Question 3

‘What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?’

Would it be distributed by a major Hollywood studio?

Yes, ‘Untraceable’, has most of the classic signs of a major Hollywood studio production like Universal studios.

However, ‘Untraceable’ is a British film, set in Britain with British characters and cast. Therefore it would probably be produced by a British production company, like ‘Working Title’ with funding from a major Hollywood studio like, ‘Universal studios’.

On the other hand, because it would be funded by a major Hollywood studio , this means that it would more than likely be advertised, marketed and distributed by a major Hollywood studio, as the have funded it.

Distribution by a major Hollywood studio would mean that it would be more successful because they have their own distribution offices in many countries.

Would it be distributed by Television?

With the speed of todays modern world, a lot of films have their cinematic releases quickly, and then within six to twelve months are released on DVD and Blu-Ray and then within eighteen months of their cinematic release, they are shown on pay-per-view t.v. and then six months after that they are aired on free to view t.v.

‘Untraceable’ is well suited to the Television audience because it is not only a thriller that has the pace of a silver screen film but it also has the drama tension to keep a T.V. audience interested and focused. This would make ‘Untraceable’ an excellent film to be distributed by Television because they would not only have a film that audiences will want to watch, but also a film that will increase their ratings.

Would it be distributed for an internet only audience?

Although the internet has many advantages for certain film, ‘Untraceable’ would unfortunately be at a disadvantage for a couple of reasons.

Firstly, ‘Untraceable’ does not suit the small screen because it was meant to be seen in cinemas, where the audience would collectively build up an atmosphere of sympathy for the victim and tension due to the constant suspense.

Secondly, an internet only audience would limit its potential audience because not everybody has access to the internet and of those who do, not all of them know how to access on-line films.

Marketization and Advertising ?There are many possible ways in which ‘Untraceable’, could be advertised and marketed to a perspective audience . The first way that ‘Untraceable’, could be advertised and meet its market is through a trailer, or a series of trailers. The trailer/s would be shown in cinemas first, then on television, six weeks before cinematic release.

Then there are posters, which would be displayed on buses, phone boxes, billboards, in newspapers, cinemas, magazines and train stations. These posters would consist of the logo towards the centre bottom with the victim fading into the background with stacks of money and the kid-naper standing in the foreground, facing into the background.

Where and how would it be released?‘Untraceable’ would make its first premier release in Leister Square, in the U.K. because, ‘Untraceable’ is a British film, set in Britain with British characters and cast. Therefore it would be sensible to release it in the U.K. first, where it will meet a large percentage of its target market audience. Releasing it first, in the U.K. will guarantee a hugely successful opening in the box office, thus increasing its success on an international scale.

From its release in the U.K. it would released in the U.S.A. This to should help its box office success because the American market has helped some British films to become globally successful.

After its release in the U.S. ‘Untraceable’ would be released in Europe because the European market often likes British film.

‘Untraceable’s last cinematic release would be in Asia which favours British film less than the other markets.

Opportunities for merchandising ?There are many aspects of ‘Untraceable’, that could be made into merchandise. The first area would be the film title and logo. The logo could be printed onto t-shirts, mugs, cards, posters, calendars and mouse pads, etc. The pictures and characters in profile could also be printed the t-shirts and the others.

In addition to this would be the characters costumes. These would be a big part of the merchandise collection because there are many stores across the world that specialise in film costumes for fancy dress and mega fans. The characters costumes also add to the synergy around the film.

And finally, to top it all off, there is the possibility of action figures of the characters.