Friday 11 December 2015

Distribution

What is distribution?

What part of the supply chain is distribution?Distribution is the third part of the supply chain.

What is distribution often referred to as?
'Invisible art'

What does 'vertical integration' mean when discussing distribution?Vertical integration is where three stages are seen as one larger process.

Why isn't 'vertical integration' so common in the independent sector?Producers have no formal connections with exhibitors and producers need exhibitors to promote and show the film it its best possible way.

What three stages are involved in the independent sector?Licensing, marketing and logistics.
Licensing

What is licensing?The process that the distributer of the film would go through to be able to legally show the film to the public. 

What are the two levels of licensing?International, marketing the film across the world and local, releasing the film in just one particular country.

What is the advantage of being a major US studio?They have their own distribution offices in all of the major territories already. 

What three different types of rights can you acquire on a local level? Theatrical rights, video rights, video and TV rights. 

What are royalties?Something that the distributer pays to the producer out of the profits that the film generates.
 
What is the most effective way to increase interest in a film?
A theatrical opening.

How long does it take for a film to reach 'free to air' TV?Two years.


 Marketing

What are the two key questions surrounding the marketing of a film?The two key questions are 'When?' and 'How?'

What day are films typically released on?

Films are typically released on Fridays.

What will a distributor look at before releasing a film on a Friday?

To ensure there are only a few other films which are released on Fridays.

What is a 'light' week in terms of distribution?

It will ensure that there will be both screen space and adequate review column inches in the press allocated to any potential release.

What does it mean to 'position' a film distinctively?

It will be positioned distinctively and a void a release date occupied by other films with similar traits, such as story, subject, country of origin, etc.

Why has this become increasingly difficult in the UK?

It has become increasingly difficult, as the release schedule has regularly featured over 10 new releases in a week.

What are P&A?

Are the nuts and bolts of marketing and distributing films, and its known as Prints and Advertising.

How much can P&A cost?

Its the bulk of the distributor's investment, after paying the initial fee for rights, and can range from less than £1,000 to over £1 million for the release of a film in the UK.


 Marketing - Prints and adverts

Typically how many prints will a 'specialised' film have?Specialised films will often have less than 10 prints, with them 'toured' over a 6 month period to all parts of the UK.

How many will mainstream films have?Commercial mainstream films however, will often open on over 200 prints. These simultaneously screen in all major UK towns and cities.

What is a key factor in developing the profile of a film?For most films, favourable press response is a key factor in developing the profile of a film. 

How else can awareness of a film be raised?Awareness of a film can also be raised by posters, advertising campaigns (e.g. magazines and newspapers), and press campaigns (e.g. interviews.)

Why is distribution in the UK seen as risky?Distribution in the UK is seen as risky compared to other countries because the cost of print advertising is comparatively high.

Why are companies looking towards viral marketing?Companies are looking towards viral marketing in order to extend the reach of advertising and develop more effective communication with audiences at a lower cost. 

What are the benefits of a 'talent visit'?

The benefit of a talent visit is that the director and/or lead actors win significant editorial coverage to support a release. It makes the volume of coverage far outweigh the cost of talent visits.


 Logistics

In the pre digital film age what was a distributor responsible for?
Before film became mostly digital, a distributor would arrange the transportation of the film to cinemas and theatres, the tapes, videos or DVDs to shops and ensure that this whole process is as efficient as possible.


How much does a 35mm print typically cost?
Each 35mm print costs around £1000 so handling it needs to be done safely. If the film has subtitles than it may cost as much as twice this.


How many reals is a typical feature print?
Within the UK specifically, feature prints are shortened so that they can be easily transported. They are usually around 20 minutes long and an entire feature film would require 5-6 of them.

Why do 35mm prints get damaged?
The simple answer to this question is that 35mm prints get damaged from repetitive use as they are moved around lots of cinemas and played through many times.


Where are prints stored?
The UK's central print warehouse which is located in West London. 


How long did a theatrical release used to last?
Originally, the distributor would run two different releases, the first of which would last for around 6 months, trying to reach optimum coverage until the prints are essentially destroyed after this period. Any remaining prints are then used in second-run which lasts for the rest of the film's licensed period.



