Film Distribution and Marketing

What is meant by the term film distribution?

Film distribution is the process of making a movie available for viewing by an audience.

What does a film distributor do?

A film distributor is a company or individual responsible for the marketing of a film. UK distributors obtain the film they release from one or more various sources: a third party sales agent, a continuous flow of new content from a parent studio, a studio or production company with whom the distributor has negotiated an output deal covering a slate of titles, or a single title acquired at any stage before, during or after production.

How does reach relate to film distribution?

The reach is about letting the audience know about the film before the release, this is achieved through marketing and advertising, for example bill-boards, TV adverts, radio adverts, promotional offers etc. If the reach is very good and high it will improve the chances of creating a blockbuster.

What is meant by the distribution plan?

The distributor will set up a plan with the producers/studio, they will discuss how to maximize their chances of profit, this could include deciding up on a release date for the film.

What is meant by the marketing plan?

A marketing plan is a document that states what the organizations intends to accomplish; this plan will be very specific and will help the organization achieve its goals.

What is the difference between advertising, publicity and promotion?

Advertising is bringing a product (or service) to the attention of potential and current customers. Advertising is focused on one particular product or service. Therefore an advertising plan for one product might be very different than that for another product. Promotion keeps the product in the minds of the customer, it involves on-going advertising and publicity, the on-going activities of advertising, sales and public relations are often considered aspects of promotions. Publicity is mention in the media. Organizations usually have little control over the message in the media, at least, not as they do in advertising. Regarding publicity, reporters and writers decide what will be said.