Final answer:
A film distributor is the entity responsible for making a movie available to audiences after acquiring rights from the creators. They are crucial in the process of film development, working alongside producers and others involved in the production and distribution of a film.
Step-by-step explanation:
A film distributor is a company or an agency that acquires the rights to a movie from the filmmakers or producers and then makes that movie available to audiences by renting, selling, or licensing it to theaters. These entities often contribute to the costs of producing the film and are instrumental in the film's journey to reach audiences through various platforms, such as theaters, DVD sales, and digital platforms like Netflix.
The film industry functions with key players such as the producer, director, screenwriter, and cinematographer. The producer plays a pivotal role in both the financial and artistic realms of film development. They secure funding, oversee production, and can contribute to key decisions, like casting. After a film's completion, the distributor handles the movie's release to theaters and other mediums like video on demand, which increasingly includes digital services like Snag Films that focus on digital distribution, catering to modern viewing habits.
The complex process of movie production involves the phases of pre-production, production, and post-production, with the goal of creating a film that balances novelty with familiarity to appeal to audiences while ensuring financial viability.