Production, Distribution and Exhibition

Production: Production refers to the stages that need to be completed in order to create the finished product. This also refers to any type of media production, e.g. television or the film industry. The production process is split into three main sections, this includes:

• Pre-production: This includes the planning or storyboard for the media production.
• The Production: This is the actual shooting, filming or recording.
• Post-production: This is the editing and all the other processes that help create the finished product.

Distribution: Distribution refers to getting your film/television show noticed amongst the public. This means trying to ensure as many people go and see the film/television show as possible. Distributers for films, for example, will try and ensure cinema screenings and create a buzz around the film. Each film/television programme has its own budget. The better funded the film/television programme, the more money can be spent on distributing methods, such as posters or interviews on radio or TV.  This is why big Hollywood film companies are able to attract big audiences rather than independent companies.  

Exhibition: Exhibition is the retail branch of the film industry, and refers to the screening of the film. The job of the exhibiter is to sell the experience of the movie to the paying customers. They have the job of promoting and presenting the film and have a big influence on box-office success, also the reception of the film. Therefore they try and ensure big audiences against other films, whom are competing for their audiences.