Film Distribution and Production

The relationship between Film Distribution and Production.

It is every filmmaker’s dream to have the widest release possible and make lots of monies from their film, but before you go shooting your next flick here are a few things you should definitely consider.

Target Audience:

When you go out to make a film you have an audience in mind, this is the person who you should always consider when designing your film. As yourself this questions

• Will they enjoy the story?
• Will they connect with it?
• Is the film going to generate any conversation after?

The best way most studios and exhibitors judge how good a film was is by offering exit polls. This is a quick questionnaire offered to the audience to give feedback and rate the film which normally would be immediately after a screening when the memory is still fresh.

It’s wise to do this very early with test screenings so you are well aware of the audience expectations and what you can improve on before the full release.

Actual Release:

Think of how you want to release your film, Do you think the film is big enough to warrant a big release? Is it a straight to VOD release? You have to understand that the film distributor puts up their own money for promotion and advertising so they are very careful on the type of film they pick and with their experience they are able to judge on the audience appeal and adjust their budgets accordingly.

Exhibitors, on the other hand, have screens that they need to pack with audiences. Most cinemas have at least two screens in every location some as many as eight. If a film is popular with the audience the more screens it will be available on hence more customers get to watch it. They will be very curious about the staying power of the film so they will watch the ticket sales with a keen eye.

VOD companies are also interested in acquiring a film they think will add value to their customers on their platforms so make sure your film is special. The more the film was in demand in the cinemas the more it will be more valuable to VOD companies as those that didn’t catch it on the theatrical window can watch it at home.

Timing/Dating:

Film distributors have insights on the cinema-going trends and are aware of the best timing for a release so trust them with this knowledge. Every market or region is specific and people go to cinemas for different reasons. Boxing day might be a popular night for cinema-goers in the UK but might be a bad date in Kenya where everyone travels upcountry for the holidays.  Since we are a Hollywood dominated market lets look at the trends:

• Jan – March is considered dump/slow months but lately that has been challenged with releases like Black Panther and Jumanji.
• April – May usually romantic comedies with exception of valentines weekend.
• June – August is blockbuster season mostly because most kids are at home for their summer holidays
• September – December will see award contenders being released to give them time to get nominations
• October – Horror films because of Halloween
• December – Family films because of Christmas holidays.

Looking at the above trends it’s clear that timing your release is key to the success of your film but above all treat every cinema release like an event as people love dressing up for one.

Good luck!