Feasibility Study of a Digital Platform for the delivery of UK ... - BFI

UK FILM COUNCIL
Third, the definition of ‘independent’ and ‘specialised’ must be construed as widely as possible, not only to encompass all UK independent
rights holders, but also to give the service a commercial edge by offering better known titles to drive traffic. This view was supported
significantly by the bigger labels, such as Entertainment, Pathe and Tartan. However, in contrast, the smaller labels interviewed raised
the concern that a wider definition of studio titles would lead to the inclusion of too many major studio titles at the expense of the smaller
independents. The concern seemed to appear from the definitions used in the Digital Screen Network and the anecdotal practices adopted
by the cinemas with digital projectors favouring better-known titles such as ‘Sideways’ to drive audiences.
In reality, this is unlikely to be an issue in an on-demand environment (and even less so over the Internet) given that there is almost no
limitation on ‘shelf-space’. Moreover, of the UK independent and specialised films lists for 2003 and 2004, only 36 of the 521 total titles
were released by the Hollywood studios --- equivalent to 7 per cent of all releases. However, the studio titles accounted for 12 per cent of
all theatrical revenues from specialised films in the two years combined (most of which was generated in 2003 when the studio share of
the independent and specialised market revenue was almost 20 per cent from 8 per cent of releases).
A greater concern from almost every single rights holder interviewed seemed to be that a platform was needed to support the UK film
industry. That is, there needs to be a greater emphasis on a ‘UK independent film’ platform than just a ‘specialised film’ platform. The
prospect of a somewhat guaranteed distribution mechanism in one window and showcasing on a dedicated platform/channel --- whether
being offered for on-demand rental or digital sell-through over the Internet --- seems to be considered an opportunity to increase the
commercial viability of some content (and as such to a relative degree to drive investment).
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