A film sales agent represents filmmakers who are in search for distribution deals. Sales agents work with established directors as well as up-and-coming movie professionals. To become successful, sales agents must continually add new films and filmmakers to their roster; thus, visiting film festivals and screenings is a vital part of the job. Sales agents work to promote a film by inviting distribution companies to premiere parties and screenings as well as providing copies directly to the studio. Once a distributor agrees to distribute a film, the sales agent must then negotiate the contract on behalf of the filmmaker. Film sales agents often hold a master's degree in film production from an accredited university and intern at established film sales agency firms.
A film distributor works to establish the largest possible release for a film. This position may be affiliated with major Hollywood studios, also known as the "majors", or with independent filmmakers. Once a film has been created, major studios or independent production companies hire a distributor agent to create a movie release plan. This plan consists of the intended release date, a media promotion plan and potential revenue breakdown. Distributors work to have a film released in movie theaters across the country or world, depending on the size of the release. They work with film-reproduction companies to have the movie reproduced and shipped to screening locations. To become a distributor agent, a bachelor's degree in film production, business, marketing or publicity is helpful. Most distributor agents begin by interning at a distribution company and working their way up the employment hierarchy.
Marketing/publicity mangers are responsible for creating marketing campaigns for a film once the distribution company has found the target audience. To ensure an effective campaign, a marketing/publicity manager researches the best way to attract the desired demographic through traditional and new media venues. Marketing/publicity managers can work in a major Hollywood film studio, distribution company or with independent filmmakers. A degree in marketing, publicity or film studies is desired by most publicity/marketing firms.