What Is Film Distribution

Films can be conceived in many ways. They can be started from a genius idea of a powerful spark of the imagination but how do films really get themselves heard? The film companies themselves create the film but then they can pass on the responsibility of promoting their film to the distributions companies. Many bigger film companies sometimes may do both. Distribution is the highly competitive business of launching and sustaining films in the market place. 
Films don't become talking points, or find their place in the world, by accident. The distributor's challenge is to bring each one to market by:

• identifying its audience
• considering why they'd go and see it
• estimating the revenue potential across all the formats of its release
• persuading exhibitors (cinema operators) to play the film
• developing plans and partnerships to build awareness of and interest in the film
• aiming to convert as much interest as possible into cinema visits

 The UK has six major distribution companies which are linked directly to the Hollywood Studios and also many smaller independent distribution companies.