Careers in Marketing and Distribution in the Film Industry

With the rise in social media use by professional companies in this day and age, the outlook on jobs in marketing in the film and entertainment industry is bright. The overall amount of employment for jobs in advertising and marketing is projected to grow by 8% from 2023 to 2033, which is significantly faster than the average for all occupations. Because the possibilities within the marketing industry are vast, you might want to narrow down what type of job within this industry you are most interested in. Here is a description of 5 careers in film and entertainment marketing and distribution. 

Marketing Manager

A Marketing Manager can also be known as a Brand Manager, Director of Marketing, or Marketing Executive. The main objective of marketing managers is to convince the audience that the movie they are promoting is a “must-see” movie. The same goes for any television series promotion. 

A marketing manager works to identify the target audience for the film or television project they are working on and create a campaign to pique the interest of that target audience. This can be done in any manner of ways, through billboards, social media, trailers, and posters. The marketing managers oversee the whole marketing process of the project, ensuring that everything happens smoothly. They may also collaborate with creative partners to develop promotional artwork materials. Marketing managers can work on a variety of tasks throughout the production of a film, like ensuring that the film is presented well to potential buyers or distribution companies, as well as continuing this marketing process throughout the distribution cycle. 

Marketing managers need to be able to think analytically and creatively at the same time. They should be organized and able to create a schedule for the marketing plan. Marketing managers need to have excellent communication skills as well as an awareness and knowledge of the industry, including current trends. 

Marketing Assistant 

A Marketing Assistant can also be known as a Brand Marketing Assistant, a Junior Marketing Assistant, or a Marketing Communications Assistant. This is typically an entry-level position. They perform any task that helps the marketing department achieve success with their campaigns. Common tasks include proofreading copy, filing, and inputting contact details into research spreadsheets. Marketing assistants can also work on research projects to help assess data for the current campaigns of the marketing department. 

A marketing assistant should have similar skills as a marketing manager, but they do not need as much experience. They need to be aware of what audiences are looking for and how to reach certain audiences. They should have a passion for film and television and be able to use social media effectively. Important skills to have as a marketing assistant also include being organized, having excellent communication capabilities, and being able to effectively take initiative on tasks. 

Publicist 

A Publicist is also known as a Press Representative, a Public Relations Officer, a Publicity Coordinator, a Publicity Consultant, or a Unit Publicist. Publicists are in charge of creating a “buzz” for film and TV projects. They are supposed to get the critics to talk about their project. 

Publicists handle all major aspects of the press relations surrounding a film, all while keeping the distributor and producer informed of all PR developments. They are the ones responsible for getting media coverage for the film as well as keeping up good relations with journalists and critics. One of the roles of a publicist is to create press packs which include a synopsis of the film, cast and crew biographies, and stills. 

A publicist should be good at understanding how the media works. They need to have excellent writing skills and have the ability to be flexible and spontaneous. Additionally, publicists have a vast knowledge of the film market and are good at persuading audiences and influencers in the film industry to watch the film or TV project they are promoting. 

Sales Agent 

A Sales Agent, also known as a Film Sales Executive, acts on behalf of the producer to sell the rights of the film to distributors. These distributors then release the films on different platforms, like in the cinema, on TV, on DVD, or on streaming platforms. The sales agents need to negotiate with the distributors based on the sales estimates and assessment of the film’s commercial value to ensure they are getting the best agreement. 

Sales agents are also responsible for the promotion of the project, either at festivals or film markets. They are also usually involved in developing the marketing plan. The job of a sales agent may also require frequent travel as they need to continuously acquire new content to sell from filmmakers and build relationships with distributors around the world.  

Sales agents need to have a good sense of commercial awareness. They should be knowledgeable about cultural trends and understand the film industry market and the film-making process. They need marketing and networking skills, as well as strong negotiation and finance skills. 

Distribution Executive 

A Distribution Executive is also known as a Distribution Manager or a Distribution Director. They are responsible for getting films and TV projects into cinemas, on TV screens, and onto streaming platforms. They go to film markets and acquire the films from production companies or sales agents. Then they negotiate for the rights to release the projects with deals that cover a set period of time and agreements, such as promotion and if there are any edits of the film allowed. Distribution executives deliver film materials and plan the release of the project, including how to market the film and figuring out what audience will bring in the most profit. 

A distribution executive should have a wide knowledge of the industry and the market. They need to be able to identify the core audience of a film and be able to excite that audience. They should have a passion for film, of course, and be able to negotiate, network, and know about finance and budget. 

Keep in mind… 

The more you know about the potential careers in your future, the better prepared you can be when you go out and search for work. While these job titles can look different at every company, the core responsibility will stay the same. And remember, before you apply for a position or do an interview, do your research!