Recently, like many other Marvel comic fans, I sat on the edge of my seat awaiting the new trailer for the newest Spiderman movie. There have been tons of teasers for lots of hype and lots of fan theories about the upcoming movie.
With this final trailer and official release date, we know the movie has wrapped the production phase and has now moved into the final stage of film production.
- Development/script writing
- Preproduction/budgeting
- Production
- Postproduction
- Distribution/marketing
Remember studios follow a specific process to ensure the maximum return on their investment into your screenplay. This is a business for everyone involved: writers, studios, investors, production teams, and theaters.
As the process moves into the final phase, marketing materials are produced not only for promoting the movie to the public, but to investors or rights holders of the project. Think of it as a project update for the business team. With the marketing materials approved, it is time to begin the distribution process.
Distribution Process
The distribution phase is when a film project finally moves from a private project to a public project where those not involved in the film’s production get their first look at the finished project.
Still, this doesn’t mean a film goes directly to the theater, some may be released straight to DVD or a streaming service. Which route to take can be decided based upon feedback from those in the industry: film festivals or major film distributors. If neither works, there is always the option for self-distribution.
Of course, major studios with their in-house writers and creators, have a leg up when it comes to distributing their movies. They can pitch and promote their projects well in advance. Below are a few movies I’m looking forward to seeing in the new year:
Ironically, distribution is the final stage in movie production, but it is just the beginning of the audience’s journey in a narrative a screenwriter creates. The audiences’ reaction to a screenplay is something most writers imagine from the beginning when they first got their big idea.
Back to the Beginning
As we end this series on the filmmaking process, we are beginning a new year that is full of possibilities and potential ideas. The screenwriting process is a journey for writers as well, the idea is the first step in the filmmaking process.
- Idea brainstorming/writing
- Pitching/selling the idea
- Film production
- Marketing/distribution
We have 12 months to develop new story ideas, create new worlds and characters; but it is a long way until we finally make it to the distribution stage!
Martin Johnson survived a severe car accident with a (T.B.I.) Traumatic brain injury which left him legally blind and partially paralyzed on the left side. He is an award-winning Christian screenwriter who has recently finished his first Christian nonfiction book. Martin has spent the last nine years volunteering as an ambassador and promoter for Promise Keepers ministries. While speaking to local men’s ministries he shares his testimony. He explains The Jesus Paradigm and how following Jesus changes what matters most in our lives. Martin lives in a Georgia and connects with readers at MartinThomasJonhson.com and on Twitter at mtjohnson51.
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