Task 10

Why is distribution key? The following will explain why.

Intro what is film distribution?

Film distribution is the process of making a movie available for viewing by an audience.

What is the distributor's role?

A distributor is an intermediary entity between a the producer of a product and another entity in the distribution channel or supply chain, such as a retailer, a value-added re-seller (VAR) or a system integrator (SI). The distributor performs some of the same functions that a wholesaler does but generally takes a more active role.

What's a distribution plan?

A plan created by the management of a manufacturing business that specifies how the firm intends to transfer its products to intermediaries, retailers and end consumers. Larger companies involved in making products will usually also put together a detailed production distribution strategy to guide its entry into its intended market.

What's a P + A budget?

This is called a print and advertising budget. It is the budget a distribution company would use for marketing.

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

The average cost of $51 million.

What does the distribution budget include?

The plan a distributor would make when considering how to market the film. They would consider audience and genre along with marketing techniques.

What is a simultaneous release?

Simultaneous Release is the name given to an experimental new method of making movies available to consumers. Traditionally, movies are released first in cinemas. A DVD release follows some months later.

What are some main distribution companies?

Columbia Pictures - Headquarters: Culver City, California, United States
Universal Pictures - Headquarters: Orlando, Florida, United States
Paramount - Headquarters: Hollywood, California, United States
Warner Bros - Headquarters: Burbank, California, United States
20th Century Fox - Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, United States
Walt Disney - Headquarters: Burbank, California, United States

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

A distributor has to highly consider audience when marketing the film. If the advertisements aren't going to reach the target audience then no one will be able to see the film.

Define target market audience? What's audience positioning? 

The target audience is a particular group at which a product such a film or advertisement is aimed. There is a different target audience according to the genre or story of the film. (e.g. The target audience for romance films are usually young females).
All media text have a series of encoded signs and messages, the audiences then decode these messages. The different audiences then will decode these messages differently. media texts and the film industries are aware of their audiences they are trying to reach out to.

Why is the release date crucial?

People want to release films around the same time as holidays and school breaks so that children will go and see there film in this period. Batman Vs Superman was released on Good Friday which is good as it allowed people to go and watch the film throughout the Easter holidays.

What is self distribution?

People who distribute film themselves by handing out leaflets and advertising online for free by themselves.

go to www.launchingfilms.com and have a look at the different ways a film can be released (saturated etc) and give a couple of examples

Terminology - Task 9

1. Mainstream – are the big blockbuster films that most of the public will watch know about. These are often very high budget ($200,000,000) and is produced by the big six.
2. Independent – independent films are usually known as films fore more intellectuals and often focuses on social issues. They are less known, low budget and targeted at niche audiences. These are often produced by small independent companies although not always, it depends on the quality of the film and cast involved. 
3. Production – there are three stages of production - pre production, which is deciding the genre of the film, casting, writing the script, setting the budget etc. Actual production, would be filming the scenes. Post production, would be the editing.
4. Distribution – is the launching of films and the sustainability of them.
5. Marketing – advertising the film to the public to attract the intended or a wide target audience – usually through the use of billboards, social media, posters, trailers 
6. Exchange – how a product has reached the consumer.
7. Multinational Conglomerate - a combination of two or more corporations engaged in entirely different businesses that fall under one corporate group.
8. Monopoly – when one company dominates the market.
9. Oligopoly – is a market for a particular product by a small group of companies in which no one is dominant.
10. Name the Big Six (90% of box office takings) – Universal, Paramount Pictures, 20th Century Fox, Warner Bros Pictures, Columbia Pictures and Walt Disney.
11. Horizontal Integration - this is where an organisation develops by buying another company within the same section of the market at the same stage of production (this can also be known as cross media ownership).
12. Vertical Integration – when two firms in the same industry come together but at different stages so for example, a television studio may buy a production company to produce some of its television programs.
13. Synergy – the interaction of two or more forces working together to create a larger effect in comparison to working independently. For example, an artist may sing the theme song of a movie and the song is repeatedly featured in the film – they are both promoting each other.
14. Merchandising – selling a variety of products that is related or is focused on a specific film to maintain the popularity of the film as well as adding to the profit made e.g. clothing, household items
15. Ultra Violet – allows consumers to have a proof-of-purchase so that they are able to view the content in a variety of different devices – also allows users to share their library with up to 5 people.
16. Above the Line- Above The Line (ATL) advertising is where mass media is used to promote brands and reach out to the target consumers. These include conventional media as we know it, television and radio advertising, print as well as internet.
17. Below the Line- below the line (BTL), and through the line (TTL), in organizational business and marketing communications, are advertising techniques, or different strategies companies use to sell their products.
18. Technological Convergence/Cross media convergence – when different types of technology come together to create a new technology
19. Consumption – how much people buy at the cinema – e.g. tickets, food, drinks
20. Exhibition – showing films in cinemas or on DVD – making the film available on different platforms.
21. Piracy – is the act of stealing, copying, distributing of movies without the film companies allowing you to.
22. Hollywood Franchise 4S Model – synergy, spectacle, sequelisation, story.
23. Tie-In – is the creation of marketing synergy between two products so for example a book and a film, an example of this would be a book been written and then a motion picture made about it, or the same story line.

