Monday 4 January 2016

What is Distribution

DISTRIBUTION
What part of the supply chain is distributed?
Third part of the film supply chain

What is distribution often referred to?
It is referred to as the 'invisible art'- this is a process known to those only in the industry.

What does 'vertical integration' mean when discussing distribution?
 This means where the three stages- production,  distribution and exhibition are seen as one process instead of being separate.

Why isn't 'vertical integration' so common in the independent sector?
Producers tend to not have long term economic links with distributors which therefore means they have on links to exhibitors

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

LICENSING

What is licensing?
The process by which a distributor requires legal rights to exploit a film.

What are the two levels of licensing?
International Distribution and Local Distribution

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

What there different types of rights can you acquire on a local level?
Theatrical  Rights- cinema, Video rights- video and exploration and TV rights.                                                     
What are royalties?
This is paid to the producer by the distributors. This is taken from the profit that the film makes. This profit is then shared equally to the producer for theatrical leg, pay back higher royalties, broadcast rights, and lower for video and DVD. 

What is most effective way to increase interest in a film? 
This is releasing it, in a theatrically way- meaning in cinemas. 

How long does it take for a film to reach 'free to air' TV? 
It takes two years after being released in cinema. 

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

What day are films typically released on? 

They are in the uk, typically released on Fridays 

What will a distributor look at before releasing a film on a Friday? 
They will look at the schedule of film releases on the Fridays and will look at the Friday with the least releases. 

What is a 'light' week in terms of distribution? 
This is when there are only a few films due to be released on the schedule.

What does it mean to 'position' a film distinctively?
This is distributors making sure that they avoid releasing their film at the same time as similar trait films, this being-genre,story subject and country and origin. 

Why has this become increasingly difficult in the UK? 
In recent years, there has been at least 10 new releases a week scheduled. 

What are P&A? 
This is costs of print and distribution.

How much are P&A costs?
This can range from less than £100,000 to 1 million for release of film in the UK.

PRINTS AND ADVERTISING-P&A

Typically how many prints will a 'specialised' film have? 
 'specialised' films will have less than 10 prints. 

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

What is a key factor in developing the profile of a film? 
Press Response

How else can awareness of a film be raised?
Advertisement in magazines, newspapers and cinema posters. 

Why is distribution in the UK seen as risky? 
Cost of print for advertisement is high. 

Why are companies looking towards viral marketing?
Because advertisement and marketing is at a low cost and effective. 

What are the benefit of a 'talent visit'? 
It wins significant editorial coverage for support with release. 

LOGISTICS
In the pre digital film age what was a distributor responsible for? 
Arrange transportation of films to the cinemas across the UK. 

How much does a 35mm print typically cost? 
£1,000. If it is subtitled it would be double the amount. 

How many reals is a typical feature print? 
This would be either 5 or 6. 

Why do 35mm prints get damaged?
Because they go through many different projectors 

Where are prints stored? 
UK's central print warehouse in West London.

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

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

Name two advantages of digital distribution: 
1) It is cheaper 
2) Easier to transport as it can be done through computer files than having to deliver them through delivery vans. 

Which countries adopted digital distribution early and why? 
China and Brazil started digital distribution

How many screens were digital in 2005 and how many are now? 
211 I'm the UK in 2005. 

Why has digital distribution radically altered the operating model of distributors? 
This is due to the low cost of film copies and digital distribution providing a greater flexibility in distribution.

What has happened to the typical release period for a film? 
When film is still in cinema, it is available to pre order on DVD or Blu-ray.

What is a loss leader ansd why are companies using the cinema as a potential loss leader? 
A strategy where a product is sold below its market cost to attract customers. Companies use rthe cinema to this, so therefore it attracts a large audience therefore they will want to get the product, them and a large number of other people that got to the cinema, once or even regularly. 

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