Institution

The process of making a film is:

Pre Production - financing is confirmed and key elements such as cast members, director and cinematographer are set.
Production - film is created and shot.
Post Production - the film is put together by the editor.
Distribution - markets the film.

Distribution

The film distributor is responsible for marketing the film to the best of its ability and basically delivering an audience. The distributor must find the films USP (unique selling point) e.g. a sellable cast or genre and then market this effectively to the target audience of the film. The core audience of films is usually 15 - 24 year olds or family groups. Smaller independent distributors have to seek out and acquire the rights to distribute films e.g Lionsgate.

Here are some examples of distribution companies:

Sony Pictures is a Tokyo based global company focused on motion picture, television, home entertainment and digital content production and distribution. It also has a global channel network and deals with development of new entertainment products, operation of studio facilities, services and technologies. It currently distributes to 159 countries. Films distributed by Sony include Men in Black 3, The Amazing Spider Man and Bad Teacher.

Warner Brothers Pictures was founded on the 4th April 1923. It produces a wide range of different genres of film each year. It is responsible for releasing films to more than 39,000 screens in North America alone. It also distributes to non-theatrical markets including airlines, cruise ships, colleges, hospitals and other smaller markets. Among many of the films Warner Brothers distributed in 2012 were The Dark Knight Rises, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and Wrath of the Titans.

Lionsgate is a leading global distribution company with a strong a diversified presence in motion picture, television, home entertainment, family entertainment, digital distribution and new channel platforms. Films distributed by Lionsgate include The Hunger Games, The Expendables and Kick Ass.

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures is an American distribution company established in 1953 and owned by the Walt Disney Company. It handles the distribution of films produced by Walt Disney Studios and, as of 2012, Marvel Studios. Some of their films include The Avengers, Alice in Wonderland and Toy Story 3.





Part of our research into distribution was to think of an idea for a film of a given genre and pitch it to our class with our ideas of cast and distribution companies suitable for our idea: