An explanation of the functions of a film distribution company

The role of the film distributor is primarily and promptly to  ensure that the film gets as many views as possible and is "distributed" to the widest number of sources.

The distribution plan will help the producer when  making the different media items used to advertise the film. The distribution plan will focus on what their target audience wants, their potential competition (something of an issue for any distributor due to the increasing number of people illegally downloading movies every year as well as the number of pirate dvds now on the market) , how succesfful have certain elements been in the past and they must seriously capitulate on the advantages of the cinema experience (e.g. the recent trend to have practically every film in 3D) etc and if made correctly should ensure that the marketing plan runs smoothly and effectivly

The Marketing plan should focus on three key areas, advertising, publicty and promotions  to determine how  they are going to target the right audience.

Advertising will usually include trailers, posters, fliers etc, television advertisements etc. Basically anything that directly advertises the film itself as a product of the company.

Promotions will usually work in accordance with another, non film related company. The best example of this is how Disney Pixar often promotes its movies through Mcdonalds which will sell Pixar toys, show images on the happy meal boxes and on their teleivision adverts, advertising both Mcdonalds and Pixar.

 Publicity is usually generated by the Distribution company arranging interviews for the stars and director. This can include things such as televised interviews on some form of talk show, to giving exclusives to a magazine company so that they orient their magazine and focus on the movie product.

In theory if the marketing and distribution plan is stuck to effectivly, the film should be advertised very effectivly.