Distribution Company
Sadly - despite our best efforts - the chances of our thriller being promoted by a leading distribution enterprise like Warner Bros or 20th Century Fox are quite slim. There are two main reasons for this:
a) The film takes place in England and has an English cast.
When I Google 'American horror films' a whole list of classics pops up.
However, when I Google 'British horror films' a few successful films come up. Even films written or directed by British people contain a predominantly American cast and have strong ties to American culture.
b) It's niche
If a film contains a large cast of big name actors, is already part of a film series and uses lots of expensive special effects or high visual quality (CGI, 3D, IMAX) then it is almost certain to make money and will be picked up by a distribution company regardless of quality. Our film has none of these characteristics.
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| Regardless of quality |
From this information, it seems that we would have to resort to less expensive means of distribution.
So how would we realistically distribute our film? We would most likely resort to the internet, digital download, social networks (Facebook, Twitter) in the hopes that it becomes a viral hit. We could gain income from advertising revenue on YouTube or the film could at least get us noticed by bigger studios - it's always a good idea to get your name out there.
There is a chance that we could make some sort of deal with a small British independent company as our film is set in Britain and has a predominantly British cast. Below is a list of Distributors in the UK (taken from www.bbc.co.uk)
Artificial Eye
Specialises in high-quality world cinema and arthouse movies and rarely buys British. In the past 30 years it has released more Cannes Film Festival winners than any other UK distributor.
Titles include: Three Colours Trilogy, Hidden, Welcome To The Dollhouse
UK titles include: Orlando, Land & Freedom
www.artificial-eye.com
Specialises in high-quality world cinema and arthouse movies and rarely buys British. In the past 30 years it has released more Cannes Film Festival winners than any other UK distributor.
Titles include: Three Colours Trilogy, Hidden, Welcome To The Dollhouse
UK titles include: Orlando, Land & Freedom
www.artificial-eye.com
Buena Vista International (UK) Ltd
A subsidiary of the Disney empire, Buena Vista is best known for its mainstream fare (most notably the Disney/Pixar animations and Jerry Bruckheimer productions). However, it also releases low-budget UK movies, including Kinky Boots, I Want Candy and Hallam Foe.
Titles include: Sin City, Pirates Of The Caribbean
UK titles include: Breaking And Entering, Calendar Girls, Venus
www.thefilmfactory.co.uk
A subsidiary of the Disney empire, Buena Vista is best known for its mainstream fare (most notably the Disney/Pixar animations and Jerry Bruckheimer productions). However, it also releases low-budget UK movies, including Kinky Boots, I Want Candy and Hallam Foe.
Titles include: Sin City, Pirates Of The Caribbean
UK titles include: Breaking And Entering, Calendar Girls, Venus
www.thefilmfactory.co.uk
Contender Films
With its DVD arm the leading independent DVD distributor in the UK, Contender Films has also recently launched a theatrical strand. The company was also recently acquired by Entertainment One.
Titles include: The City Of Violence, Shutter
UK titles include: Daddy's Girl, A Very British Gangster
www.contendergroup.com
With its DVD arm the leading independent DVD distributor in the UK, Contender Films has also recently launched a theatrical strand. The company was also recently acquired by Entertainment One.
Titles include: The City Of Violence, Shutter
UK titles include: Daddy's Girl, A Very British Gangster
www.contendergroup.com
ContentFilm
Film and television sales company which has also recently started distributing movies within the UK.
Titles include: The Man Who Sued God; Slap Her, She's French
UK titles include: Lava, Triggermen
www.contentfilm.com
Film and television sales company which has also recently started distributing movies within the UK.
Titles include: The Man Who Sued God; Slap Her, She's French
UK titles include: Lava, Triggermen
www.contentfilm.com
Dogwoof
A leading distributor of independent films, focusing largely on ethical and political documentaries.
Titles include: The Devil Came On Horseback, La Antena, The Nameless
UK titles include: Black Gold, The Age Of Stupid
www.dogwoof.com
A leading distributor of independent films, focusing largely on ethical and political documentaries.
Titles include: The Devil Came On Horseback, La Antena, The Nameless
UK titles include: Black Gold, The Age Of Stupid
www.dogwoof.com
Entertainment
The largest independent distributor in the UK, Entertainment has enjoyed a fruitful (and prosperous) relationship with US mini-studio New Line for many years. It also releases mainstream UK fare, both theatrically and via Entertainment-in-Video.
