The main aim for the film distributors is to promote the film to the LARGEST audience possible.
There is huge competition so they must stand out from the other competition.
The first weekend in the cinemas can be crucial as it’s normal for a film to generate 30% of it’s aim over the weekend.
Marketability and Playability
Marketability – how the film can be promoted to it’s particular audience.
Playability- how the film actually performs in the market.
Different strategies
Tentpole- this is when a film is shown on more than one screen in a cinema all over the world. This is mainly for large scale films, Hollywood films, famous actors/actress appear in it, it has a large fan base and has a very high budget.
Platformed- This is when the film is only shown in one location.
Some films may play on selected screens in London or university towns because this where local audiences are known to favour these certain film titles.
Questions that you have to take into consideration
Who is the audience?
Who does the film speak to?
Do the story, characters and situation grip the intended audience?
Does the film deliver and justify the cost and risk of a theatrical release?
What sort of audiences have similar films attracted?
What to think about when making a film
This table contains all the features that accompany must consider when making a film.
They must try and budget an appropriate amount for each section in order to stay in the selected budget area.
Low budget film makers
Film4 e.g. Attack the Block and Four Lions
Vertigo Films e.g. Monsters
DNA Films
These are all examples of film distributor companies that distribute the films that have a low budget and are not Hollywood films but still should be shown and promoted to the public.