Task 10

Why is distribution key? The following will explain why.

Intro what is film distribution?

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

What is the distributor's role?

A distributor is an intermediary entity between a the producer of a product and another entity in the distribution channel or supply chain, such as a retailer, a value-added re-seller (VAR) or a system integrator (SI). The distributor performs some of the same functions that a wholesaler does but generally takes a more active role.

What's a distribution plan?

A plan created by the management of a manufacturing business that specifies how the firm intends to transfer its products to intermediaries, retailers and end consumers. Larger companies involved in making products will usually also put together a detailed production distribution strategy to guide its entry into its intended market.

What's a P + A budget?

This is called a print and advertising budget. It is the budget a distribution company would use for marketing.

What is the average distribution cost for a big six film?

The average cost of $51 million.

What does the distribution budget include?

The plan a distributor would make when considering how to market the film. They would consider audience and genre along with marketing techniques.

What is a simultaneous release?

Simultaneous Release is the name given to an experimental new method of making movies available to consumers. Traditionally, movies are released first in cinemas. A DVD release follows some months later.

What are some main distribution companies?

Columbia Pictures - Headquarters: Culver City, California, United States
Universal Pictures - Headquarters: Orlando, Florida, United States
Paramount - Headquarters: Hollywood, California, United States
Warner Bros - Headquarters: Burbank, California, United States
20th Century Fox - Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, United States
Walt Disney - Headquarters: Burbank, California, United States

What do you think is the link between audiences and distribution?

A distributor has to highly consider audience when marketing the film. If the advertisements aren't going to reach the target audience then no one will be able to see the film.

Define target market audience? What's audience positioning? 

The target audience is a particular group at which a product such a film or advertisement is aimed. There is a different target audience according to the genre or story of the film. (e.g. The target audience for romance films are usually young females).
All media text have a series of encoded signs and messages, the audiences then decode these messages. The different audiences then will decode these messages differently. media texts and the film industries are aware of their audiences they are trying to reach out to.

Why is the release date crucial?

People want to release films around the same time as holidays and school breaks so that children will go and see there film in this period. Batman Vs Superman was released on Good Friday which is good as it allowed people to go and watch the film throughout the Easter holidays.

What is self distribution?

People who distribute film themselves by handing out leaflets and advertising online for free by themselves.

go to www.launchingfilms.com and have a look at the different ways a film can be released (saturated etc) and give a couple of examples