This document discusses how digital technology is transforming film distribution. It notes that traditionally, film distribution required physical prints that had to be shipped to theaters, making global releases staggered and limiting independent films' access to screens. The UK Film Council's Digital Screen Network Project aims to provide theaters with digital projection to avoid these issues. Digital distribution allows films to be released globally at once for less cost. It creates new opportunities for low-budget and independent filmmakers to produce, market and distribute films online.

1. Distribution

2. Watch the film and answer these questions. What are multiplexes? Where was the 1st? What do arthouse cinemas do? How do cinemas target their audiences? What is the programming policy of arthouse cinemas? How does it differ to multiplexes? What is digital projection? How will it change projection?

3. Follow the link and make key notes on digital distribution. What is it? What benefits does it have? http://www.screenonline.org.uk/film/distribution/distribution7.html

4. UK Film Council Who are they? What is the Digital Network Project? http://www.ukfilmcouncil.org.uk/dsn What is Digital Innovation in Distribution http://www.ukfilmcouncil.org.uk/digitalinnovation

5. Current Cinematic Distribution All individual film shown in a cinema is a separate ‘print’, projected via a reel. Major companies can afford to produce hundreds of these blanket release– small companies cannot. Staggered release. Result? Less cinemas show independent films. Audiences have to wait until their local independent cinemas have a print, with little choice over when and where to view it.

6. The Digital Screen Network Project. The UK Film Council’s attempt to provide cinemas with digital projection facilities. Cinemas receiving financial support to equip themselves with digital facilities (thus avoiding the issues of print) will in turn be expected to show more films from independent distributors. Follow the link and find out more… http://www.ukfilmcouncil.org.uk/dsn

7. It is hoped more small-scale independent films will get seen this way. Why?

8. Global/National Blanket Release. Reels = staggered because of cost. Digital = can be released globally at the same time because it costs less (in production and delivery) to distribute the film digitally than on analogue reels. What would the impact be on independent film producers?

9. Digital technology has reduced the cost of film making… Anyone can be a film maker. Produce, market and distribute on-line. Convergence of media through digital technology creates new opportunities for distributing and exhibiting.

10. Technology has made it easier for low budget film makers and distributers Possible to reach a potentially wide audience (short films only) UK film council The UK Media Desk BBC Film Network Big Film Shorts Film’s London Pulse Host of short film festivals all of whom have online submission.

11. Digital technology will transform the film industry more than any other technology since sound. Release through downloads via broadband – the potential for ‘blanket distribution’ is obvious. No need for multiple prints Bypass the cinema (although Big Screen offers an ‘experience’ so will remain active probably)

12. The Positive Effects Equal playing field for Distributors. Costs of reels - hardware Digital distributions - software Low Budget Film Makers

13. Task Make list of all the advantages that digital technology has bought to distribution. (Remember, marketing is part of this process.) Large conglomerates Small independent film makers.