Titles include: Rush Hour, Brokeback Mountain, The Departed
UK titles include: Stormbreaker, St Trinian's
The largest independent distributor in the UK, Entertainment has enjoyed a fruitful (and prosperous) relationship with US mini-studio New Line for many years. It also releases mainstream UK fare, both theatrically and via Entertainment-in-Video.
Titles include: Rush Hour, Brokeback Mountain, The Departed
UK titles include: Stormbreaker, St Trinian's
Eros Films
The UK's biggest distributor of Bollywood movies.
Titles include: Salaam-E-Ishq, Namastey London, Cheeni Kum
www.erosentertainment.com
The UK's biggest distributor of Bollywood movies.
Titles include: Salaam-E-Ishq, Namastey London, Cheeni Kum
www.erosentertainment.com
Guerilla Films
A unique UK distributor which deals exclusively with British and Irish films, both theatrically and on DVD. Films released over the years include serial killer pic White Angel (1993) and romantic comedy Understanding Jane (1998).
UK titles include: Frozen, The Truth, Cheeky
www.guerilla-films.com
A unique UK distributor which deals exclusively with British and Irish films, both theatrically and on DVD. Films released over the years include serial killer pic White Angel (1993) and romantic comedy Understanding Jane (1998).
UK titles include: Frozen, The Truth, Cheeky
www.guerilla-films.com
Icon Film Distribution UK
Part of the Icon Group - an international film production, sales, marketing and distribution company started by Mel Gibson in the 90s. Specialises in slightly off-centre indie pics.
Titles include: Apocalypto, I Heart Huckabees
UK titles include: Starter For Ten, It's A Boy/Girl Thing
www.iconmovies.co.uk
Part of the Icon Group - an international film production, sales, marketing and distribution company started by Mel Gibson in the 90s. Specialises in slightly off-centre indie pics.
Titles include: Apocalypto, I Heart Huckabees
UK titles include: Starter For Ten, It's A Boy/Girl Thing
www.iconmovies.co.uk
Lionsgate UK
Lionsgate is a California-based independent producer and distributor. In 2005 it acquired UK-based distributor Redbus Films, renaming the company Lionsgate UK. The company is strong on horror, documentaries and foreign language pics. The old Redbus Films also had a UK production arm, enjoying worldwide success with Bend It Like Beckham.
Titles include: Requiem For A Dream, Monster's Ball, Crash
UK titles include: The Descent, Pierrepoint
www.lionsgatefilms.co.uk
Lionsgate is a California-based independent producer and distributor. In 2005 it acquired UK-based distributor Redbus Films, renaming the company Lionsgate UK. The company is strong on horror, documentaries and foreign language pics. The old Redbus Films also had a UK production arm, enjoying worldwide success with Bend It Like Beckham.
Titles include: Requiem For A Dream, Monster's Ball, Crash
UK titles include: The Descent, Pierrepoint
www.lionsgatefilms.co.uk
Metrodome Group
A leading independent theatrical film and DVD distributor, particularly strong on indie overseas titles.
Titles include: Donnie Darko, Lilya 4 Ever, Echo Park LA
UK titles include: Last Orders, Shooting Dogs
www.metrodomegroup.com
A leading independent theatrical film and DVD distributor, particularly strong on indie overseas titles.
Titles include: Donnie Darko, Lilya 4 Ever, Echo Park LA
UK titles include: Last Orders, Shooting Dogs
www.metrodomegroup.com
Momentum Pictures
Momentum started in 2000 and now releases around 20 titles a year, theatrically as well as a number of DVD titles.
Titles include: Lost In Translation, Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind, The Lives Of Others
UK titles include: Vera Drake, Inside I'm Dancing, Control
www.momentumpictures.co.uk
Momentum started in 2000 and now releases around 20 titles a year, theatrically as well as a number of DVD titles.
Titles include: Lost In Translation, Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind, The Lives Of Others
UK titles include: Vera Drake, Inside I'm Dancing, Control
www.momentumpictures.co.uk
The Movies Club
TheMoviesClub was setup early 2008 as a microfinance initiative. It is a co-operative that lets movie fans buy independent movie rights, and manage the release at cinemas and on DVD. The club is owned, funded and managed online entirely by its members.
www.themoviesclub.com
TheMoviesClub was setup early 2008 as a microfinance initiative. It is a co-operative that lets movie fans buy independent movie rights, and manage the release at cinemas and on DVD. The club is owned, funded and managed online entirely by its members.
www.themoviesclub.com
Optimum Releasing
Bought by French media giant Canal Plus in 2005, Optimum is known for releasing independent and foreign language films, including the contract to release all Studio Ghibli films in the UK. It also has a distribution deal in place with new low-budget Brit label Warp X.
