Distribution - What is it?

Distribution - What is it?

What is distribution?
What part of the supply chain is distribution?

Third part of the film supply chain

What is distribution often referred to as?

The invisible art

What does 'vertical integration' mean when discussing distribution?

Vertical integration is where the three stages are seen as part of the same larger process, under the control of one company.

Why isnt '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?

Licensing, marketing and logistics

Licensing

What is licencing?

Licensing is the process by which a distributor acquires the legal right to exploit a film.

What are the two levels of licencing?

International and local distribution

What is the advantage of being a major US studio?

They generally have their own distribution offices in all major territories.

What three different types of rights can you acquire on a local level?

Theatrical rights, video rights and TV rights

What are royalties?

The money that the producer will be given from the distributor.

What is the most effective way to increase interest in a film?

To launch it theatrically (in the cinema).

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?

When? and how?

What day are films typically released on?

Fridays

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

They will look to see if many other films are coming out that weekend.

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

When there are not many films being released.

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

Release it when there are no other films with similar stories, country of origin and theme.

Why has this become increasingly difficult in the UK?

Because most weekends 10 films are being released making the market saturated.

What are P&A?

Prints and advertising

How much can P&A cost?

From £1000 to over £1 million for a release in the UK.

Marketing - Prints and Adverts

Typically how many prints will a 'specialised' film have?

10 prints

How many will mainstream films have?

200 prints

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

Favourable press response

How else can awareness of a film be raised?

Advertising in magazines, national and local newspapers, posters, billboards.

Why is distribution in the UK seen as risky?

The cost of print advertising in the UK is high compared to other countries making it more risky.

Why are companies looking towards viral marketing?

Because it is a more cost effective way to communicate with audiences.

What are the benefits of a 'talent visit'

Supports the film, usually the director and actors get a lot of coverage.

Logistics

In the pre digital film age what was a distributor responsible for?

It is the responsibility of the distributor to arrange the transportation of the film to the cinema, as part of its wider coordination of print use across the UK. Logistics represents the phase of distribution at its most basic - supplying and circulating copies of the film to theatres, of tapes and DVDs to shops and video rental stores, and managing the effectiveness of the supply.

How much does a 35mm print typically cost?

£1000

How many reals is a typical feature print?

5 or 6

Why do 35mm prints get damaged?

Because they get put in and taken out of projectors so often.

Where are prints stored?

The UK's central print warehouse in West London.

How long did a theatrical release used to last?

Up to 6 months.

Digital Distribution

When did digital distribution begin in the UK?

2005

Name two advantages of digital distribution

More cost effective and easier to deliver the film to cinemas.

Which countries adopted digital distribution early and why?

China and Brazil

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

211 screens and now over 90%

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?
Dropped 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 product sold at a loss to attract customers and companies use the cinema like this because it gets attention and will sell more DVDs and other products.