Preliminary Task 1- Distribution Research

Distribution Research

Film distribution is the process of making a film available and known to the public. This can be done in many ways, dependent on the film type and, as 'Sensational Studios' presents independent films (indie-films), we will distribute our film differently than 'Hollywood Films.' 

These methods may include:

1. Sell movie to a streaming platform

This is one the most desired methods of distribution for indie-films as it involves scoring a film distribution deal with some of the biggest distributors available. This includes streaming platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Lionsgate, etc. Netflix alone has over 150 million subscribers, proving that this method would make our film widely known in a very short time period. 

However, this process is extremely time consuming and would involve a substantial amount of research into your target audience and is also a highly competitive market, meaning it is highly sought after. This means that the chances of 'Sensational Studios' actually landing a deal here would be very unlikely and expensive. 

Due to these reasons, this method of distribution may not be the most realistic for small, newly developed companies, such as ours, with limited finance available.

 2. Bidding war at a film festival

These would traditionally take place at the opening night of your film, and would ideally result in the "buying-out" of your film after a bidding war between top distributors had taken place. 

However, nowadays distribution companies are buying motion picture rights prior to the opening night, meaning that this method is no longer as effective and therefore will not give you the best possible result.

However, just attending a Film Festival itself may be an essential way of creating the much needed buzz around our film, potentially attracting the attention of a bigger distributor through the combined visibility and positive feedback it generates. The biggest problem with film festivals is that they are not all of equal impact as winning a local film festival is not to the same achievement of merely screening at a prestigious industry leader, such as 'Sundance' or 'TIFF.'  It will be much harder and more expensive for us to enter these prestigious events with our lack of experience.

3. Television and Cable

This a much older method of distribution and is therefore sometimes over looked. However, it can still be of much significance and provide viable option for independent directors, such as ourselves. This method allows directors to gain much wider audiences and exposure to their films than a theatrical release would as the film would reach homes all across the country. 

Most of all Television distribution allows the film to stay in the "spotlight" for much longer as it can stay on the TV for all longs as weeks and even months. 

Although this method will also be quite expensive it will not be nearly as expensive as landing a deal with a Streaming Platform. However, the film will only reach as many people as who chose to watch it, and who actually see it. Recently most films are watched through these streaming platforms and television is only used (if used) for things such as The News. This means that we could potentially invest all this money into a method that may not even see sufficient and desired results due to consumer ignorance.

HOWEVER

There is a potential way to fix this problem of consumer ignorance....

This can be achieved through.. 

4. SOCIAL MEDIA PROMOTION & MARKETING STRATEGIES

This method involves promoting the film through popular social media platforms, such as Tik Tok or Instagram, which are used every day. This efficient method of advertising will build awareness of the film amongst consumers allowing us to still distribute via Television, if desired, but with a more successful result as more people will know.

This may serve as the most effective and realistic method of distribution for 'Sensational Studios' as it will be less expensive and will reach a large audience. Furthermore, if successful it may generate much "buzz" around the film on Social Media, potentially attracting outside interest from Streaming Platforms who may offer a cheaper deal.