Titles include: Inland Empire, Elephant, Spirited Away
UK titles include: Lawless Heart, This Is England
www.optimumreleasing.com
Bought by French media giant Canal Plus in 2005, Optimum is known for releasing independent and foreign language films, including the contract to release all Studio Ghibli films in the UK. It also has a distribution deal in place with new low-budget Brit label Warp X.
Titles include: Inland Empire, Elephant, Spirited Away
UK titles include: Lawless Heart, This Is England
www.optimumreleasing.com
Palisades Tartan
Hamish McAlpine established Tartan, the arthouse and world cinema specialist, in the 80s and it became one of the UK's most successful independent distributors. The company has since gone into administration and is now owned by the Palisades Media Group.
Titles include: The Idiots, Battle Royale, Silent Light
UK titles include: Brothers Of The Head, Ghosts
www.tartanvideo.com
Hamish McAlpine established Tartan, the arthouse and world cinema specialist, in the 80s and it became one of the UK's most successful independent distributors. The company has since gone into administration and is now owned by the Palisades Media Group.
Titles include: The Idiots, Battle Royale, Silent Light
UK titles include: Brothers Of The Head, Ghosts
www.tartanvideo.com
Paramount
When UIP decided to break up its worldwide distribution operation in 2006, Paramount and Universal went their separate ways. Fed by its illustrious US studio, Paramount deals almost exclusively with mainstream Hollywood fare.
Titles include: An Inconvenient Truth, Babel, Transformers
UK titles include: Flushed Away
www.paramountpictures.co.uk
When UIP decided to break up its worldwide distribution operation in 2006, Paramount and Universal went their separate ways. Fed by its illustrious US studio, Paramount deals almost exclusively with mainstream Hollywood fare.
Titles include: An Inconvenient Truth, Babel, Transformers
UK titles include: Flushed Away
www.paramountpictures.co.uk
Pathe Distribution
Arguably the biggest producer of movies within the UK (despite its French roots), Pathe is a long-established distributor. As well as the expected French titles, the company has also produced hits such as Mrs Henderson Presents and Severance.
Titles include: Volver, Transamerica, Perfume
UK titles include: Enduring Love, The Queen, Outlaw
www.pathe.co.uk
Arguably the biggest producer of movies within the UK (despite its French roots), Pathe is a long-established distributor. As well as the expected French titles, the company has also produced hits such as Mrs Henderson Presents and Severance.
Titles include: Volver, Transamerica, Perfume
UK titles include: Enduring Love, The Queen, Outlaw
www.pathe.co.uk
Revolver Entertainment
Upcoming distributor which handles indie/world cinema films and documentaries for theatrical distribution. Their DVD catalogue is more varied and includes comedy, extreme sport, fitness and special interest titles.
Titles include: Grizzly Man, Jindabyne
UK titles include: Kidulthood, Tideland, Taking Liberties
www.revolvergroup.com
Upcoming distributor which handles indie/world cinema films and documentaries for theatrical distribution. Their DVD catalogue is more varied and includes comedy, extreme sport, fitness and special interest titles.
Titles include: Grizzly Man, Jindabyne
UK titles include: Kidulthood, Tideland, Taking Liberties
www.revolvergroup.com
Slingshot
New kid on the distribution block, producing and distributing its own low-budget British movies, all shot digitally.
UK titles include: Sugarhouse, French Film
www.slingshot-studios.com
New kid on the distribution block, producing and distributing its own low-budget British movies, all shot digitally.
UK titles include: Sugarhouse, French Film
www.slingshot-studios.com
Soda Pictures
UK-based film distributor that specialises in indie and world cinema pics, with occasional low-budget Brit releases.
Titles include: After The Wedding, Frostbite
UK titles include: Song Of Songs, everything
www.sodapictures.com
UK-based film distributor that specialises in indie and world cinema pics, with occasional low-budget Brit releases.
Titles include: After The Wedding, Frostbite
UK titles include: Song Of Songs, everything
www.sodapictures.com
Sony Pictures International
Distribution arm of media giant, which deals almost exclusively with films produced in-house.
Titles include: Spider-Man, Hostel, The Da Vinci Code
UK titles include: Casino Royale
www.sonypictures.co.uk
Distribution arm of media giant, which deals almost exclusively with films produced in-house.
Titles include: Spider-Man, Hostel, The Da Vinci Code
UK titles include: Casino Royale
www.sonypictures.co.uk
Twentieth Century Fox
Part of the News Corporation media empire, and home to a host of movies produced by the legendary Hollywood studio. Fox Searchlight provides some indie cred.