Technology - Task 8

Looking at your case studies and others' think about each stage of the film chain and discuss pros, cons and the future. Think about the following exam question.

• 'What significance does the continuing development of digital media technology have for media institutions and audiences?' 

Write all technologies you can come up with that are used in the various stages of film production. Print a copy for next week's lessons 23rd March 12C12D Weds and and 24th March 12E Thurs.

• Production

Green Screens

CGI

4K Cameras

• Distribution

Trailers

Distributing digital clips of the film to cinemas

Online Advertising (small snippets)

• Exhibition

Ultra Violet (Download Codes in DVD's)

Different ways to view the film (2D, 3D and IMAX)

Online Film Websites (Amazon Prime, Netflix, Putlocker)

Audience and cinema going statistics - Task 7

What days to audiences go to the cinema?
Audiences mostly go through the weekend from Friday through to Sunday. Some audiences go during the week if the film is a horror or if there is an inset day for lower audiences, families tend to often go on days that the children are not at school.

What are the most popular genres? 

The most popular genres in the film industry are Action, Comedy or Romance because these are known as the 'safe' genres as there is a huge audience for each genre and a lot of blockbuster films are in these film categories.

What was the top film in each of these genres?

• Top Comedy film is Minions and Inside out and although both of these are aimed at families it was very successful as Minions is a sequel to Despicable Me which is very successful and Inside Out is Disney Pixar and as these are both released during the holidays therefore it was avaliable to watch for families.
• Top Romance film is the new Cinderella, this was released during the holidays therefore this was a film to watch if people did not have a lot to do or leaves plenty of time if there are audiences who want to watch the film as it is a remake of a classic film.
• Top Action film is Jurassic World, this was released during the holidays and as this is part of a sequel to Jurassic Park and a new Jurassic film was said to be released for years, therefore once the film was released it became viral. This was also available for families to watch therefore throughout the holidays a lot of families went to watch the film.

How do audiences hear about films?

Audience can hear about films in a variety of ways such as word of mouth, a friend telling them about the film and asking them about the film, through social media such as twitter or instagram or facebook for example a trailer or a poster being released on social media. Another example is through a billboard on either a sign or a bus etc.

Do audiences prefer US, UK or other nationality films?

Most audiences like US and UK films as they are the two most common countries in the film industry, although nearly all the main blockbuster films are predominantly from US companies, e.g. Disney, which is a high majority of people that prefer US films.

Do audiences like 3D films?

Most audiences prefer 2D as watching films in 3D is inconvenient with the glasses. 3D films will only be watched unless there is no other film on at the cinema or the film is recommended to watch in 3D.

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

Audiences can watch films through their phones, tablets, computer etc.
Audiences can watch films on Netflix, Amazon Prime and LoveFilm or through piracy of websites such as Putlocker, which is piracy of films.

Who do audiences go to the cinema with?

The majority of the time people go to the cinema with their friends as people meet up and often go to the cinema in a friend group as this is not a expensive activity. Depending if their is a family film in the cinema, families could tend to go the cinema as a family.

