In this section of your course we are going to study Film and Media Industries, using as a case study the film Blinded by the Light. Important aspects of this study is the production, distribution and exhibition of the film. Do you understand the meaning of the terms?

What is the difference between production, distribution, and exhibition?

a) Film production is the process of creating the content of the film

• Development: Ideas for the film are created, rights to existing intellectual properties are purchased, etc., and the screenplay is written. Financing for the project is sought and obtained.
• Pre-production: Arrangements and preparations are made for the shoot, such as hiring cast and film crew, selecting locations, and constructing sets.
• Production: The raw footage and other elements of the film are recorded during the film shoot, including principal photography.
• Post-production: The images, sound, and visual effects of the recorded film are edited and combined into a finished product.

b)distribution is the activities involved in getting the film to the public.

This is normally the task of a professional film distributor, who would determine the marketing and release strategy for the film, the media by which a film is to be exhibited or made available for viewing and other matters.

What does exhibition mean in film?

A film exhibition is a process of showing a movie to the public. The film may be exhibited directly to the public either through a movie theater or television, or personal home viewing (including physical media, video-on-demand, download, television programs through broadcast syndication). For commercial projects, film distribution is usually accompanied by film promotion.

How does film distribution work?

Film distribution consists of working to place a movie in theaters, though it may also be distributed to streaming services. This stage of the filmmaking process includes collaborating with theatres and promoting the movie.