How do cinemas get original copies of a certain movie . do they buy it?
In: Technology
Via a film distribution company. The distributor is usually separate from the production company. Many films have a distribution commitment before they get made, but others — especially indie films — are produced, shown at festivals, and then, based on the festival performance, get a distribution deal. This is why festivals are so important for indie films. Some major media companies (e.g. Disney, Warner, Paramount, etc. have both production arms and distribution arms).
The distribution company is responsible for all the marketing of the film as well as getting copies to (and back from) cinemas.
The distribution company makes deals with the cinema chains. The cinema usually keeps a percentage of the gross of ticket sales (but all of concession sales) and returns the rest to the distributor. The distributor keeps their cut, and passes through the remainder to the production company.
So, no, the cinema doesn’t buy the copy of the film. It’s more like they “borrow” it from the distribution company for a period of time, as they are required to return it to the distribution company along with a percentage of ticket sales.
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