Evaluation question 3

Distribution is the process of launching a film in the market place and sustaining public interest in the film. Worldwide distribution is dominated by US companies such as Disney, 20th Century Fox, Paramount, Universal and Warner. Distributors are involved in investing the films production, distributing the rights of the film or marketing the film to the target audience. Big conglomerates like the ones in Hollywood can invest in smaller companies which allow them to vertically integrate into other areas in the media industry which allows them to keep the profit that is made in their company.

There are different sizes of audiences and distribution will depend on what size these audiences are. Larger and higher budgeted films mean that the film will be distributed to a larger audience called Tent Pole. Usually larger film conglomerates like Warner Brothers will distribute at this level. Smaller distribution companies usually distribute to a niche audience or a local/national audience. This kind of distribution usually happens with independent films.

Distribution occurs at different levels due to budget. Film conglomerates usually distribute at a larger scale due to high profit. This means that the film can be distributed to a tent pole audience and can afford to do so therefore gaining more popularity and profit for the film. However smaller films or independent films do not have the same profit as Hollywood conglomerates therefore the level of distribution is decreased. This means that the film will be distributed to a niche, local or national audience. This is done at a smaller scale which means the film may have less profit to a conglomerate film distributed at a tent pole audience.






Possible film distributors.



1.Fox Searchlight Pictures.
Fox searchlight pictures was established in 1994 and is an American film distribution company. It is also a subsidiaries to the conglomerate 20th Century Fox. This company specialises in the distribution of independent and British films. They are sometimes responsible for the funding of films. Fox Searchlight Pictures also specialise in Horrors. Using this distributor would be a good match for our film because our genre of film is horror therefore this company may be interested in us. This company mainly focuses on independent films therefore this would be suitable for Tracks of Damnation and would hopefully guarantee success for our film.






2. Film4 Productions.
Films4 Productions is a film production company owned by British Channel Four Television Corporation. The company is responsible or backing a number of films which have been made in the United Kingdom. The company's first film was released in 1982 and was called Walter- it was directed by Stephen Frears. Films distributed by this company were later aired on television- this helped the company increase their sales and advertising. This company is driven to support independent films and is very supportive of the British film industry. I think that this company would be a suitable company because they support indie films and showcase them on television. Therefore the film will have increased views and will reach a national, niche and a local audience.






3. BBC Films
BBC Films is the feature film making section of the BBC. It has produced and co produced most o the successful British Films including Salmon Fishing in Yemen. They produce around 8 films a year, they work with major international and UK distributors. I think that this company would be good for our film because it is a British company therefore we would have a niche, national and local audience for our film. This company also has a good track record when distributing companies and have been very successful with other films.




However in order to get funding we could go to the BFI. The National Lottery award grans to film makers- this is given  out through the BFI. The BFI make in the region of 25 major productions each year and provide development support or around 100 feature productions.




A company like Disney would not distribute our film as it is very low scale. The genre of our film would not be suitable for Disney's aimed market as their target audience is young children and families therefore a Slasher film would not be suitable for the conglomerate. Our film and the cast are also very unknown therefore I am not sure Disney would take a risk on a film with an unknown cast.