P4(a) Distribution channels

Meaning & Purpose

DreamWorks does not control its own marketing process. The studio is owned by Viacom, which also owns Paramount. DreamWorks operates out of Universal Studios. Their films are marketed and distributed by Touchstone Pictures. 

Touchstone is an American film distribution company associated with Walt Disney Pictures.

Touchstone is owned by Walt Disney Studios, however the films that it produces and distributes are usually those that are more dark and mature than the ones that would be distributed under the Disney name. Although Touchstone does not release as many films under its name because the Disney name draws in such a large audience, it has still been a very successful distribution company. 

Distribution

When DreamWorks was first created, they used to distribute their own films. Later, after DreamWorks was purchases by Viacom, Paramount became their main distributor until 2008, when they started to be distributed and marketed by Touchstone. The only exception is in India, where the films are distributed by Reliance Media. This is separate from DreamWorks Animation, which has their films distributed by Twentieth Century Fox. 

DreamWorks makes deals with TV companies depending on the film and where companies want to air it. It has basic, consistent deals with Trifecta Entertainment & Media and with Disney-ABC Domestic Television. Some of its movies have also been aired on ABC TV Network. They also have different deals with different companies depending on the country. 

 Trifecta Entertainment is an American entertainment company since 2006 and is involved in the development, production, distribution and advertisement for films and television programs.

Disney ABC is also an American entertainment company which manages all Disney and ABC programming, as well as A&E and ESPN.

The distribution channel is a path between consumer and vendor. There is two part in the distribution channel, direct and indirect. If the consumers buy goods and services from the producer directly, this is called direct channel, otherwise is indirect dc.

Paramount Picture has many divisions such as Digital Entertainment, Paramount Studio Group, and Paramount Television. They have very specific division and the employee in the company very clear what should they do. CBS Television Distribution is a distribution channel  they are cooperating. It is an American television distribution company, it is responsible for acquired series, mini-series, and made-for-TV films from the Paramount Television libraries.