Titles include: Star Wars, Die Hard, The Simpsons Movie
UK titles include: Confetti, The Last King Of Scotland, Notes On A Scandal
www.fox.co.uk
Part of the News Corporation media empire, and home to a host of movies produced by the legendary Hollywood studio. Fox Searchlight provides some indie cred.
Titles include: Star Wars, Die Hard, The Simpsons Movie
UK titles include: Confetti, The Last King Of Scotland, Notes On A Scandal
www.fox.co.uk
Universal
Although it's the UK distribution arm of the venerable Hollywood studio, Universal also releases all of Working Title's films - making it the most successful distributor of UK movies.
Titles include: The Holiday, The Good Shepherd
UK titles include: Children Of Men, Hot Fuzz, Magicians
www.universalpictures.co.uk
Although it's the UK distribution arm of the venerable Hollywood studio, Universal also releases all of Working Title's films - making it the most successful distributor of UK movies.
Titles include: The Holiday, The Good Shepherd
UK titles include: Children Of Men, Hot Fuzz, Magicians
www.universalpictures.co.uk
Vertigo Films
Production and distribution company, founded in July 2002 to make - and later distribute - low budget and genre-driven pics. Director Nick Love (The Football Factory) is one of the company's lynchpins.
UK titles include: London To Brighton, Outlaw, Joe Strummer: The Future Is Unwritten
www.vertigofilms.com
Production and distribution company, founded in July 2002 to make - and later distribute - low budget and genre-driven pics. Director Nick Love (The Football Factory) is one of the company's lynchpins.
UK titles include: London To Brighton, Outlaw, Joe Strummer: The Future Is Unwritten
www.vertigofilms.com
Verve Pictures
Independent UK specialist film distributor, with particular emphasis on British and independent films. Off-shoot Drakes Avenue distributes indie films on DVD, with a special interest in contemporary arthouse and foreign films.
UK titles include: Bullet Boy, Red Road, The Flying Scotsman
www.vervepics.com
Independent UK specialist film distributor, with particular emphasis on British and independent films. Off-shoot Drakes Avenue distributes indie films on DVD, with a special interest in contemporary arthouse and foreign films.
UK titles include: Bullet Boy, Red Road, The Flying Scotsman
www.vervepics.com
Warner Bros
The UK distribution arm of the Hollywood giant is best known these days for bringing the seven Harry Potter movies to cinemas. It also releases a mixture of mainstream and indie fare, the latter through its Warner Independent Pictures label.
Titles include: Superman Returns, Blood Diamond, 300
UK titles include: Harry Potter, Mrs Ratcliffe's Revolution
www.warnerbros.co.uk
The UK distribution arm of the Hollywood giant is best known these days for bringing the seven Harry Potter movies to cinemas. It also releases a mixture of mainstream and indie fare, the latter through its Warner Independent Pictures label.
Titles include: Superman Returns, Blood Diamond, 300
UK titles include: Harry Potter, Mrs Ratcliffe's Revolution
www.warnerbros.co.uk
The Works UK Distribution
Although primarily a worldwide sales agent, The Works has recently launched its own distribution arm.
Titles include: Ten Canoes
UK titles include: The Killing Of John Lennon
www.warnerbros.co.uk
Although primarily a worldwide sales agent, The Works has recently launched its own distribution arm.
Titles include: Ten Canoes
UK titles include: The Killing Of John Lennon
www.warnerbros.co.uk
There are several methods of distribution available to companies of this scale:
- Screening in the cinema in 2D
- Video on Demand services- Systems which allow users to select and watch/listen to video or audio content on demand such as the Xbox Live Marketplace or Netflix.
Vertigo films
1. They are British
Vertigo films are a British company yet they still have global success and actively attempt to market their films to an American audience - the biggest global audience. They are far more likely to want to collaborate with a British company.
2. They are a small company
Despite being very successful, Vertigo Film likes to focus on making small films with first time directors and often unknown actors. Monsters was written, directed and produced by first time director, Gareth Edwards and stared Scoot McNairy and Whitney Able - a small time actor and his girlfriend.
3. They really, really want to make lots of money
Vertigo have expressed that they are more concerned with making a large profit than producing culturally or artistically important films. Allan Niblo has expressed in interviews that he would like the film industry to cater more to producers and distributors wanting to make financially successful movies, rather than critically successful.
In conclusion, our film would not be particularly suited to a large American company such as one of the Big Six, and instead would be better off being distributed by a smaller, British company like Vertigo Films.
