Film Distributors Key Terms

Find the services and features you need from film distributors

By Kristan Hart

You have the dream of playing your film for people all over the world. Film distributors help you make that happen. Through time-tested marketing strategies and technological advances, film distributors know exactly what to do to get your movie out there. Finding the right film distributors can be a challenge because there is a lot of competition among companies in that market. Use film distributors key terms to help you find the company that will launch your career.

Genre

In film, a genre is the type of film that you've made. Examples of genre types include action and adventure, documentary and drama.
Try: See a list of the different film genre types at Reframe, which is a program of Tribeca Film Institute.

Electronic press kits, EPK

Electronic press kits have many functions, but the main one is to attract attention to your film. Among other things, electronic press kits can drive people to online social networking sites for more information and can even help you establish more attention in the press.
Try: Read about electronic press kits at Versfelt Communications Group, also known as VCGTV.

Digital distribution

Digital distribution is a method by which your film distribution company will deliver your film to the market place. Hard disk drives are one way that companies can digitally distribute films; they may also send the film via a satellite distribution network.
Try: Technicolor Digital Cinema digitally distributes films to theaters across the United States. Read about the process on the company's website.

Film festival

To snag a distribution company, your best bet is to have a good showing at a film festival. If you have a good film that simply needs more attention, your film distribution company may recommend that you attend a film festival. Either way, this celebration where critics can watch numerous films can garner you the attention you deserve.
Try: IndieFilmFest.net defines film festival and offers details about the Indie Film Festival (IFF).

Video download

With new technological advances, video download is one way that your film distribution company can ensure a screening of your film. Video download doesn't require a large theatre for the audience to view your film. In fact, all that's really necessary is an MP3 player that's equipped to play videos as well. Video downloads are available for purchase as "download to own" or "download to rent."
Try: Read about video download features at CreateSpace.

Exhibition

After working with a film distribution company, you end goal is the exhibition, or the screening of your film.
Try: Read about film exhibition in the Film Encyclopedia.

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