Film Distribution

Distribution varies wildly based on the type of film, budget and people and/or studios involved. Film distribution can involve distributors like Universal Pictures or A24, producers, filmmakers, theaters, streaming services, sales agents and even regulatory bodies like the MPAA (ratings).

Acquisition and Rights Management

Distributors require rights to a film, and this is often negotiated before a film is even greenlit. But it can also happen at film festivals after a film is completed or through direct deals with producers. These rights involve things like territorial rights (domestic vs international), format rights (theatrical, streaming) and duration of such.

Marketing and Promotion

Marketing a film, just like any other product the world doesn’t know about, has a price tag. In recent history, Warner Brothers almost didn’t release Coyote vs Acme after the film was complete! They didn’t think the marketing expense was worth it. This exemplifies how much is involved in bringing awareness to a film—enough awareness to ensure audiences go to see it. On large studio films, marketing can also involve actors going on tours to promote the movie, or creating social media content to drive audiences to the theater. Another recent example would be Dead Pool vs Wolverine.

Release Strategies

Distribution involves a release strategy for films, whether this be theatrical or deals with streaming platforms like Amazon Prime or Netflix. For micro budget, services like Filmhub can be used to push short and feature length films out to audiences. And for studio films there are also home entertainment focused DVD/Blu-ray sales.

DIY & Indie Productions

The distribution phase for independent filmmakers encompasses more than just getting a movie out there. It’s about marketing yourself as a filmmaker. It’s about building an audience that you communicate with and gain support from as you progress as a filmmaker.

Self-distribution for micro-budget films with niche audiences can be done with services like Amazon Prime Video Direct, Filmhub, Vimeo On Demand and even YouTube. Marketing yourself as a filmmaker involves things like a website, CRM, social media, YT channel and more.

Learn More About Marketing

Starting out as a filmmaker is not for the faint of heart. Besides learning the craft and endlessly wearing a lot of hats, you also have to take on marketing you and your work. The great news> The Write & Direct film school is designed for this. Not only will you learn the craft from development through post, but you will be prepared to continue making movies and learn how to market yourself as you do it! If you’re serious about becoming a filmmaker, enroll today!