Film Distribution

Consider a career as a film distributor

A movie distributor is an entertainment business professional who acts as an agent, linking motion picture producers with exhibitors to book a given film’s original theatrical run. Film distribution companies also market and circulate movies in home entertainment formats, including VHS, DVD, Blu-ray and online digital formats.

Here’s how it works: film studios sign licensing agreements with movie distribution companies after a film is completed, at which time the distributor decides how many prints of the movie should be made. The more theaters the film will play in, the more prints needed. Limited engagements and smaller theatrical runs require fewer prints, at least initially; if the demand proves to be there once a movie appears in cinemas, film distribution companies will order additional prints for a wider theatrical release.

The Ins and Outs of Film Distribution

The lure of a career as a film distributor is that it tends to be a very profitable activity; even independent film distribution can be counted on to bring in a handsome return. It is one of the safest ways to make money in the entertainment industry, and it’s insulated from the wild, unpredictable box office hits and misses that studios and film production companies are subject to.

Film distribution companies arrange screenings with buyers representing theater owners and negotiate the terms and conditions of the movie distribution agreement, collecting payment when a picture’s original theatrical run ends. They also deal with digital film distribution, offering Internet users ways to download movies legally. Film distributor sales reps also attract buyers who are interested in purchasing DVDs in bulk quantities, such as video rental chains.

Launch a Career as a Film Distributor

Film distribution ventures are usually managed by large companies with many resources at their disposal. The world’s biggest film studios almost always have a distribution arm that acts as a buffer against the massive gains and losses that are part and parcel of the production arm. One of the best ways to get started in the movie distribution business is to take an internship or entry-level position in an established company’s distribution department. You’ll learn the ins and outs of the business, meet people working in the industry and enjoy opportunities to advance.

You don’t need to go to film school to work in film distribution, but you will need keen business sense, good interpersonal skills and an understanding of movie marketing. Film distribution companies will consider applicants from all academic backgrounds if these essential skills can be demonstrated.