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The Theatrical Opening PDF Print E-mail

The size of the release is directly related to your choice of date, since it all depends on theatre availability. In Canada, a wide release is anything over 130 screens.  A platform release involves a few major markets, nationwide, and a limited release selects just a few screens, also nationwide. With both platform and limited releases, screens will be added in other markets (or B and C markets) if the picture performs when it opens.

Test screenings
Distributors now often do screenings (whether organized internally or by an independent firm), either to test the film itself, or to test several different marketing campaign options.  A very high score is a good indicator of future performance – but not a guarantee.

The campaign

Tools and timing
Work on the campaign starts even before the film’s opening is decided.  With the target audience in mind, the distributor hires the necessary people to develop the appropriate campaign tools.  These elements include:
  • first, a one-sheet and its derivatives (e.g. postcards and press kit covers);
  • then a trailer, perhaps a teaser (for bigger films), and standees (free-standing cardboard installations);
  • later on, a press kit, and stills; and
  • once production is complete,  an electronic press kit and TV clips.  
Tip:
  • Note: If you don’t have a publicist, make sure you get tons of great stills and video coverage of the shoot for your electronic press kit and promotion.

Some two to six months prior to the release, place trailers, teasers (if any), one-sheets and standees in the selected theatres. Trailers are still the best way to create awareness for a picture – provided, of course, you are targeting the right audience, by placing the trailers on appropriate pictures.

Size (budget)
Once the key decisions about dates and size of release have been made, the size of the campaign will be determined, and the distribution team will create an overall campaign strategy. This strategy can include all or some of the following: elements:
  • TV advertising
  • newspaper advertising
  • magazine
  • wild posting (one-sheets posted around cities, or in entrances to bars and restaurants)
  • public transit advertising
  • internet
  • radio
  • billboards
  • soundtrack
  • standees or electronic displays for theatres or stores
  • large-theatre banners

 
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