Marketing

Word of mouth is the most successful form of marketing . If anyone was to tell their friends about a film they watched before the actual release date , then people would collectively aspire to watch these films after their friends and family's response.
There are many forms of marketing :
With dozens of film posters in the cinema , distributors have to work hard to make their film stand out.
a poster is released for every release. A teaser poster has to be  produced before the release , to enhance the audience's appetite. Distributors also provide space for other display materials in the cinema foyers . For example , cardboard standees ,  banners , window clings etc.

This is an example of a film poster












Trailers is also used as the marketing process. Exhibitors select the trailers to be shown , that are appropriate to the feature- film. These teasers seem to be at least 30-90 seconds.


Most films have their own website , so the internet is a huge part of marketing a film . But as people can write reports about films on the internet , they can steer people away from the film , as much as they can grab their interest to go watch it.
Film clubs have been set up to inspire young people to get creative.
many films use merchandise attached to the film , to promote its publicity . For example , ring tones , books , clothing and screen savers etc are used to generate excitement.
Premiers and festivals have been successful in glamorising films and having a wide appeal to its audience !

Distribution

Distribution is the highly competitive business of launching and sustaining films in the market place.
Theatrical distributors share and discuss their release plans with :
- Film makers and producers
- Exhibitors
- A host of external partners , e.g publicists , advertising agencies and designers.


All distributors go through the stage of 'The competitive Jungle'
For example , they have to take in consideration if other films that are about to be released have bankable stars , as this can put them in competition with other films . The release date is always a huge issue , because distributors have to allocate the film on a time where , the film is not in competition with other films. Also , the certificate of the film has to be decided , and this can be quite a controversial issue.

found the following on http://www.launchingfilms.tv/distribution.php :

n an age when we're all bombarded with media choices, the cinema presents films with a vital shop window. This generic guide to UK distribution focuses on how films are launched in cinemas.

Producer/company acquires rights to film a story or treatment

Screenplay is developed

Production finance and cast and crew are confirmed

Principal photography takes place, in studios and/or on agreed locations, followed by some months of post-production, editing and scoring

Master print of finished film is delivered to local distributor

Distributor determines release strategy and release date

Distributor presents the film to exhibitors and negotiates bilateral agreements to have the film shown in cinemas