The Role and Purpose of Film Distribution

The Role and Purpose of Film Distribution

Film distribution is the process of making a movie available for viewing for an audience. The task usually falls to a professional film distributor who determines the marketing strategy for the film, the media platforms it will be exhibited on and when the release date is etc. The film can be exhibited directly to the public through cinema, television or home viewing including DVD & Blu-Ray, download and social media.

A film distributor is responsible for the marketing of a film. The distributor sets the releases dates and the method by which a film is to be exhibited or made available for viewing. Distribution deals are one of the most important parts of financing a film because without them the film cannot be shown to the audience or put out on DVD etc.

The role of a film distributor is to ensure that as many people as possible go and see a film and make sure that the film is well known internationally whilst also providing audiences with access to the film. Every film has its own distribution plan to ensure that the film is able to reach its target market.

The typical release routine for a film is regulated by business models called “release windows” this keeps different instances of a movie from competing with the other. Allowing the films to take advantage of different markets at different times. A movie is first released through cinemas (theatrical window), then, after approximately 16 and a half weeks it is released to Blu-Ray and DVD (entering its video window). After an additional number of months it is released to Pay TV and VOD services and approximately two years after its theatrical release date, it is made available for free-to-air TV.

Stages of Film Production/Distribution;

1)      Producers, directors & screenwriters begin planning the production.

2)      Production finances and crew are finalised & the production of the film can begin.

3)      Filming starts in studios or on location, once all the footage has been shot the editing stage can begin.

4)      Once production of the film has been finished, distributors can begin work on the film’s release strategy.

5)      The distributors will then secure the screening of the films within cinemas.

6)      The distributor then creates a buzz surrounding the film’s release.

7)      The film along with the disk & classification is delivered to the cinema a few days before the film’s release.

8)      The film then runs for the agreed number of weeks, it may be extended if the film is in high demand.

Film works are intellectual properties & belong to the people/organisations that fund them. Intellectual properties ensure that the film’s creators receive a fair return for their investment. The film’s creators are then able to license the distributors to bring the film to the market.