Distribution

Distribution


What is Distribution ? = Distribution is about releasing and sustaining films in the market place. It is one of the most important aspects of film making. If a film is distributed well through marketing and advertising then people will want to go and watch the film.


What part of the supply chain is distribution? = The third part of the supply chain is an invisible art of distribution.


What is distribution often referred as? = Known as the invisible art and one of the most important parts of the film.


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


Why isn't 'vertical integration' so common in the independent sector? = This is because they don't have connections with large exhibitors.
 
What three stages are involved in the independent sector? = The three stages are licensing, marketing and logistics.


Licensing


What is licensing? = Licensing is the process by which a distributor purchases the legal right to exploit a film.


What are the two levels of licensing? = The two levels of licensing are international and national.


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


What three different types of rights can you acquire on local level? = The three rights are theatrical rights, video rights and TV right.


What are royalties? = Royalties have to pay to the producer which are taken from the profits the film generates.


What is the most effective way to increase interest in a film? = The most effective way to increase interest is by opening the film theatrically in cinemas.


How long does it take for a film to reach 'free to air' TV? = It takes two years after opening in cinemas for a film to come on television.


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 usually released on Fridays.


What will a distributor look at before releasing a film on a Friday? = They will look for a schedule where only a few films are scheduled for release.




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 to allocated to any potential release.


What does it mean to 'position' a film a film distinctively? = When a film is positioned distinctively, it means it avoids a release date occupied with other films with similar traits. 


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


What are P&A? = This describes the costs of theatrical distribution met by local distributors (prints and advertising).


How much can P&A cost? = It can range from costing less than £1000 up to over £1 million.


Marketing- Prints and adverts


Typically how many prints will a specialised film have? = It will have fewer than 10 prints.


How many will mainstream films have? = These films will have over 200 prints.


What is a key factor in developing the profile of a film? = A key factor in developing the profile of a film is a favourable press response.


How else can awareness of a film be raised? = It can be raised by advertising in magazines and local or national newspapers.


Why is distribution in the UK seen as risky? = it is because of the cost of print advertising is comparably high.


Why are companies looking towards viral marketing? = Companies are looking towards this to extend the reach of advertising and develop more effective communication with audiences at lower costs.


What are the benefits of a 'talent visit'? = This is to create word of mouth and advance buzz around a film.


Logistics


In the pre digital film age what was distributor responsible for? = In the pre digital film age, a distributor was responsible for screening the film on certain ' play dates' and to arrange the transportation of a film to the cinema.


How much does 35mm of print typically cost?= Typically, a 35mm print will cost £1000.


How many reals is a typical feature print? = A typical feature print has 5 or 6 reals.


Why do 35mm prints get damaged? = They get damaged because they weigh a lot, around 20-25kg.


Where are prints stored? = Prints are stored in a single hard case.


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


Digital Distribution


When did digital distribution begin in the UK?= Digital distribution started towards the end of 2005.


Name two advantages of digital distribution: Digital distribution is more cost effective. It is also less stressful to send films as a computer files to cinemas across the UK.


Which countries adopted digital distribution early and why? China and brazil were the first countries to adopt digital distribution.


How many screens were digital in 2005 and how many are now? = 2005 the UK Film Council Digital Screen network launched in the UK by Arts Alliance Media creating chain of 250 2K digital cinema systems.


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? = Films are now available to pre order while the film is still in cinemas.


What is a loss leader (Google it) and why are companies using cinema as a potential loss leader? = A loss leader is a strategy where a product is sold at a price below its market cost to stimulate other sales of more profitable goods or services.