By Katherine Gill

A film distributor is often an independent company, subsidiary company or on occasions an individual; who acts as a final agent between the film production company and exhibitor, to the end of securing placement of the producer’s film on the exhibitor’s screen. They advertise the film, possibly setting release dates for the film and how it shall be shown/made available for watching e.g. video on demand (VOD), TV, DVD/blu-ray and download. Distributors do this independently only if they own theatres to do so. FILM DISTRIBUTOR

The distributors main objective is the convince the exhibitor to buy a film. In order to do this they may take certain action by organizing industry screenings for exhibitors and use marketing skills that would make the exhibitor want to show the film and make a profit from the film. After this the distributor will: Secure a written contract (specifying amount of gross ticket sales to be paid to the distributor) Collect the money Review the exhibitor’s ticket sales Secure the distributors share, and give the remaining profit to production company FILM DISTRIBUTOR

Film distributors must also ensure that: Enough film prints are made to accommodate the exhibitors. On the day of opening, they need to make sure the film is delivered Observe exhibitors to check everything is in order. Collect the film back from the exhibito’rs on the day of closing. When distributors are given foreign films, they’re responsible for subtitling the film and also have consent to show the film to the exhibitors. UK distributors are responsible for delivering the biggest possible audience for a film, which is usually a difficult task due to competing forms of entertainment. FILM DISTRIBUTOR

In the film business, the term Distribution refers to the marketing and circulation of movies in cinemas and home viewing(DVD, download, TV etc) Typically a movie is released in a cinema then afterwards it is released on DVD. When a movie is available in a variety of different places (cinema, internet, DVD) it is called a simultaneous release and the advantage is that it goes to a mass amount of people. Because of the enormous amount of cost in money and time involved in distribution, a distributor must feel confident that they will make a sufficient return on their investment. Having the backing of a major film studio, cast or director is bound to boost the chances of securing a good distribution deal. Independent filmmakers often use film festivals as an opportunity to get the attention of distributors. WHAT IS FILM DISTRIBUTION?

FILM DISTRIBUTION PROCESS This is a vertical version of the film distribution process. Vertigo films is a good exmaple of this process.

DISTRIBUTION OF BOX OFFICE RECEIPTS

A films first weekend in a cinema is vital for further success as most films gain at least 30% of its box office earnings via the first 3 days in cinema, showing why marketing is important. Film distributors must think about: Who does the film speak to? Whos the audience? Do the story/characters/situations attract the audience? What sort of audiences have similar films attracted lately? Competition-what films being released at same time with a similar target audience? Event blockbusters and specific films attract differet audiences Star power-what actors? Directors? Cast members? These factors depend whether 1-2 films are released a year or WHAT TO THINK ABOUT

Different releases are done in different ways. Blockbusters may open simultaneously on 1000 screens UK-wide playing on 2 or more screens at a cinema. Examples of these films are large scale sequels and star lead holiday releases. These films require big audiences masses that are eager to see the film at the earliest time available. FILM RELEASES

Films that are re-released or foreign films may consist of 25 or less prints. Films may appear on selected screens in London to appealing audiences. Films are barely put out in one area before expanding. London’s population contribute for almost a quarter of UK cinema admissions. People decide to view films for different reasons. Older people may like things advertised in the newspaper or on TV whereas younger audiences may prefer films to be advertised via radio or internet. Internet is one of the key ways to advertise a film and brings in a lot of social media attention for a film. MARKETING

Founded in 2002, vertigo films is a British vertically integrated film distributor, responsible for the film ‘Monsters’. They were made to create and distribute commercially-driven independent cinema. In 2010 they set up PFXE, a 3D facilities company with the aim to create European 3D films to combat other 3D films in Hollywood. An example is StreetDance 3D VERTIGO FILMS