Case Study - Distribution of Saw

Case Study- Distribution of Saw

Saw is an American horror franchise distributed by Lionsgate Entertainment and produced by Twisted Pictures. There are seven films in this series, as well as additional media, and the eighth seems to be coming out very soon. The franchise started off as a short film helping to pitch as a potential feature film, created by well-known horror film director James Wan and horror film screenwriter Leigh Whannell. Leigh Whannell actually acted in Saw, Saw II, and Saw III.

Lionsgate picked up Saw's worldwide distribution rights just days before the film premiered on January 19th 2004. The film then played for three nights and gained a very positive reaction. This reaction allowed the film to be used as the closing film at a very sophisticated festival for Toronto International Film on September 18th 2004. Originally, Lionsgate planned to release the film straight to DVD (direct-to-video), however the outstanding reaction at the festival forced the organisation to release it theatrically by Halloween. Twisted Pictures then officially formed after the box office success in 2004, leading to a nine-picture distribution deal with Lionsgate. Six sequels were then produced in the Saw film series.



Saw - October 29, 2004. Profit was $103,096,345 from a $1–1.2 million budget.

Saw II -  October 28, 2005. Profit was $147,748,505 from a $4 million  budget.

Saw III -  October 27, 2006. Profit was $164,874,275 from a $10 million budget.

Saw IV -  October 26, 2007. Profit was $139,352,633 from a $10 million budget.

Saw V - October 24, 2008. Profit was $113,864,059 from a $10.8 million budget.

Saw VI - October 23, 2009. Profit was $68,233,629 from a $11 million budget.

Saw 3D - October 29, 2010. Profit was $136,150,434  from a $17 million budget.

The film series would not have become such a big hit if it wasn't for its distribution. Distribution is the main factor of a film’s success; it allows the media text to be revealed to the public/a wider audience. The budget for the first Saw was only $1,200,000, however after Lionsgate decided to partner with James Wan, Leigh Whannell, and Twisted Pictures and extended the film series, the budget for the next few films increased greatly, as shown in the following table.