What is film distribution?

Film distribution is recognised as the 3rd

part of the film supply chain. This is one of the most important parts of the film process, as this is where the film comes to life. Distribution consists of releasing and sustaining a film in a market place. In the UK distribution is more focussed on local market places. The two main methods of distribution are split up into two sub-categories ‘Making the audience aware’ and ‘Getting the film to an audience’.

Social Media Advertising

This is a way of making your audience aware of your film. This includes advertising on social media websites such as Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Therefore making it easier for your audience to see it depending on their media preferences. An advantage of this is the fact that you can target your target audience directly. However a disadvantage is that not all of your target audience may have these social network accounts.

Print media and TV advertising

Both of these methods involve creating an advert either on TV or in magazines, posters etc… This is useful to target a wide target audience rather than a smaller one because it is more likely that a lot of people will see these kind of advertisements. The advantages of this method is that a wide range of people are able to see these advertisements. However this is not guaranteed as some of your audience may not have a TV for example. This method is also very costly.

Local Newspaper and ‘Word of

Mouth’ These two methods are on a much smaller

scale of advertising. This is a good way of advertising to a small target audience, for example people who share interests in my film will be able to share any information. Making it easier to make the audience aware. Local newspapers are a good idea because many people read them and they are cheaper than magazines. However no one in my target audience is likely to read a local newspaper.

YouTube/Specialist

websites This is one of the main methods of getting

my film to the desired target audience. It means making my film available for my audience to buy and watch online rather than go elsewhere. An advantage of this is that people may find it more convenient and much less expensive to be able to view the film in the comfort of their own home. However a disadvantage is that not all of my target audience will be able to access it or they may miss out on the full experience of a cinema.