Distribution

This is how a movie usually gets from the first step of making the film to the cinema:

•      Someone has an idea for a movie.

•      They create an outline and use it to promote interest in the idea.

•      A studio or independent investor decides to purchase rights to the film.

•      People are brought together to make the film (screenwriter, producer, director, cast, crew).

•      The film is completed and sent to the studio.

•      The studio makes a licensing agreement with a distribution company.

•      The distribution company determines how many copies (prints) of the film to make.

•      The distribution company shows the movie (screening) to prospective buyers representing the theaters.

•      The buyers negotiate with the distribution company on which movies they wish to lease and the terms of the lease agreement.

•      The prints are sent to the theaters a few days before the opening day.

•      The theater shows the movie for a specified number of weeks (engagement).

•      You buy a ticket and watch the movie.

•      At the end of the engagement, the theater sends the print back to the distribution company and makes payment on the lease agreement.