Used in: Movie

The distributor field contains the distributor of a movie. It lets you chose entries from the “company” and “network” taxonomy. While you can add multiple distributors, it is currently not possible to add a distributor per country/region. To add a distributor, simply use the field's search widget, and select the desired entry accordingly. To add another distributor, simply click on the “Add another item” button.

If you can't find the distributor you're looking for, simply add it either in the “network” or “company” taxonomy (depending on its type).

Since there can be different distributors per region, don't assume when there's already an entry, that you shouldn't add another entry. In addition, if there is already an distributor saved in the OFDb doesn't necessary mean that the entry is wrong and you have to replace it.

It can be difficult to know who the distributor is, if you can't use data you find in the internet. If you rely on the movie itself, you might find the information in the opening credits of the movie. Often the very first logo that appears right after the movie start is the distributor. However, if you later see that the very same company is credited as a production company, it's already unclear whether it really is the distributor (some companies do both, distributing and producing). As a rule of thumb: if the very first logo is not credited as “presents” or “produced by”/“a […] production”, it is rather save to assume that it is the distributor.

Sometimes, you may also find the distributor in the end credits. The Matrix, for example, shows the Warner Bros logo at the very end of the movie, accompanied by the text “Distributed by Warner Bros.” And PARADISE: Love states in the end credits “Weltvertrieb Coproduction Office / Philippe Bober” (“world distribution Coproduction Office / Philippe Bober”). In both cases you know the distributor for sure.

• Wikipedia: Film distributor
• wrapbook blog: Producer's Guide: Film Distributors
• Amy Clarke Films blog: How film distribution works in this century
• Guerrilla Rep Media blog: What's the Difference between a Sales Agent and a Distributor.