When and where are most audiences likely to go to the cinema?

The most popular cinemas to go to are Odeon, Cineworld or Vue. These cinemas are the most popular as these hold mainstream and blockbuster films. The most popular time to go to the cinema is through the weekend, in the holidays or when there is a huge film released such as Star Wars The Force Awakens.

Cinemas - Task 6

There are many different independant cinemas in the UK. This is only 10 of the 51 in the UK.

These are independant cinemas in and around Essex (Mostly London Cinemas).

1. BFI Southbank (which is in London)
2. Genesis (which is in London)
3. Rich Mix (which is in London)
4. Prince Charles (which is in London)
5. and Rio (which is also in London)

These are another 5 independant cinemas in the UK.

1. The Cornerhouse (which is in Manchester)
2. Zeffirellis (which is in Ambleside)
3. National Media Museum (which is in Bradford)
4. The Phoenix (which is in Falmouth)
5. Watermans (which is in Brentford)

BFI Southbank

While it may not be an obvious choice for an independent cinema list, the BFI Southbank definitely qualifies, and if I were ranking them, would be a contender for the top spot. Iconic building, iconic location, great bar, incredible programme of films and events, always interesting patrons (and the odd film royalty), there is simply no better place for a film aficionado to while away the day. With membership perks, cheap Tuesdays, and agenda setting film seasons (which other indie cinema has the BBC making programmes based on their seasons?), the BFI Southbank is one of my favourite places in the whole country. Oh, and you can also watch thousands of films for free in the Mediatheque, which places the amazing BFI archive at your disposal.

Genesis

Friendly staff, a fun cocktail bar, and an eclectic mix of programming means this East London stalwart remains high on the list of quality indie cinemas in the capitial. Some of its screens may once have been glorified TV screens, but in recent years it has upgraded to match (and exceed) the most high-end of multiplexes. Fiercely independent, it celebrated it’s very own GenFest a few weeks ago, which included a remix of The Cabinet of Dr Caligari, Ghostbusters, a poetry slam, and live art in the gallery. Oh, and you can also get married there!

Rio

Tracing its roots back to 1909, this is one of the oldest cinemas in London, and is going stronger than ever in the 21st century. Now a Grade II listed building, the Rio looks like a beautiful art deco liner, but full of modern touches which enable it to thrive in East London where many cinemas have now gone. Part of the reason for this is its diverse range of film – where else would host a Turkish and Kurdish film festival? It also runs film education courses such as a 1960s/70s French Film course, special screening events (often calendar related), plus it has a red velvet curtained auditorium. What more could you ask for?

The Cornerhouse

A former furniture shop, The Cornerhouse 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, it’s a place designed to inspire debate about what you’ve just seen, and since 1985 has notched up some notable film history of its own – including the UK premiere of Reservoir Dogs. It’s also host to Viva! Spanish, one of the best film festivals in the UK.
Find out more about The Cornerhouse at: www.cornerhouse.org

The Phoenix

Winner of the 2010 UK independent cinema of the year, this is the crowning glory of the Merlin cinema group. A five screen beauty, its luxury cinema at its finest, with comfy sofas, waited service for food and drink, and an amazing American style diner upstairs to get a proper dinner from. Theatre screenings are a large part of the programme here, so all you drama buffs can enjoy Frankenstein without trekking to the capital. With an excellent film course at the uni, Falmouth is really establishing itself as a cinema hub in the west of England.

Watermans

Idyllic setting on the Thames, eclectic arthouse cinema screenings, lovely bar, and a decent Tandoori restaurant too? Watermans in Brentford is almost the definitive hidden gem. Like many of the indie cinemas in this list, Watermans is a larger arts centre with theatre, exhibitions and community programmes all going on, including an arts and mental health service. Of particular note though is their French Impressions series, which combines both an informative talk with an intriguing screening. A 125 seat screen provides an intimate place to watch these movies, and the views across to Kew Gardens seal the deal.

Film 4/Summit/Icon/Warp Films - Task 5

Independent Film Research - Task 4

Selfish Giant