Do you know that in the past ten years, film distribution has had numerous changes? Well, the changes have been due to technology. With the on-demand streaming services and television, you can watch your favorite movies wherever and whenever you want. The availability of high-quality cameras and the internet has also had an impact on the industry. Technology contributes to the way film people make and edit movies to how the audience watches these movies. In filmmaking, distribution is the last process.
All the film studios own legal rights to films they make. The studio then looks for a distributor and signs a license agreement between the two. Then the distributor goes ahead to convince the cinema to showcase the film. However, when the film exhibits in the cinema, the distributor and the studio takes a large percentage of ticket profit. You may be asking yourself how the cinema then makes money from this deal. Well, the cinema sells food and also does advertisements before the film starts to show. From these sales, the cinema makes extra money. Additionally, other studios own distribution companies; hence no need to look for one. Therefore, the profit increases.
Read here other ways in which film distribution works;
Distribution through sales agents and distributors
The producer hires the sales agent to get good distributors. The function of the sale agent is to get the film a good distribution deal. However, some distributors can find these deals without the help of a sales agent. The producers need international sales agents for the movies to get to other countries. The agent’s first sales distribution rights to distributors worldwide, sign the distribution agreement and then deliver the film physically or electronically. To find a good sales agent, look for a company with good reviews and a good profile that adds value to your movie.
Find film festivals
If you are looking for ways to distribute your movie, you may attend the film festivals annually. Film festivals have many people in attendance who are looking to get films. You may find sales agents, distribution companies as well as film buyers. The film festivals also tend to have a film market where you can screen your movies. It is at this market that the distribution deals take place. You can as well see the reaction of the audience to your film at these festivals. Moreover, film festivals create publicity for your movie.
Independent distribution
If you are an independent filmmaker, you are likely to find a distributing company through film festivals. Distributors from across the world may view your film during the screening at the festival and consider buying your rights. For a filmmaker, you also need to consider choosing a distributor who shows interest in your film. The independent film distribution companies sell movies mainly to overseas markets through a sales agent. When casting a film, producers make a wish list that contains names known across countries to gain the popularity of this film.
Self-distribution
Here the filmmaker reaches out to the cinema directly. You first give a trailer of your film and make posters as a way of marketing. This approach can be expensive; hence having a good business plan will serve you well. If you lack the funds to show your movies at the cinema, you can hire a famous online influencer to market for you. If your film fails to get attention from distributors at the film festivals, self-distribution will be ideal. You can also go for online platforms and social media to market and distribute your film.
If you want to make a great film and have a successful distribution, you may consider the following tips;
- Look for well-known talented actors. Some audiences go to the movie because of the actors in that film. People always want to see famous people on the screen.
- Quality of your story. A good quality storyline will attract a bigger audience. On the other hand, a poor storyline ruins everything.
- Time of the year. You can not market Christmas movies in summer. You may wait until winter to release such films when people get to watch such films most.
- Target audience. Always choose the target age audience with the right content.
What’s more? When planning for the distribution of your film, always start to plan early. If you are looking for an investment in your movie, you may not get an investor if you lack a written distribution plan. Investors may ask the following questions;
- Are you going to make money from the film?
- What is your budget?
- Can you make a good film that will attract customers?
The distribution process is quite expensive, especially if you want to showcase your film in the cinema. Your marketing budget should match that of your film production. Ensure you adequately plan for your movie for it to be a success.
