Distribution Process

The distribution of a film (or

movie) is the process

through which a movie is

made available to watch

for an audience by a film

distributor. This task may be

accomplished in a variety

of ways.

Before anything happens somebody has to come up with an idea for the film and a marketing plan.

They create the outline for the film and use it to promote interest in it.

A studio or independent investor decides to invest in the film to buy credits for it.

The final cut for the film is completed and sent to the studio.

The studio then makes a licensing agreement with a distribution company.

Distributor seeks people willing to exhibit the film.

The distributors and directors then look at the potential profit and target audience for the film. The certification is also agreed. Certification is carried out by the BBFC in the UK.

They then make a rough amount of copies of the film depending on how many audience members the predict to target.

The distribution company shows the movie (screening) to prospective buyers representing the theatres.

The buyers negotiate with the distribution company on which movies they wish to lease and the terms of the lease agreement.

The prints are sent to the theatres a few days before the opening day.

The theatre shows the movie for a specific number of weeks, this is otherwise known as engagement. The opening weekend is usually the few days that make the most money.

You as the audience then buy a ticket at the theatre or cinema to watch the film.

At the end of the engagement, the theatre sends the print back to the distribution company and makes payment on the lease agreement.

Once this has been done, the production company will be able to see exactly how much profit they have made so far. If it was successful the film may be released on DVD/Blue Ray