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Film Distribution

Film distribution is one of the most key features in producing a film, since this is the process where the film is able to be accessed by the public; ultimately the time where the profit is made. Distribution is not only about releasing a film, but ultimately, sustaining the film in the market place in order for it to become better known by the public, especially when released by a small distribution company The distribution company has many roles, the first of which is to make the public aware that a new film is being released through advertising. This includes posters, television advertisements and trailers in the cinema. This is one of the most crucial features of the distribution company, since without the advertisement, the public will not be aware of the film itself. Following this, the companies then have to get the movie into the cinemas. Approximately 4 months after this release, it is then available on DVD.  The big question behind film distribution, though, is what is more successful, small distribution companies or large?

Distribution is a very costly event, which in some cases, can lead to massive loses in not only the production company, but also within the distribution company as well; therefore, when a distributor invests into a movie, they must feel confident that the production will bring in a successful profit, since without this, it would be pointless. Since it may be a very expensive job, it may be more beneficial for large distribution companies within the market. Since these companies are most well know, they will be noticed by the most well-known, successful directors and producers, meaning these companies will therefore get the most profit. In some cases, however, some producers own their own distribution companies. Disney, for example, owns Buena Vista, therefore all of their producing is internal, and meaning there is no need for external distributors. By having these sorts of connects between the large firms, this means that many distribution companies are approached by smaller production teams. Although this is the case, the large distribution companies are mainly approached by large blockbusters, which seemingly make the most profit. Since this is the case, large distribution companies are able to spend more money on these films, meaning that there is global advertising and global viewings in many cinemas. This is one of the greatest benefits of large distributors.

Small distribution companies are mainly approached by small production companies. This means that there is less money to spend on advertising, and in many cases these films are not viewed in all cinemas; but mainly the large ones. Small distribution companies are successful for new production companies, who are not well-known within the business, since they are not as expensive, and there is a room for risk and reward is the film is a success. Looking at the film I have made, I feel that it would be most beneficial to use a small distribution company, in order to avoid excessive fees and since it is my first film. Small distributors will be able to give me an idea of how distribution really works, and will allow me to grasp an idea of what is successful within the film making business, and what isn’t.

In conclusion, it is clear that overall large distribution companies have the most power to make a large profit since they are most well-known and are popularly used for blockbuster hits, however, for up and coming producers, small distribution companies are most successful since they allow a margin for risk and reward and are less expensive.