6. The International Film Industry Flashcards
What are the three categories of release windows for films?
Cinema box-office (theatrical release) generates income from ticket sales, video (rental and retail) involves rental and sales of physical copies, and television (subscription channels), includes revenue from subscriptions.
Describe the typical sequence of windows for the distribution of feature films
Box-office, international box-office, pay-per-view, home video, pay television, and free television
Why is the film industry considered an international business?
Because it operates globally, with movies being produced and watched worldwide
What are the characteristic features of the “Hollywood majors”?
Those are large-scale studios (such as Paramount, MGM, Universal, 20th Century Fox, WB, Disney, and Sony Pictures) that produce high-budget, extensively promoted films. They control all aspects of filmmaking, from funding to distribution, and dominate the global film market
What is the main difference between Hollywood majors and independent filmmakers?
Hollywood majors control both production and distribution, while independents lack this control and often struggle to secure distribution deals. Majors have substantial financial backing, while independents operate with limited budgets
Why is the classical film economy considered vertically integrated?
Because the studios fund the productions and use their own distribution channels. This allows for reinvestment and maintains the virtuous cycle of film creation and distribution
Why is investment in feature films production considered highly speculative?
Due to the unpredictability of the industry and the uncertain returns. Most films do not make money, and investors might have to wait years to see returns, if any, due to deductions in distribution and production costs
In what way is the film industry similar to the oil industry?
Both are high-risk, require high investments, and major companies control all or most of the processes, dominating the market
How does the situation of the UK film market exemplify challenges faced in other European countries?
They struggle with the dominance of American movies and different companies handle different aspects, which makes it hard for local films to succeed and get global exposure
What are the drawbacks of the UK film industry?
The challenges include the dominance of Hollywood films, a smaller market size, fragmentation in the industry, smaller budgets, and limited international attention
What obstacles hinder investment in independent film productions?
Limited resources, difficulty securing distribution deals, uncertain profitability, and competition from major studios
List the effects of new technologies on the film industry and provide relevant examples
Reduced production and distribution costs, changes in promotions and distribution channels, internet distribution for independent films
