Midterm Flashcards
(168 cards)
The six phases of a project include
development, pre-production, production, post-production, distribution and exhibition
The Five “P’s” of Marketing
Product, price, placement, promotion, profit
In terms of real monies to be spent, the contemporary film industry establishes a P&A budget generally defined as
A value of “50% of production budget.” That is: assume negative costs of $50 million, then the P&A budget would initially be set at 50% of that number or $25 million for a total outlay to produce, market and distribute the film of $75 million.
Negative costs
Total cost of producing the film
Above the line
Creative costs (story, script, producer, director, principal cast, supporting cast, etc)
Below the line
Production costs (direct production, pre-production, post-production, excludes anything above the line)
What is the balance between above and below the line
1/3 = above 2/3 = below
P & A
Prints and Advertising
The expense for manufacturing the actual 35mm print or the hard drive for each theater’s film showing plus all other promotion (marketing & advertising) to support the film.
Exhibitors
The official title for theaters/theatre owners
Limited Release
Small number of screens, typically in select theaters in target cities, and typically less than 1,000 screens. Usually based on economics, marketing strategy, and/or award eligibility periods.
Wide Release
Typically considered 1,000 screens or more
How many more screens/cinemas are in North America?
Over 42,000 and 6,000 cinemas
Number of screens does not necessarily equal the number of theaters because why
“multiplex” theaters. That is, there are more screens than actual theater locations.
How much does it cost for a print or DCP (Digital Cinema Package) of the film?
$1000-$2000 for 35mm or $100-$150 for DCPS
Virtual Print Fee
The cost difference between a 35mm print and DCP
As of 2013, for the most part, the VPF has ceased since
1) well over 95% of all theaters are now converted to digital projection; and 2) According to recent trade articles, many film distributors have publicly announced they will no longer distribute films in 35mm format.
Platforming
Opening a film on a limited number of screens and markets, then increasing the number of screens and/or markets on subsequent weeks. Note: the increase is based on strategy and the film’s on-going success. This means the platforming is not necessarily defined by a weekly, bi-weekly, or even monthly expansion.
Bicycling
The act of manufacturing a limited number of prints and then rotating them (“bicycling”) them around the country to various theaters. Bicycling allows for a lower P&A expense
Sequencing
Refers to the pattern of distribution based on the principle of the “second best revenue alternative.” Sequential distribution means that films are normally distributed to the market that generates the highest marginal revenue over the least amount of time.
Rentals
The accurate term given to the exhibition of films by theater owners.
Four-walling
The “buying out” of an entire theater for a limited amount of time by the studio/distributor/production company.
How long can it take from outline or story treatment?
Over a year through arranging financing, final script, cast and crew. 18 months to bring a film from conception to final print stage followed by marketing and distribution.
Majors
Large organizations with production and distribution arms, extensive library assets, and in many cases with actual production facilities.
Are ticket sales for new film releases responsive to ticket prices?
No, they are not responsive to nominal changes. they are deemed to be inelastic.
There are a lot of costs due to move-going (babysitters, parking, popcorn)