 Digital Distribution

When did digital distribution begin in the UK?
2005


Name two advantages of digital distribution
Easy to replicate and cost effective.

Which countries adopted digital distribution early and why?
China and Brazil, because efficiently bring together supply and demand.

How many screens were digital in 2005 and how many are now (you'll need to google this)
112 to 192.

Why has digital distribution radically altered the operating model of distributors?
The comparatively low cost of film copies and additional logistical effectiveness of digital distribution provide the distributor with greater flexibility.

What has happened to the typical release period for a film?
Reduced from 3-6 months to 1-3 months.

What is a loss leader (google it) and why are companies using the Cinema as a potential loss leader?
A loss leader is a product sold as a loss which attracts customers, and Cinema's are used as loss leaders so customers will buy DVDs.

Sunday 6 December 2015

June 2010

What significance does the continuing development of digital media technology have for media institutions and audiences?


The continuing development of digital media technology has extreme significance for media institutions and audiences, because without it, several production, marketing and distribution techniques could not possibly be used, consequently lowering the profits of these companies dramatically. The power of current technology in all film institutional practices is a major reason for films being deemed successful both financially and non-financially. 

This is evident in production with the shooting of Mad Max: Fury Road, a film directed by George Miller, a Phantom Camera is used. This camera is able to capture 300 frames per second, allowing the shots to look, cleaner, smoother as well as enabling super slow motion shots to be achieved with high quality results. Originally before digital film cameras, mechanical film cameras were used in movie production. Without the development of digital media technology and specifically camera technology, Mad Max: Fury Road would not have been able to be made for several reasons. These include the mechanics of previous film cameras, which prohibited the camera being tilted, as this would affect the components inside and cause implications with the shots or stop the filming all together. Also the elements of the filming location, the Namibian Desert, would have thrown up problems in production also; with the vast amounts of sand that would breach the cameras exterior and jam the mechanics inside, forcing filming to come to a momentary halt whilst the camera would be being fixed. Also the use of the $500,000 'Edge Arm', a robotic arm which mounts a camera, which enables the camera to be moved with extreme precision and manoeuvrability. This piece of technologies use is highlighted in a particular scene that pans through the window of Nux's car and into another war boys car. This affect of course not available without the development of digital technology. The development of digital media technology in film has had extreme significance in the much smaller British film industry, this is apparent with the double filing of British, independent, cult film; Ex Machina, to achieve an authentic look of robot of ava's exposed mechanical insides, by using the 'rotoscoping' method of CGI. The film directed by Alex Garland in his directorial debut. Without the development of digital technology this method would still be possible, however considerably more expensive with non digital cameras, with a roll of film costing around £1000 per unit and lasting no longer than 1 hour per roll.

With developments in digital technology in the film industry, usually, enhancing the experience and appeal to the consumer, which further results in profit. But how can cinemagoers be expected to experience these products without available places to do so. Box office figures for both Mad Max, being shown on 12,000 screens worldwide, and Ex Machina on 2,000. which is an extraordinarily feat for an independent film with a budget of only 15 million. Mad Max on the other hand with 10,000 more screens was expected to reach figures in that ball park, due to the fact it was the 4th instalment in a successful franchise and trailers promised audiences with large amounts of action and explosions, all of which seem to be tailored perfectly for the big screens of cinemas across the globe. Not only has the development in digital technology aided the production of films and made film making more accessible, for example the first in the Paranormal Activity being made for a small fee of $15,000, but the development has helped cinema viewing, with such features as online booking. However not only has it developed various areas of the film industry but it has played a major role in the development and creation of video streaming apps and websites such as; Netflix and NowTV. Both of which amongst others were encouraged by the problem of illegal downloading and streaming. Both Mad Max and Ex Machina have featured or continue to feature on such websites or apps. With these institutions creating profit for production companies, the money is put into circulation thus increasing the size of the film industry worldwide, of which is of extremely large significance to both media institutions and audiences.

