Sunday 3 January 2016


Distribution- What is it?

What part of the supply chain is distribution?
The 3rd part of the supple chain is distribution.

What is distribution often referred to as?
Distribution is referred to as 'The invisible art'.

What does 'vertical integration' mean when discussing distribution?
This is where the three stages are seen as part of the same larger process, under the control of the same company. 

Why isn't 'vertical integration' so common in the independent sector?
Producers tend not to have long-term economic links with distributors, who likewise have no formal connections with exhibitors.

What three stages are involved in the independent sector?
The three stages involved are- licensing, marketing and logistics. 


What is licencing?
This is the process by which a distributor gets the legal right to exploit a film.

What are the two levels of licencing?
International distribution and 'local' distribution are the two levels. 

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

What three different types of rights can you acquire on a local level?  
Theatrical rights, for showing the film in cinemas; video rights, for video and DVD exploitation; and TV rights, if the distributor is able to sell the film to a broadcaster.

What are royalties?
A fee taken from the profit the film generates. 

What is the most effective way to increase interest in a film?
A theatrical opening is seen as the most effective way to create interest in a new film.

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


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?
They are typically released on Fridays. 

What will a distributor look at before releasing a film on a Friday?
The schedule for forthcoming releases.

What is a 'light' week in terms of distribution?
A 'light' week 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?
The distributor will avoid a release date occupied by other films with similar traits.

Why has this become increasingly difficult in the UK?
The release schedule has regularly featured over 10 new releases in a week.

What are P&A?
P&A are Prints and Advertising. 

How much can P&A cost?
They can cost from less than £1,000 to over £1 million.


Typically how many prints will a 'specialised' film have?
Fewer than ten prints into key independent cinemas. 

How many will mainstream films have?
Often over 200 prints. 

What is a key factor in developing the profile of a film?
Favourable press response is a key factor. 

How else can awareness of a film be raised?
Advertising in magazines, national and local newspapers works in tandem with press editorial coverage to raise awareness of a release.

Why is distribution in the UK seen as risky?
It's seen as risky becuase the cost of print advertising is a lot higher.

Why are companies looking towards viral marketing?
They are looking forward to it because it will mean different forms of electronic word-of-mouth via the internet, email and mobile phones.

What are the benefits of a 'talent visit'
It wins significant editorial coverage to support a release.


In the pre digital film age what was a distributor responsible for?
To arrange transport of a film to the cinema. 

How much does a 35mm print typically cost?
It can cost around £1000.

How many reals is a typical feature print?
5-6 reals. 

Why do 35mm prints get damaged?
They get damaged as they pass through different projectors, and the hands of various projectionists. 

Where are prints stored?
West London.

How long did a theatrical release used to last?
6 months. 


When did digital distribution begin in the UK?
Towards the end of 2005. 

Name two advantages of digital distribution
It is seen as more cost effective and logistics-light alternative to be tried and trusted. 

Which countries adopted digital distribution early and why?
China and Brazil because conventional logistics cannot, for one reason or another, efficiently bring together supply and demand.

How many screens were digital in 2005 and how many are now (you'll need to google this)
There were 211 in 2005 and 90% are digital now. 

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?
It dramatically reduce the overall theatrical period from 3-6 months to perhaps 1-3 months. 

What is a loss leader (google it) and why are companies using the Cinema as a potential loss leader?
Loss leader is a product sold at a loss to attract customers. Companies use the cinema for this, because in the long run they would get more money.

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