3. Distribution

Who have I chosen to distribute my film opening & why?
I have decided to choose Warp to distribute my film opening, 10 Years. The reasons why I opted for Warp was because they are a British record label, although they specialise in music they also distribute independent British films. I thought this was ideal as my movie is a small budget production solely made with limited ambitions. I feel that Warp would be successful in distributing my movie opening as they are familiar with promoting small budget and independent films and seem to have a great understanding of the British public and will be able to address my target audience efficiently.

During my Media Studies course this year I have consulted a variety of websites and companies associated with film distribution in order to learn and discover more about the topic. I have viewed websites such as the Film Distribution Association  (FDA) as well as there micro-site (www.launchingfilms.com).

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1

Click here to view my SlideShare presentation on the distribution of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1

Distribution - Tortoise In Love

The British Film Institute helped distribute the small budget, British film, Tortoise in Love. Rather unheard off Tortoise in Love had to settle with the entire village of Kingston Bagpuize in Oxfordshire. Young mums helped with the publicity of the film, whilst retired folk provided the drivers, stewards, props and logistic support. The Women’s Institution organised catering and all the cast and crew were lodged in village homes for the duration of the filming.

However, money was still needed to pay for a professional film crew. Much of the budget of the film was raised by a mini-mogul scheme of small local investors. In return for its spectacular voluntary effort, the village owns a ‘Golden Share’ of the film meaning the societies in the village will benefit from any profits.

Due to not being considered a cinematic movie, only a handful of cinemas around the UK showed Tortoise in Love, but it was shown all over the country in smaller, independent venues. The distribution would be then in the hands of the audience to recommend the film to others so it would hopefully spread through word of mouth. With help from the British Film Institute as well, they invested in their Print and Advertising fund and would therefore supply and distribute posters, marketing materials and customised press releases.

The Film Distributors Association 

I learnt that distributors must first decide what the elements of the film will attract audiences the most and make them want to see it. The prime consideration must be who is the target audience? Will they want to spend money to go see it at the cinema? Will they do it in sufficient numbers to justify the cost of making the film? It isn't just about getting the film made, the most important thing is getting an audience to go and see it. I discovered that what distributors do is launching the film to audience and delivering cinema goers to cinemas, it is a whole business process that is fast moving and highly competitive.