Evaluation Q3: What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?

Due to the independent nature of our film, and its low budget requirements, our film is most likely to be distributed by an independent British media institution. This is because such companies are well-equipped and used to producing films which (as they are independent as opposed to a mass-produced Hollywood storyline) are more tailored to suit critics and niche audiences. For the reasons mentioned, our group decided on Film 4 - a well-known distributor of British indie films - to distribute our film.

Our production company:
Please see our choices regarding our production company using the Prezi below:

Our distribution company:
Similarly, please see our choices regarding our distribution company using the Prezi below:


Marketing Strategy:
With marketing, we took inspiration from the campaign for 'Unfriended' - another low-budget film using technology, as they utilised online campaigns which are not only cost-effective but are able to spread awareness of the film quickly via word-of-mouth or by further sharing the film & its information. This would be a particularly attractive option, as the vast majority of the core target audience of 15-24 year olds use social media in their daily routines. Additionally, the social media USP of our film would also be represented using this method.

We found that the marketing campaign for 'Unfriended' was a useful reference

Distribution:

Comparison between our possible release plan and that of fellow British
independent thriller Kill List.

Cinema exhibition:
As it is a smaller independent film and doesn't guarantee ticket sales, screenings at large cinemas such as Cineworld, Vue and Odeon are likely, but perhaps only on a limited basis. It is more probable that the film will be shown at smaller independent cinemas such as Everyman and Phoenix. The release in both types of cinema could also help our film target the additional tertiary audience of general cinema-goers

TV exhibition:

As Film4 are our distribution company, it is likely that they will show our film on their TV channel, as this not only helps provide the channel with content but helps to publicise their film. Alternatively, other channels could buy the rights to show the film.

Online release:

The film could potentially be available on streaming sites such as Netflix or Amazon Instant Video, depending on commercial or critical success. Although this is not certain - especially for small thrillers such as Kill List, which not only was available on Netflix 2 years after its release, but is only available in certain countries (not including the UK).

Meanwhile, independent films are often subject to illegal streaming via sites including Putlocker & The Pirate Bay. Although this could harm the film's commercial success, as it is viewed for free, it could potentially increase the film's awareness - useful when critical success is often prioritised over profits with independent films.

DVD release:

It is likely that the film will be released on DVD and Blu-Ray several months after cinema release (Kill List's home video release date was 26th December 2011 - almost 4 months after its release date on September 2nd 2011). It will be sold both online via sites like Amazon, and in stores including supermarkets and entertainment stores, as this will enhance the reception and potential income of the film.