Technology and Distribution Research:
Article 1 - Technology:
- Digital camera lenses are not only much cheaper than film, but they are also a lot more functional.
- Digital cameras are now equipped with features that would have been incredibly expensive or simply impossible with a film camera.
- Post-production and editing processes can be condensed, leading to a reduction in costs.
- Evens the playing field; everyone has access to digital cameras; no longer need to be industry best.
- Through social media, films can be promoted with little to no cost, reaching audiences around the world and allowing more money to be put towards production.
- With digital, indie filmmakers have more of an opportunity to have their films seen.
Article 2 - Distribution Strategies:
Theatrical:
- Most traditional model
- Film is screened for a limited time period
- Studios and production companies work with distributors, who negotiate with theatre chains to show their films.
- Box office revenue is split between theatre and distributor, the percentage varying based off of the agreement.
- Success depends on marketing, audience interest, and critical reception.
Day-and-Date Release:
- When a film is made available for home-viewing and the cinema at the same time.
- Often employed by indie films, allowing them to reach a wider audience.
- There is a slight pushback as it affects theatrical sales.
Straight-to-Streaming:
- Many films are released straight to Amazon, Disney +, Netflix, and Prime Video without a theatrical run.
- The platforms typically offer a flat fee to filmmakers or studios for exclusive streaming rights.
- Is more popular for mid-budget or niche films that may struggle to find an audience in the theatres.
- Allows filmmakers to bypass tradition methods and retain more creative controls over their projects.
Video-on-Demand:
- Allows users to rent or purchase digital copies of films through various platforms.
- Divided into three categories: transactional video-on-demand (TVOD), subscription video-on-demand (SVOD), and ad-supported video-on-demand (AVOD), which offers free content with advertisements.
- These often follow a film's theatrical run and coexists with other distribution models.
Hybrid Distribution:
- Combines different methods to reach the widest audience possible.
- Allows film studios to maximise revenues by targeting different audience segments and preferences.
- Has become more prevalent due to covid.