Having a solid distribution plan is key to your Christian film’s success. As a producer, you spend most of your time focused on the script, pre-production, filming, and editing. But when it comes time to get your film distributed, many filmmakers realize they haven’t really thought about distribution. Ideally, you should have a plan for that well before you get to this point.
At what point do you create a film distribution plan?
You should start developing a distribution plan early in the process. This will help inform your audience, budgets and the long term success for your film.
Here are the high level components of a film distribution plan.
Identify the Audience
In the script stage of your film you will want to identify your audience. This will help you shape your film and marketing plan.
Start by understanding who your film is for. Consider:
- Age, gender, and interests
- Where is your audience in their faith journey. How can you help them.
- What narrative themes they care about
This audience insight will shape everything from script tweaks to your promotional strategy.
Develop a Marketing Plan
Develop a plan with marketing tactics that will bring awareness to your film and your ideal audience to view the film. Tip: Divide your marketing plan into Pre-Release and Release initiatives. YourPre-Release plan will include tactics to raise awareness of your film and build your audience. Your Release plan with include everything to promote the release of the film.
Pre-Release Marketing
During this stage you should:
- Build an online presence (website, social media, email list)
- Launch teaser trailers and behind-the-scenes content
- Engage potential audiences with press announcements and partnerships
- Leverage niche communities like churches or relevant organizations
- Share early media assets (trailers, stills, cast interviews)
A strong pre-release strategy builds momentum and anticipation, making the eventual release much more impactful.
Release Marketing
Once your film is ready to go public:
- Lead with targeted advertising campaigns (social ads, email blasts)
- Coordinate pre-screenings
- Engage press outlets and influential reviewers
- Enable partners to amplify promotions on their platforms
Keep tracking reach and engagement so you can tweak your tactics in real time.
Post-Release Engagement
Distribution doesn’t stop at release day. Continue audience engagement by posting:
- Testimonials and reviews
- Bonus content or Q&As
- Discussion guides or study materials
This deepens engagement and extends the film’s lifecycle.
Research Distributors
Identify a film distributor that you want to work with. This could be a single distributor that could bring your film to all the markets (U.S. and International) or multiple distributors that you carve out various rights or windows to. Also, you may choose to self-distribute your film.
Traditional Distribution
Partnering with a distributor gives you wider reach into theaters and digital platforms.
Film Festivals
Film festivals provide visibility, industry attention, and often the attention of distributors. Winning awards or gaining press can significantly boost your film’s profile.
Digital & Streaming Platforms
Platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and other online services can launch your film to a global audience if licensed properly. They’re especially valuable for indie films that may not get a theatrical run.
Self-Distribution
Aggregators and submitting to select platforms let you distribute directly to audiences without a middleman. This approach gives you control and potentially better revenue splits.
Sign a Distribution Agreement
Once you have identified the distributor(s) you want to work with then you will sign your distribution agreement for the period of time agreed upon.
Release Marketing Plan
Once your film is ready to release, begin to roll out all the tactics you’ve developed to promote your film. Tip: Monitor the response to your marketing initiatives and refine or expand it along the way.