Task 10- Distribution

Distribution-is key

What is film distribution?

Distribution is key. Film distribution is the process of making a movie available for viewing by an audience and is the third part of the supply chain. Distribution is the most important part of the film industry, without it films would not make any profits or been seen by audiences.

What is the role of a film distributor?

A professional who would determine the marketing strategy for the film, the media by which a film is to be exhibited or made available for viewing, and who may set the release date and other matters.

What's a distribution plan?

Usually, a distribution strategy is put together to ensure that the product reaches the intended target audience. This includes how the film is marketed, its merchandise, prices and other such things.

What's a P + A budget?

The P+A budget is the prints and advertising budget for a film. These budgets tend to be 50% of the films full budget, but can sometimes amount to over 125%.

What is the average distribution cost for a big six film?

Budgets for big six films have been growing year on year, as in 2006 the average budget was around $65.8 and reaching the highest of $150 million marketing budget for Avatar.

What does the distribution budget include?

Any  advertisement that requires technology such as printed posters, movie trailers, billboards, websites also including viral videos and merchandising.

Securing actors, slots on TV, advertising in magazines, interviews online, premieres and stories on the news.

Release date: getting the film to cinemas and maintaining its popularity - opening weekend must be a hit - film less likely to do well with a bad opening weekend.

What is a simultaneous release?

Traditionally, movies are released first in cinemas. A DVD release follows some months later along with TV and other streaming services. However simultaneous releasing of a movie removes these windows: the movie is released to cinemas and other channels such as DVD, internet and television, on or around the same date.

What are some main distribution companies?

Top 10 distributors:

1 Warner Bros.

2 Walt Disney

3 Sony Pictures

4 20th Century Fox

5 Paramount Pictures

6 Universal

7 Lionsgate

8 New Line

9 Dreamworks SKG

10 Miramax

What do you think is the link between audiences and distribution?

Distribution is linked with the audiences because without distribution, consumers would not develop a demand to go watch the film. This demand is created through advertising and marketing the films. Moreover if the demand for the film was there but there was no distribution people wouldn't even be able to watch the film. 

Define target market audience?

A target audience is the intended audience or readership of a publication, advertisement, or other message. In marketing and advertising, it is a specific group of people within the target market at which a product or the marketing message of a product is aimed.

What's audience positioning?

Created by Stuart Hall who was a cultural theorist, it has 3 objectives:

1. To understand the relationship between the audience and the media text

2. To understand the position that the audience will take dependent on certain factors

3. To understand how audience are constructed by media producers

Why is the release date crucial?

"This is one of the biggest issues facing Hollywood today," said Rothman, adding that it's just as crucial to pick the right release dates as it is to select the right script and hire the right stars and film makers. "When you're trying to cram too many movies into a finite number of release dates, it's inevitable some will suffer." For example, Spectre came on the Friday before the October half term last year, this strategy is commonly used which gives the film-makers a better advantage for people to go watch their film.

What is self distribution?

You promote your film yourself without a distribution company.

Task 9- Terminology

Terminology

Mainstream- the ideas, attitudes, or activities that are shared by most people and regarded as normal or conventional.

Independent- free from outside control; not subject to another's authority.

Production- the action of making or manufacturing from components or raw materials, or the process of being so manufactured.

Distribution- the action of sharing something out among a number of recipients.

Marketing- the action or business of promoting and selling products or services, including market research and advertising.

Exchange- How you watch films e.g. TV/Cinema/Phone

Multinational Conglomerate- A conglomerate is a combination of two or more corporations engaged in entirely different businesses that fall under one corporate group, usually involving a parent company and many subsidiaries. Often, a conglomerate is a multi-industry company. Conglomerates are often large and multinational.

Monopoly- the exclusive possession or control of the supply of or trade in a commodity or service.
Oligopoly- a state of limited competition, in which a market is shared by a small number of producers or sellers.

The Big Six- Warner Bros/Universal/Disney/20th Century Fox/Columbia Pictures/Paramount Pictures. Warner bros is the only company that is fully Integrated 

Horizontal Integration- process of a company increasing production of goods or services at the same part of the supply chain. A company may do this via internal expansion, acquisition or merger. The process can lead to monopoly if a company captures the vast majority of the market for that good or service.
Vertical Integration- the combination in one firm of two or more stages of production normally operated by separate firms.

Synergy- the interaction or cooperation of two or more organisations, substances, or other agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects.

Merchandising- the activity of promoting the sale of goods, especially by their presentation in retail outlets/branded products used to promote a film, pop group, etc., or linked to a fictional character.

Ultra Violet-  A marketing technique where there is a code in a DVD that you can use to share with other people so they can watch the film.
Above the line- All the objects you pay for in marketing/the budget 

Below the line- Free adverting- word of mouth/Peoples tweets about the film

Technology Convergence- Tendency that as technology changes, different technological systems sometimes evolve toward performing similar tasks.

Consumption- the action of using up a resource.

