How to distribute micro budget films

For many films it is incredibly difficult to get a theatrical distribution, particularly horror genre. Even if they get a distribution they go straight to video and don't make it into cinemas. This is because most of the films trying to get distributed are a low budget production. It therefore contains almost no stars which is even harder to get distributors. However, there are examples of low budget productions that got distributed such as Heretic or Paranormal Activity.



Horror top hits:

Scream(1996)

• Budget: $14M
• Box office: $173M
• 
  

Scream 2 (1997)

• Budget: $24M
• Box office: $172M

Scream 3 (2000)

• Budget: $40M
• Box office: $162M

Top Distributors in 2017:

• Walt Disney (21,78%)
• Warner Bros (18,50%)
• Universal (13,80%)
• 20th Century Fox (12,02%)
• Sony Pictures (9,59%)
• Lionsgate (8.03%)

Horror Market Share:

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How to self-distribute a micro budget film:

• Research
• Film festivals
• Film markets
• Visit fan websites, blogs and forums
• Create promotional material (Cast photos, behind the scene )
• Built relationship with fans
• Know your target audience
• Sell and promote through own website and various digital platforms

Examples of 2 $30K budget films that got distributed:

• Halloween (Budget/$325K) (Box Office/$70M)
• Paranormal Activity (Budget/$15K) (Box Office/$193M)