The Japanese Market for UK Films - BFI
The Japanese Market for UK Films - BFI
The Japanese Market for UK Films - BFI
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of <strong>Japanese</strong> earnings.)<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Japanese</strong> cinema audience<br />
<strong>The</strong> total number of cinema admissions in 2006 was 164.5 million, an<br />
increase of 2.6% on 2005. Japan’s total population stands at 127.7 million but is<br />
set to decline. Cinema audiences are predominantly in their teens and 20’s, but<br />
exhibitors have in recent years been running campaigns to encourage couples in<br />
their 50’s and upwards to return to the cinemas. A general characteristic of the<br />
<strong>Japanese</strong> is to be easily attracted by something new. <strong>Market</strong>ing campaigns<br />
and word of mouth publicity can spark sudden fads but audiences tend to lose<br />
interest easily as well.<br />
Digital Cinema<br />
Japan has only 78 digital cinema screens throughout the country. Although<br />
<strong>Japanese</strong> manufacturers produce a high proportion of projectors, the momentum<br />
of digital cinema growth is slow compared to neighbouring countries. <strong>The</strong><br />
governments of both Korea and China are promoting the digitalization of their<br />
theatres and reports say that the number of digitalized screens in China rose to<br />
over 500 screens this year.<br />
A digital cinema 4K trial was completed in September 2007 but no official report<br />
has yet been made public. Few comments have been made available but the<br />
trial was very successful. High speed optical fibre distribution is currently<br />
thought to be the best system and no other system seems preferable. However,<br />
it is still too early <strong>for</strong> a decision to be made on whether or not to install 4K<br />
projectors and systems into all Toho sites.<br />
Cinema release patterns<br />
A block booking method exists (nationwide release <strong>for</strong> <strong>Japanese</strong> films) based<br />
around Japan’s 9 key cities. For the release of blocked booked films,<br />
agreement is necessary between Toho, Shochiku or the Tokyu Chain, the<br />
<strong>Japanese</strong> distributors who organize this booking method. <strong>Films</strong> are also<br />
released through chain booking (nationwide release <strong>for</strong> Hollywood big budget<br />
films) or through limited-release art house booking with the use of 5 to 20<br />
screens per picture. Recently, expanded release (art house and multiplex<br />
booking) has been introduced, allowing <strong>for</strong> non big-budget films to be shown at a<br />
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