Planning and Distribution

 The Distributor

• The film distributor is the company or individual responsible for the release of a film whether it be a DVD release or a TV release. A distributor may do this directly or through theatrical exhibitors. If the distributor is working with a theatrical exhibitor then they will secure a written contract for the amount of gross ticket sales which will go to the distributor. The distributor must also make sure enough film prints are struck to service all contracted exhibitors for the agreed opening day, ensure that the film is physically delivered to the exhibitors and also make sure that the film is shown in the correct sized screen with the minimum number of seats agreed. In addition to this the exhibitor must also keep to the agreed showing times and return the prints' are returned at the agreed date/time.

PLANNING A RELEASE

• When planning the release of a film it is important to understand how and when the film will be released. The distributors must also gauge the audience for each film taking into account through use of market knowledge, self-judgement and statistical research. Although having a main target audience they must think about attracting a wider audience.
• Distributors must also take into account the following:

                - Are there any films in the same category being released the same week?

                - What stars/celebrities (if any) are there in the film?

                - Is it being released at a school/holiday time?

                - What certificate will the film be?

·         Distributors will need to work out where the film will be shown, at what screens and for how long. This will depend on how popular the film will be and whether the cinema's will want to show the film. The budget is worked out when the distributor has seen the finished project and has confirmed the release plan. The distributor pays for everything in post-release including, the pictures for the film, advertising and marketing costs.

MARKETING PLAN

• As well as a distribution plan, every film is complemented by a detailed marketing plan. This plan has 3 sections, first comes Who? What? Where? When? How? In order for the film to be successful the distributors need to know the core target audience and plan how they are going to sell this movie to them. Strategies to motivate audiences' awareness/interest in the film. If the film does not interest an audience then there is no point to it being shown. It needs to be caught by the audience and then explode in a world of suspense to draw the audience in. Creative - Media - Publicity - Promotions - Online - Partnerships. All of these come together to form the basis of what the film can be released on. The marketing objective is to create visibility and make the audience engage with the characters. Make them want to watch the film and more importantly, stand out from all other films. Before the film is even released the poster will go up at cinemas to inform the audience that the film is on its way. This poster needs to stand out from the rest and convey the message that the distributor and film makers have intended for the film.

Media Advertising

• Throughout the year the media costs rise and fall according to the market conditions.
• Television is the most effective method of advertising because of the direct link to a mass audience. But as the tv suppliers know this the cost of advertising can cost hunderds of thousands of pounds! (or more for all regions)
• Posters are also a effective way of advertising movies. There are approx. 250,000 poster sites across the UK. Whether they be at road sides (motorways) or railway platforms.

Publicity

• The most common use of publicity is interviews witht the cast and crew of the movie. This gives us an indepth idea of what the film is about and how the people on the film intend the message the movie holds to come across rather than reviews on the film of how the audience see's it.
• As for the films offical pictures a professional photographer is hired to take fine images which are approved for publicity use.

Promotions

• Promotions are arranged with the distributor and and can include compititions and collectables. They can be put on items such as crisp packets, bottles of coke etc. This allows a wider audience to be informed about the release and also win prizes related to the movie.
• Shops and restaraunts may also opt in to promoting a film by hanging boards above isles for all the customers to see or if a restaraunt, special meals. One of the most common examples of this would be the McDonalds "Happy Meal"