2. Definition of film distribution
• The distribution of a film (or movie) is the
process through which a movie is made
available to watch for an audience by a film
distributor. This task may be accomplished in a
variety of ways; for example, with a theatrical
release, a home entertainment release (in
which the movie is made available on DVD-
Video or Blu-ray Disc) or a television program
for broadcast syndication and may include
digital distribution.
3. More recently, digital soundtracks have
enhanced the audio experience, while
computer graphics imagery (CGI) is often added
in post-production to realise spectacular
effects. Today, most films are edited and
mastered on digital equipment; a few, such as
George Lucas's latest Star Wars episodes, are
even shot using high-definition digital cameras,
rather than being photographed on film.
4. D-Cinema
Film distributors - the companies that release movies and
market them to the public - will benefit if there are
substantial reductions in the costs of duplicating film prints
and transporting them to cinemas. The UK is one of the most
expensive markets in the world in which to release a film.
FDA members spend approximately £125m a year on prints,
duplicated in high-tech laboratories. A digitally produced or
converted film could be delivered quickly and reliably via disc
(a much smaller, cheaper physical medium than a 35mm
print), fibre optic cable or satellite - triggering a huge systems
change for the whole industry.
