Film Distributors Basics

Learn about film distributors to ensure the success of your independent film
By Rachel Davy, Writer/Editor Because of their ability to promote a film, sell it to exhibitors who will show it in their theaters, and check into things such as gross profits and how many seats were used per showing, film distributors can have an impact on a movie being seen by critics, audiences and other film industry insiders. Learning what film distributors do will help you, as a filmmaker, decide what kind of film distribution company you want to work with.

An independent film maker it’s important to the success of your film as well as your career to learn what film distributors do as well as how to find one to distribute your film. Here are some film distributors basics that you should consider learning about:

1. Find out about film distribution companies by reading listings of feature film distributors and independent movie distributors.

2. Learn about feature film distributors that distribute independent films.

3. Get information about independent film distributors as well as international film distributors and what markets they serve.

Learn about movie distribution companies by viewing industry listings

In order to better understand what movie distributors do, read through film industry listings of film distribution companies. Most of these company's websites give listings of the films they are producing along with upcoming dates of new releases.
Try:  Go to Film Forum to view the listings of both feature, independent and international film distributors. Submit a film to Undergroundfilm.com, which is an independent film distributor that not only helps filmmakers but also screenwriters, musicians and composers.

Get information about feature film distribution companies for your independent film

Since a significant number of recent Oscar winners have been independently produced or financed films, learning the names of feature film distribution companies is important for an indie filmmaker to know. Granted, most likely a big budget movie distributor isn't going to give a novice filmmaker a chance, nut there have been examples of that happening with such films as Blair Witch Project and Boyz N the Hood. Clearly, anything is possible if the film is of merit.
Try:  Visit Fox Searchlight, which is the specialty film division of leading movie distribution company 20th Century Fox. This company is responsible for the indie hit Little Miss Sunshine. Learn about Lionsgate, one of the leading independent motion picture distributors. You can receive its upcoming releases on its website. Both of these websites have promotional features of the films they are currently featuring.

Find out about independent and international film distribution companies

For makers of independent films or foreign filmmakers, creating a relationship with independent and international film distribution companies is essential to the success of the film. These kinds of film distribution companies can be especially helpful for filmmakers who, because of budget concerns or are in foreign countries, are trying to have their films seen by wider audiences.
Try:  Go to Strand Releasing, which is an acclaimed independent film distributor to learn about how they promote independent and art films. International Film Circuit distributes foreign films to the United States. This company also distributes its own titles as well as those by filmmakers.

• A film distributor of international films may also be responsible for making sure that foreign language films have subtitles or dubbing so American audiences can understand them.