Distribution and Marketing Plan

Every film has its own distribution plan. The most important decision made by the distributor is when and how to release a film to give it it's best chance through commercial experience for the release They think about all the different factors, who, why, genre, audience etc. After the distributors have estimated what a film may earn they prepare a budget to release it but this is obviously this is very expensive and risky and in reality most film do not make a profit. Sometimes final distribution plans may be confirmed only when the film is finished and ready to view.
     Nobody is certain what makes a hit, audience tastes vary and are very unpredictable Market research may be conducted to probe audience reactions at pre-release test screenings where the views complete questionnaires can help boost confidence of the distributors expected audience. Throughout it is such an unpredictable product driven business. But to get audience reactions before hand market research can be carried out which could be test screenings for example. This is where after the viewers have watched the film they fill out a questionnaire in order to help the distributor gain confidence. Distributors always seek to do new things.
     The poster is the main image advertising the film which will so genre, stars, credits etc. A teaser poster may be released several months before which is very vague and doesn't show a lot of details really other than the title. The single most cost-effective marketing technique is trailers. Most films have a website trailers, behind the scence footage, pictures and all the information. Marketing online is a good way these day, on websites used by a large range audience such as facebook and twitter. This also makes people talk about it, perhaps to their friends, which they will then tell their friends and so on. Advertising on tv is very costly therefor distributors should try find out new exciting ways to adervitise to the specific audience. Merchandise is usually co=ordinted by the film company, merchandise can be very effective worldwide. Lego is a classic example of a brand that refreshes its mass appeal by launching their product themed to family movies (such as Harry Potter, Cars 2, Pirates of the Caribbean and Star Wars.
     If a film is shooting with huge stars then that is what the advertising would be concentrated on because those stars already have their own fan base who will want to see them in their latest film. Premieres are organised which provide an opportunity to get last minute interviews and photographs. It is the official launch for a film where fans can get autographs from the cast and crew. Most premieres in the UK take place in London’s Leicester Square.