Exhibition- film displayed in public. 

Piracy- the unauthorised use or reproduction of another's work.

Hollywood Franchise Four S's Model- Spectacle/Sequelisation/Story/Synergy 

Tie-in- when one product helps another such as a video game with the film or a website.

4K- 4000 mega pixels on the screen 

Task 8- Technology

Technology

 

 

 

Task 7- Audience & Cinema Statistics

Audience & Cinema Statistics
What days to audiences go to the cinema?

Most people go to the cinema at the weekends as that is when they are off and don't have to worry about work and other times that are popular is weekdays that have a deal happening e.g. Wednesdays with orange and Two for Tuesdays with ComparetheMarket.com.

What are the most popular genres?

The most popular genres were Action, Romance and Comedy. This is because these are genres that are safe, as most of the films that are huge blockbusters come under these genres as these genre films appeal to mass audiences. 

What was the top film in each of these genres?

Romance- Cinderella, this is because it was released in the school holidays and was also popular for families to go and watch meaning they did best in box office for 2015 romance films.

Action- Jurassic World, this was also released in the school holidays and was available for families to go and watch, as the age rating didn't limit the viewings and it was long awaited.

Comedy- Inside Out and Minions, again both of these both appeal to families and younger children, meaning a larger audience went to see the films. They also were both released in the summer holidays meaning that children were in school holidays.

How do audiences hear about films?

Most people find out about films from trailers that are on TV and in the cinema before the film starts, also they find out about them through social media, this is because nearly everyone in the target audience of cinema is on some type of social media.

Do audiences prefer US, UK or other nationality films?

Most people like US or UK films as they are the two most prominent countries in the film industry, however nearly all the main blockbuster films are from US companies, e.g. Disney, a high majority of people prefer US films to UK films.

Do audiences like 3D films?

Nearly all people prefer 2D films because when watching 3D films you have to wear the glasses and unless the movie is especially good for 3D it is a bit pointless to most people.

What other ways do audiences watch film aside from the cinema?

Other ways people watch films is through the internet/ online e.g. Netflix. However people are also watching the films on illegal film websites such as Putlocker, which stops money going back into the film industry.

Who do audiences go to the cinema with?

Most of the time people go to the cinema with friends as it is what many people do when they want to meet up with their friends and go and do something together as it isn't particularly expensive to do. Occasionally people go with their families, but that depends upon the type of film it is and the age of the children/ people who are going.

When and where are most audiences likely to go to the cinema?
The most popular places to go to the cinema at their nearby mainstream cinema such as Odeon, Vue or Cineworld. This is because these are the cinemas that show the most popular blockbuster, mainstream films around the UK.

Task 6- Cinemas

Independent Cinemas in and around Essex
Cramphorn Theatre
Genesis (London)
The Cornerhouse (Manchester)
The Orion (Burgess Hill)
Zeffirellis (Ambleside)
Prince Charles (London)
The Phoenix (Falmouth)
Watershed (Bristol)
BFI Southbank (London)
Watermans (Brentford)
Rich Mix (London)
Rio (London)
National Media Museum (Bradford)
The Phoneix (London)
Above are lots of Independent Cinemas that can be found in and around Essex mainly in London.

Genesis (London)
This independent cinema is in East London and remains high on the list of quality indie cinemas in London. Some of its screens may once have been glorified TV screens, but in recent years it has been improved the most high-end of multiplexes. It holds many different events including a remix of The Cabinet of Dr Caligari, Ghostbusters, a poetry slam, and live art in the gallery. A bonus to the cinema also is that you can get married there!

The Electric (Birmingham)
Is this the oldest cinema in the UK? It certainly has a good claim to it. Opened in 1909, it’s been called a variety of names over the years, including The Tatler and The Tivoli, but reverted to its original Electric name in 1993. Showing a wide variety of indie, mainstream, and world cinema. It also plays host to its own film
 post and production company Electric Flix. It is said that one film that you should definitely make a trip here to see is the film The Last Projectionist, which tells the story of a really wonderful picture house.

The Cornerhouse (Manchester)
The Cornerhouse is situated in Manchester and is a former furniture shop, it is now a charitable cross-media powerhouse. With patrons including Helen Mirren, Danny Boyle, and Damien Hirst, its three screens, three galleries, café, and bookshop bar guarantee something interesting is always going on there. With a mix of the best independent cinemas, slightly more auteur focused Hollywood films, and events such as live scores of films.

Hyde Park Picture House (Leeds)
Hyde Park Picture House is in fact not owned by Picture house/Cineworld, Hyde Park Picture House is a true institution going strong in the heart of Leeds. It turned 100 years old on the 7th November. It is said to be the very best of under the radar cinema from around the world, this council owned cinema has a vocal and dedicated fan-base and mixes gorgeous Edwardian touches such as gas lighting, an outside box-office, and balcony seating, with bang up to date Dolby Digital.

