What is distribution?A film distributor is a company/individual responsible for the marketing of a film. This may include setting the release date for a film, be it privately (home viewing, such as DVDs) or publically (for example cinema showings).

Examples of major distribution companies

Major Distributers:

Paramount PicturesUniversal PicturesColumbia PicturesSony PicturesWalt Disney StudiosSummit EntertainmentWarner BrosDreamWorksMGM Studios

Example of UK distributors

• StudioCanal

• eOne Films

• Lionsgate

• Vertigo Films

• Metrodome

• Optimum

• Hammer Films

• Kaleidoscope

What distribution company would be interested in our

film?I think Kaleidoscope Film Distribution would be a good choice for us to approach because they specialize in psychological thrillers. Kaleidoscope is a film distribution company based in the UK, and it is growing quickly as an independent film distribution company associated with psychological thrillers. Kaleidoscope would also be good to approach because they are independent and they notice unknown writers/producers that major companies would just ignore.

Is your film going to appeal to UK

audiences only? Our film would appeal mostly to UK audiences. As they are the ones who would find our film the most relatable. Due to both the setting of the typical British scenery and a British main character. Even the mise en scene are common items which can be related to the British youth.

Market Strategies/ Release Strategies/ Exhibition OptionsWe could interact with audiences through social media such as Facebook or Twitter by using games, contests, apps, etc. We could create a page and constantly update it with nes about the film. For example for the release of The Dark Knight there was a viral campaign where users had to side with the Joker or Harvey Dent and then the character would contact them through websites or email, and this boost interactivity with the audience and creates a good word of mouth for the films release. We could also put teaser trailers on website such as Youtube as this would hopefully encourage audiences to see it.

We could use film junkets where we invite critics and journalists and vloggers to watch our film and this would help us to get positive reviews along with a good word of mouth which could enable us to afford a platform release at a later date.

Self DistributionIf we used self distribution we would go to film festivals and attend Q and A’s to advertise our film. Some advantages of self distribution would include that it permits you to retain 100% of the right over your film. It is your choice where to show your film, and they way that is is perceived and marketed in the media. You also don’t have to give a percentage to a distributor. Some disadvantages of self distribution would include that it is quite time consuming chasing possible buyers and it is also a lot of paperwork. It also may limit your opportunities for sale because buyers may have established relationships with buyers, putting them off investing in yours.