FILM DISTRIBUTION

Harley Killingsworth

WHAT IS FILM DISTRIBUTION?

Film distribution is where the movie (in my case opening

sequence) is made available to watch for an audience. It is the job

of distributors in the UK to identify and deliver the largest possible

audience for every film. This is no small task, particularly when so

many other entertainment options are available inside and outside

of the home. And that’s in addition to the 500 or more titles released

in UK cinemas every year.

THE PROCESS

This is the process of film distribution and what happens before you see the film yourself. How the film develops to get to the cinema stage etc.

WHAT FACTORS DO DISTRIBUTORS TAKE INTO

ACCOUNT WHEN DEVELOPING THEIR RELEASE PLANS?

•COMPETITION is the most important factor. Which films

are other distributors likely to release at the same time or during

the following weeks –especially those targeted at a similar target

audience? Are the most appropriate films for this film available and

likely to be offered?

• Event is it a big blockbuster film or specialised film for more

discrete audiences for certain people.

Star Power do they have any big name actors or a director

which will attract people to watch the film.

TYPICAL BUDGET CONSIDERATIONS FOR

DISTRIBUTING AND PROMOTING A NEW FILM

DIFFERENT RELEASES

Saturation release – Where you release the film and it will

be shown on screens nationwide, on multiple screens in one cinema

complex. Films that take this route usually have big stars in which

means they will attract a wide audience across the country. Or large

sequels with big budgets.

Specialised release - . Initially the film may play in selected

screens in London and some university towns where local audiences

are known to favour such titles before touring more widely over the

following weeks. These could be foreign language films or a revived

classic.

FILM DISTRIBUTION COMPANIES

Paramount Pictures UK, Universal Pictures UK and

20th Century Fox Film Co. Ltd are all major film

distributors throughout the UK and distribute

fantastic, high budget films.