Film distribution

What does a distributor do?

- chooses which fims to distribute
- decides how many prints to make ( if a film has limited appeal only a small number of prints will be made)
- negotiates where and when the film is to be released
- sends trailers and publicity material to cinemas
- publicises the film through; posters, trailers, press/TV advertising, press releases etc.

The major distributor companies

The British market is dominated by six American distributors which consist of:
- UIP
- Buena Vista
- Warner Brothers
- Columbia
- 20th Century Fox
- Universal

These film distribution companies were responsible for 85% of British box office takings in 1999. The five majors primarily handle American films and have relationships with the key cinema chains and multiplexes in Britain. Warner Brothers is the only vertically integrated company of the five makin, distributing and exhibiting its own films, which overall means they retain maximum profits.