1-Distribution
What part of the supply chain is distribution? Distribution is the third part of the supply chain.
What is distribution often referred to as? 'Invisible art'
What does 'vertical integration' mean when discussing distribution? Vertical integration is where three stages are seen as one larger process.
Why isn't 'vertical integration' so common in the independent sector? Producers have no formal connections with exhibitors and producers need exhibitors to promote and show the film it its best possible way.
What three stages are involved in the independent sector? Licensing, marketing and logistics.
2-Licensing
What is licensing? The process that the distributer of the film would go through to be able to legally show the film to the public.
What are the two levels of licensing? International, marketing the film across the world and local, releasing the film in just one particular country.
What is the advantage of being a major US studio? They have their own distribution offices in all of the major territories already.
What three different types of rights can you acquire on a local level? Theatrical rights, video rights, video and TV rights.
What are royalties? Something that the distributer pays to the producer out of the profits that the film generates.
What is the most effective way to increase interest in a film? A theatrical opening.
How long does it take for a film to reach 'free to air' TV? Two years.
3-Marketing
What are the two key questions surrounding the marketing of a film? The two key questions are 'When?' and 'How?'
What day are films typically released on? Films are typically released on Fridays.
What will a distributor look at before releasing a film on a Friday? To ensure there are only a few other films which are released on Fridays.
What is a 'light' week in terms of distribution? It will ensure that there will be both screen space and adequate review column inches in the press allocated to any potential release.
What does it mean to 'position' a film distinctively? It will be positioned distinctively and a void a release date occupied by other films with similar traits, such as story, subject, country of origin, etc.
Why has this become increasingly difficult in the UK? It has become increasingly difficult, as the release schedule has regularly featured over 10 new releases in a week.
What are P&A? Are the nuts and bolts of marketing and distributing films, and its known as Prints and Advertising.
How much can P&A cost? Its the bulk of the distributor's investment, after paying the initial fee for rights, and can range from less than £1,000 to over £1 million for the release of a film in the UK.
4-Markets, prints and adverts
Typically how many prints will a specialised film have? Specialised films will often have less than 10 prints, with them 'toured' over a 6 month period to all parts of the UK.
How many will mainstream films have? Commercial mainstream films however, will often open on over 200 prints. These simultaneously screen in all major UK towns and cities.
What is a key factor in developing the profile of a film? For most films, favourable press response is a key factor in developing the profile of a film.
How else can awareness of a film be raised? Awareness of a film can also be raised by posters, advertising campaigns (e.g magazines and newspapers), and press campaigns (e.g interviews.)
Why is distribution in the UK seen as risky? Distribution in the UK is seen as risky compared to other countries because the cost of print advertising is comparatively high.
Why are companies looking towards viral marketing? Companies are looking towards viral marketing in order to extend the reach of advertising and develop more effective communication with audiences at a lower cost.
What are the benefits of a 'talent visit'? The benefit of a talent visit is that the director and/or lead actors win significant editorial coverage to support a release. It makes the volume of coverage far outweigh the cost of talent visits.