Film Distribution and Marketing

1) What is meant by the term film distribution? 

A third party sales agent who acts on behalf of a producer. Distributors are people who look for new films through 'distinguishing features' and are responsible for the marketing of a film. Distributors may also set the release date of a film and the method of how the film is released, either by directly to the public theatrically in cinemas or for home viewing e.g DVD release.  

2) What does a film distributor do?

Compete to pick up films and when they acquire new films distributors look for distinguishing features which will help sell the film to an audience. They look for different features such as a good plot or something outstanding to build a marketing or publicity campaign. When they pick films distributors have to make important decisions about how and when to release the film as well as combining their market knowledge, commercial experience, statistical research and professional judgement for each film they do in order to set targets for the release.

3) How does reach relate to film distribution? 

Reach is all about the way the film is shown, which ways it's promoted through advertising platforms (TV adverts, poster, trailers etc), and who it's targeted for. Relating to film distribution the cost of promoting is very expensive, meaning they have to decide which ways to promote their film by looking closely at their audience. The profit may decrease if the reach is low as this can effect how many people go to watch the film.

4) What is meant by the distribution plan?

The chances of a film having a distributor signed up relies on the larger the production value. Producers tend to look for finance from multiple sources such as; pre-sales to distributors, bank loans, private individuals, beneficial tax schemes, and institutional investors. If a distributor is selected this involves signing a contract with either the producer, sales agent or studio to specify the rights they hold of the films title. Distributors tend to apply for all available rights in their territory. The contract also usually includes the right to licence the film for online viewing and to the UK broadcasters

5) What is meant by the marketing plan?

A marketing plan looks into the cost, materials, posters, trailers, premier events such as festivals involving organizers. This helps to reach out to their target audience and promote the film.

6) What is the difference between advertising, publicity and promotion?

Advertising
This is how the audience are introduced to a film. This is done through trailers, posters, adverts etc and is funded through the films budget.
Publicity
Includes interviews with cast members, critics opinions and reviews from professionals. This is anything written about the film which isn't from a member of the team.
Promotion
Is advertising their film in regular places such as a poster in a park, in cafes/restaurants and places where film posters aren't likely to be. Also this includes film merchandise associated with the film, because it is helping promote the film.

7) Find a teaser poster, teaser trailer, main poster and main trailer for a horror, who was the distributor and in how many countries was it released? Can you find how many screens it was shown in on the opening weekend? 

The Purge Anarchy 

teaser poster and trailer

Main Poster and trailer

The Purge: Anarchy (2014)

Budget

$9,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend

$29,816,675 (USA) (20 July 2014) (2,805 Screens)
HUF 3,426,150 (Hungary) (20 July 2014)

Gross

$68,547,000 (USA) (10 August 2014)
$63,264,220 (USA) (3 August 2014)
$51,272,000 (USA) (27 July 2014)
$29,816,675 (USA) (20 July 2014)

Weekend Gross

$2,299,000 (USA) (10 August 2014) (1,602 Screens)
$5,853,245 (USA) (3 August 2014) (2,656 Screens)
$9,896,000 (USA) (27 July 2014) (2,856 Screens)
$29,816,675 (USA) (20 July 2014) (2,805 Screens)