Distribution in the industry

Distribution

The distributors job is to being the film to the movie marketplace and distinguish who’s going to watch it, what impact it will have and how are they going to distribute advertisements and publicity. Their target is to deliver the audience to the film and get seen by as many people as possible.

Marketing:

Distributors focus on the USP (Unique selling point) also known as the hook of the film. This is focused mainly the cast and the genre. The genre is crucial to identify the film for the audience.

Research:

The most frequent cinema goers are family groups and 15 – 25 year olds. The release date of a film is quite hard because depending on when it is release there will be competition. Blockbusters are shown around the summer time because that is when most people are enjoying their holidays and have a lot of leisure time.

Previews of the film are show to a select number of people and questionnaires are handed out to question people on their opinion of the film and general music taste. This then can be interpreted to come up with the perfect marketing hook for distributors. The budget spent on the marketing is worked out through guessing and experience. When making and releasing a film it’s a lot like gambling. Normally 25% - 30% of the budget is spent on marketing.

Publicity:

Publicity and advertising involves three sections:

 

1)      Advertising through the general media such as posters, flyers, TV and newspapers

2)      Production Cost – The cost it will take produce the advertisements

3)      Promotions – Premier of the film and big stars promoting it at conventions and festivals.