Evaulation Question 3

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

As Disconnected is a psychological thriller with elements of crime, selective media institutions would be ideal for distributing our product. Distribution companies contribute largely in the film production process. They are the link between the film makers and the public. Their responsibilities include deciding on a release date that would cause mass viewing from their targeted audience, deciding on how many prints to produce and what cinemas to screen them which is an expensive process therefore making the right decisions in cinema screenings is crucial for the film’s success. They also design and create the art work for adverts, flyers and bill boards which are marketed to mass audiences as well as organised appearances and talker screenings to resulting in press attention. For independent filmmakers it is inevitably more difficult as they may not have the backing of a major studio or have well known directors and actors working with their product greatly improving the chances of securing a good distribution deal. In regards to Disconnected, the distribution company would have to have a successful track record for films of our genre in order to be well marketed and ensure a strong link with the audience. 

Research shows that Lionsgate films is the leading independent production and distribution company internationally. It is often referred to as a ‘mini-major’ due to its success. They have distributed several successful independent titles as well as commercial titles such as ‘The Twilight Saga’ (partially), ‘The Hunger Games’, ‘The Divergent Series’, ‘Saw’ and ‘The Expendables’. Lionsgate’s first major box office success was ‘American Psycho’, a psychological thriller. This is a unique selling point for our independent production company as they were able to achieve great success through a film parallel to our genre.  Lionsgate occasionally co-produce films with major studios. For example, they teamed with ‘Miramax Films’ for the 2004 sequel Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights and was also a silent partner in 20th Century Fox's 2004 sci-fi film The Day After Tomorrow. Although they focus on foreign and independent films, the indie status of our film appeals to their ethos. Overall, Lionsgate would be an ideal distribution company for Disconnected. 

Another successful independent distribution company is The Weinstein Company. Similar to Lionsgate, The Weinstein Company are often referred to as a mini major. However, it is one of the largest independent distribution companies internationally. There major successes include ‘Storm breaker’, ‘Django unchained’ (co distributed with Columbia Pictures) and ‘The Imitation Game’. The Weinstein’s Company distributed film, The King's Speech, brought to the company their first Academy Award for Best Picture at the 83rd Annual Academy Awards. They have also had multiple successes with thrillers such as ‘Derailed’ which was there first major box office hit in 2005. The Weinstein Company are ideal for distribution due to their strong link with their audience and established success.