Zeffirellis- Ambleside  

 This cinema screens films which most cinimas show like new films such as kung fu Panda 3 and Hail Ceaser.This however means that this cinema will appeal to a bigger audience as most people want to the see the new big films instead of the small less known ones.This cinema is different as it has a café, restaurant and live music which cinimes like Odean lack.

This means that Zeffirellis isn’t just for people to go and see a fil but to do other events.  

Prince Charlies- London

This cinema screens the normal films but also classic ones for a lower price like £1. This means that the audience is very large as people who like watching normal action films but also for people who loved the older classic films will go. This is a lot different from cinemas like cine world due it showing different types of films and the price is different.

Watershed- Bristol 

Watershed is a social enterprise and a registered charity. As the leading film culture and digital media centre in the South West, they advance education, skills, appreciation and understanding of the arts with a particular focus on film, media and digital technologies. This show they show all kinds of films for education value. This means that the audience is very different, due to it being a place of learning which means the main audience is the younger generation. Cinemas like this are a lot different to ones like cine world as they are used for educational value.

Broadway- Nottingham 

This cinema screens films which most cinemas show like new films such as the revenant and Hail Ceaser however this cinema also has screens for people who have autism. They have done this because Children with autism are sensitive to sound and light and they can find going to the cinema stressful. So, during Supportive Environment Screenings, low lights are left on in the auditorium and the volume of the soundtrack is reduced. And it's fine for customers to move around, make noise or take a break during the film. This means that the audience isn’t just for normal people but disabled ones too. 

Lyntoncinema- lynton 

This cinema mainly screens indie films but also shows main stream films so the cinema still makes money. Due to this the audience is quite large as it is a mix of people who like watching the big box office films and others who like watching independent less known films. This is again different to cinemas like Odeon due it showing more abstract films which are less known.

Rio- London

The Rio Cinema is an independent art deco picture palace which show a mixture of arthouse and mainstream films. They also do a key venue for several film festivals, and home to the London Turkish Film Festival. We also host special events from the likes of Cigarette Burns Cinema, Hot Since 91 and Amy Grimehouse.  This means that the audience that go there is massive as many film lovers go there to see different types of things like film festivals and art house films as well as mainstream films. This is massively different to the likes of cine world as it holds events such as film festivals which little cinemas do.

Task 5- Film Companies

Film4

Film4 is a British digital television channel available in the United Kingdom, owned and operated by Channel Four Television Corporation that screens films. It offers films in standard definition free of charge. To access the high definition version of the channel, viewers must have a paid subscription with Virgin Media or Sky.

Film4 was started in 1982 as Film4 Productions, a film production company owned by Channel Four Television Corporation and has been responsible for backing a large number of films made in the United Kingdom, and around the world

Channel 4 is to increase the budget of Film4, the division responsible for hit movies including Slumdog Millionaire, by 50% to £15m per year.

Successful films other than Slumdog Millionaire

12 years a slave
The inbetweeners movie
Four weddings and a funeral


Since 1982 Film4 has developed and produced films including My Beautiful Laundrette, Trainspotting, Shallow Grave, East is East, The Motorcycle Diaries, Touching the Void, This is England and The Last King of Scotland.

Warp Films

Warp Films is an independent film and television production company based in Sheffield & London, UK, with a further affiliated company Warp Films Australia based in Melbourne, Australia.
Warp Films was established by Warp Records founding partners Rob Mitchell and Steve Beckett. It was initially created with financial support from NESTA and had a remit to produce a number of short films.

Productions
Exhibit A
Four Lions
Swimmer
Donkey Punch

Warp Films is currently developing several television projects with Channel 4, the BBC and Sky.
Warp Films produced three 30-minute television dramas for the Sky Arts Playhouse Presents season.

Summit

Founded	1991; 25 years ago (1991)
Founder	Bernd Eichinger Arnon Milchan Andrew G. Vajna
Headquarters	Universal City, California (US HQ) London, UK (International HQ)
Products	Motion pictures
Owner	Lions Gate Entertainment
Divisions	Summit Entertainment Records

Summit Entertainment LLC (formerly Summit Entertainment LP) is an American film production company and distributor. It is a subsidiary of Lions Gate Entertainment headquartered in Universal City, California with international offices in London

On June 30, 2010 Summit Entertainment released the third film of the Twilight series, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse. It broke a midnight screening record of over $30 million and set a one-day Wednesday record of $68.5 million but failed to surpass the one-day tally of $72 million set by New Moon. It became the first movie in the series to cross the $300 million mark domestically.

Icon
Icon Productions LLC is an American independent production company founded in August 1989 by actor/director Mel Gibson and Australian producing partner Bruce Davey.
Films
Hamlet
Get the gringo
Buried
Edge of Darkness

Icon started when Gibson was having trouble in financing the 1990 film Hamlet.
In September 2008, Davey and Gibson sold the Icon international sales and film distribution arms along with the Majestic library to Stewart Till in a multimillion-dollar deal.

Task 4- Independent Film

The riot club harry from harryhazell4