateral agreements to have it shown in cinemas.7) Distributors marketing campaign aims to create a ‘want to see’ buzz among the target audience and launches the film.8) Film prints/disks including British Board of Film Classification certificate are delivered to cinemas a few days before opening.9) Film’s run extends any number of weeks subject to demand, which may be augmented by additional marketing. 10) Following its run in cinemas, the film is released in subsequent windows (home entertainment, television) and quickly becomes a category title.

Case study: film 4Film4 was started in 1982 as Film4 Productions, a film production company owned by Channel Four Television Corporation and has been responsible for backing a large number of films made in the United Kingdom, and around the world.

Film4 did not originally focus on broadcasting blockbusters, but nowadays broadcasts many mainstream Hollywood films. The channel frequently has themed nights or seasons in which a number of films centered around one genre, director or actor are shown. As Channel 4 also owns a film production company, Film4 Productions, it shows many of its in-house productions.