Also with recent digital technological developments, the marketing of films has evolved and been developed. This can be a conscious decision with viral marketing, a method adopted with Ex Machina and the irregular advertising media choice of Tinder, a dating application. Whereas the development can sometimes be done subconsciously via non institutional groups, companies or individuals via social media, or TV institutions. An example of this would be Furious 7 and the unfortunate and surprising death of Paul Walker, was documented worldwide via digital technology, whether it be; television, social media or other technologically involved news platforms. The news was spread and created a demand for the Furious 7 product, as he passed mid filming, which created an air of mystery regarding to how his character (Bryan O'Connor) would feature in the rest of the film. Which coincidently was also achieved with digital media technology, by using cgi, stunt doubles and Pauls Brother as a base for his face to be rendered onto it. 

In conclusion the development of digital technology for use in the film industry has lead to both institutions and audiences benefiting in a variety of different of ways. Institutions, are able to create better quality films, at lower costs. In juxtaposition audiences have benefited as the quality has improved, however financially maybe not so as the improvement in quality does not come for free.

Thursday 3 December 2015


The Big Six

Parent company: Fox television,founded by William Fox Divisions inside the company: Fox TV group, Filmed Entertainment,Fox Networks, Endemol Shine Group, Fox Sports, National Geographic Channels and Fox International
Owns: Blue Sky Studios, Fox Star Studios (India)20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, Fox, 20th Television, 20th Century Fox Television, 20th Century Fox Japan, Fox Studios Australia and TSG Entertainment 
20th Century Fox has 11.2% market share
Known for: X-men, Avatar, Star Wars, Fantastic Four and The Simpsons
Total gross: $956.6 mil





Parent Company- Sony, CEO: Michael Lynton.Owns: Consumer electronics, Semi conductors, Video games, Media/Entertainment, Computer hardware and Telecom equipment
Divisions inside the company: Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group, Sony Pictures Animation ,TriStar Pictures and Sony Pictures Image works. 
Total gross: $567.2mil
Columbia pictures has a market share of 6.6%   






Parent Company: Famous Players-Lasky Corporation then Independent then Gulf+Western then Paramount Communications inc and now Viacom.Divisions inside the company: Paramount Home Media Distribution, Insurge Pictures, Paramount Famous Productions, Paramount Vantage and Paramount Animation.
Owns:Madison square gardens properties, 50% steak in USA networks as well as being involved with TV, music publishing and home video.
Known for: Titanic, Shrek (including 2, 3 and 4), Forrest Gump, Iron Man and The Truman Show
Total gross: $563.4mil
Paramount pictures has a market share of 6.6%



Parent Company: NBC Universal, owned by National Broadcasting CompanyOwns:NBC News, NBC sports, NBC Universal TV and Cable.
Divisions inside the company: Universal animation studios, Focus features, Illumination entertainment, Working title films, Universal pictures home entertainment and United International Pictures
Known for:Jurassic Park/ World, Despicable me/2, Pitch Perfect/2, Jaws, Ted, Fifty Shades of Grey and E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial 
Total gross: $2,285.8mil
Universal Studios has a market share of 26.8%



Parent Company: Walt Disney Studios, owned by Walt Disney's companyOwns: Live action TV, film production and theme parks. 
Buena Vista (divisions of the company): Disney Pixar, Publishing (Marvel and Disney Music), Theatre (Aladdin the musical), Radio (Radio Disney and ESPN Radio Network) and websites such as Club Penguin
Known for: The Avengers, Frozen, Toy Story (1,2 and 3), Wreck-it-Ralph, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest and Finding Nemo
Total Gross: $1,443.4mil
Walt Disney Pictures has a 16.9% market share.



Parent Company:Time Warner IncorporatedOwns: Warner Brothers Television Group, Warner Brother's digital distribution, Warner brothers interactive entertainment, DC entertainment and DC comics.
Divisions inside the company: HBO, Time Warner Corporate, Turner Broadcasting System and Warner Brother's entertainment.
Known for: American Sniper, Mad Max, The Hobbit, Game of Thrones and FRIENDS
Total Gross: $1,416.7mil
Warner Bros has a 16.3% market share.