Film Distribution

Film Distribution

What is meant by the term film distribution?

This is essentially what happens when a film is released, in order for it be make a profit to be made it has to be shown in different places (often times, in multiple countries), so the film is spread or distributed across the world.

What does a film distributor do?

The film distributor is the who makes the choices about where the film will be show, the distribution company determines how many copies (prints) of the film to make. The distribution company shows the movie (screening) to prospective buyers representing the theatres. The buyers negotiate with the distribution company on which movies they wish to lease and the terms of the lease agreement. The prints are sent to the theatres a few days before the opening day. The theatre shows the movie for a specified number of weeks (engagement).

How does reach relate to film distribution?

Reach means how many media platforms the film is promoted and advertised on. This all comes down to finances, in order to advertise a film on large media platforms such as social networking sites, billboards, TV trailers, etc. It is very expensive, but advertisements to a larger audience also increase the potential viewers. this all comes down to being a balancing act, too much money can't be spent on it because it will make it harder to make a profit, but not enough advertising and people won't know about the film.

What is meant by the marketing plan?

The marketing plan is the overall action that the film distributor will take to get the film out there and noticed. This can e very detailed and often include all of the times, places, types and amount of times that the film will be advertised, whether by trailer, poster, on-line ad etc. This will also include when they start, stop and money spent on advertising the film.

What is meant by the distribution plan?

Much like the marketing plan this will be very detailed, but will have information about the film itself, more specifically when and where it will be shown, for example; what countries, what times and for how long until the screenings stop.

What is the difference between advertising, publicity and promotion?

Advertising costs the company money, it is what the film distributors will do to get publicity. Publicity is something that a company will receive whether they want it or not, and they don't pay for it. A company can control advertising, while they cannot control publicity. Publicity also may not necessarily be good, but it's still publicity. Finally promotion is something the company will do to support and encourage the film, such as advertising, interviews with the director and film stars among other things.

Scream 4, was distributed by Entertainment Film Distributors, on the opening weekend there were 3305 screenings across America. It was released in 54 countries between the 11th April and 8th July.

Teaser Poster                                         Official Poster

                                                           Teaser Trailer

         Official Trailer