Industry Report: Distribution and Exhibition
Analysis of the European distribution industry's problems and the subsequent design of new strategies
Europa Distribution wonders how to give old films a new life
The organisation hosted a panel at the San Sebastián International Film Festival dedicated to the exploitation of film catalogues
EU gross box office tops €7 billion for the third year running
Cinema attendance slightly down in 2017, dropping just 0.3% down on 2016. Admissions spike in Russia and Turkey
MEDIA programme: A success story for European film distribution
An insightful report of MEDIA programme's support of the circulation of European films within and beyond Europe
Discussing the distribution of animation films at Cartoon Movies
Europa Distribution's workshop at Bordeaux's industry event focused on the cases of Ballerina, Richard the Stork, Zombillenium and My Life as a Courgette
SVOD revenue in Europe grew by 128% annually between 2011 and 2016
The European Audiovisual Observatory releases new analysis focusing on the services of subscription VOD in the European Union
The number of European films released outside of Europe up by 8.5% in 2016
According to the European Audiovisual Observatory, 650 European films were released outside of Europe in 2016
European cinema industry sees further growth in 2017
The International Union of Cinemas (UNIC) has released its provisional update on admissions and box office revenues across Europe for last year
Cinema attendance in the EU confirms strength in 2017
European Audiovisual Observatory releases first estimates for European cinema attendance in 2017
European co-productions generated three times as many admissions as national films
The new EAO report examined film co-production activity and circulation in Europe over the last 10 years
More viewers in cinemas (+2.1%) in a two-track Europe
Audiences have grown again, reaching a figure of 1,329.4 million with a 2.1% increase over the 1,302.1 in 2016
Everything you always wanted to know about distribution but were afraid to ask: piracy
Europa Distribution, in partnership with MIA, gathered a panel of experts in Rome to acknowledge and discuss the elephant in the room: piracy
Europa Distribution shows the bigger picture of public film funding at San Sebastián
The association of independent film distributors held a panel on the current situation during the Basque festival
Film distribution: focus on the United Kingdom
Europa Distribution puts the spotlight on the independent distribution companies in Great Britain in order to discuss the national market and its specificities
Film distributors in Karlovy Vary: the constant gardeners
Europa Distribution talks about the role of distributors in the new film industry ecosystem in the 11th annual confrence at the Czech festival
The emergence of a new category of intermediaries: VOD aggregators
The European Audiovisual Observatory launches a new report on VOD services
The challenges of releasing indie animation at Annecy
Europa Distribution held a panel at Annecy's MIFA to talk about the industry situation
One third of EU TV channels and on-demand services target foreign markets
European Audiovisual Observatory publishes new free report on audiovisual media services targeting other countries
Access to film heritage works in EU film archives
The European Audiovisual Observatory offers you its second 'Film Heritage' report
European films make up around 25% of VoD films available in the EU
The European Audiovisual Observatory examined the catalogues of 68 transactional VOD services in the European Union
Mubi’s expanding film business
Mubi is trying to break in to the distribution business. What is their business model? And how do they differentiate themselves from Netflix, Amazon Video and locally orientated specialist platforms?
EU box office remained above 7 billion in 2016 as admissions approached the 1 billion barrier
Admissions rose to 991 million – the highest level in the EU since 2004
Film distribution: focus on Portugal
Europa Distribution puts the spotlight on the independent distribution companies in Portugal in order to discuss the national market and its specificities
Getting to know the audience at the Europa Distribution workshop in Sofia
Europa Distribution brought over 20 distributors to the Sofia Meetings, from 16 to 19 March
In search of a European alternative to the Netflix phenomenon
A discussion on the American VoD platform's expansion within Europe and the other options available on the Continent
European cinema exhibition sees further growth in 2016
The International Union of Cinemas (UNIC) has released its provisional update on admissions and box office revenues across Europe for 2016
Admissions increase in 2016, thanks to Central and Eastern Europe
According to MEDIA Salles, Western European countries close the year with a substantially equal balance (-0.3%) whilst Central and Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean Rim see an increase of 7.8%
2016 sees EU cinema attendance hitting biggest high since 2004
The European Audiovisual Observatory estimates that total admissions in the European Union continued to grow, increasing by 1.6% to 994 million tickets last year
New UNIC report demonstrates how European cinema operators are embracing innovation
The “Innovation and the Big Screen” report focuses on the cinema of tomorrow
Boosting European films on VoD - what's EU law got to do with it?
European Audiovisual Observatory's new report wonders if European legislation can force VOD services to offer a glitzy shop window to European films
"I don’t think that there is a link between recent market trends and the Cinema2day promotion"
Luigi Cuciniello • President of the National Association of Cinema Operators (ANEC)
The end of the year is a time for taking stock: we posed this idea, along with others, to Luigi Cucinello, president of ANEC, on the eve of the Giornate Professionali di Cinema di Sorrento event
Europa Distribution tackles pre-sales and co-productions in Rome
Rome’s MIA hosted the third edition of the open panel “Everything you always wanted to know about distribution but were afraid to ask” on 22 October
Europa Distribution on the VoD gold rush in San Sebastián
SAN SEBASTIÁN 2016: The European distributors network addressed how independent films can hope to dig some gold out of VoD
Beyond traditional release strategies
Big changes in the world of film distribution are challenging traditional release strategies and putting limits on windowing protection. A look at the current situation from the UK
"VOD represents an opportunity to widen the number of release markets for films in the EU"
Christian Grece • Analyst, European Audiovisual Observatory
European Audiovisual Observatory analyst Christian Grece gives some insights on their new report "How do films circulate on VOD services and in cinemas in the European Union?"
Half of all European films make it to VOD but US films still dominate in Europe
The European Audiovisual Observatory releases the report "How do films circulate on VOD and in cinemas in the European Union?"
European films can travel without becoming mainstream
What makes European films travel? Original ideas and universal themes, according to the European Audiovisual Observatory conference at Cannes
“We’re tapping into our own community of supporters”
Alfred Sesma • Distributor
Pack Màgic is a new specialist distribution company on a mission to bring European animation to audiences in its native Spain - no small challenge in this market; Alfred Sesma tells us more
European films make up a third of all films available on VoD in Europe
27% of films available on VoD in the EU are European productions, compared with 59% for US films
An overview of Europa Distribution's workshop in Sofia
Expressions such as "sharing economy", "co-creation" and "open data" define very concrete business models nowadays. So when it comes to indie film distribution, what can be shared?
European distribution: focus on France
France is renowned as the "European Eldorado" for films. So why is there such anxiety among professionals about the state of the French films market lately?
UK film distribution: What’s changing for producers?
A reflection on the current state of film distribution in the UK
Everything you always wanted to know about distribution but were afraid to ask
During the Rome Film Fest, Europa Distribution led a participative debate that delved into the activities of distributors
The development of the European market for on-demand audiovisual services
The report on the VOD market in EU produced by the European Audiovisual Observatory
What's the deal with Video-on-Demand?
Screen Australia explains how movies and TV reach online audiences and who earns revenue from VOD
European Distribution: Focus on Spain
Europa Distribution's special report about the difficulties of releasing art house films in Spain
Netflix storm hits Europe
The American VoD platform, which has had blinding success on the other side of the Atlantic, is exporting itself to Europe: annoying for some, suspicious for others. At least one thing is certain, Netflix is making the French media shake in its boots all the while revolutionising the means of distribution
MEDIA Salles: Cinema-going in Europe: -1.8% in 2013 but some markets are growing
Data reveal a decreasing audience in Western Europe, while Central and Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean Rim close the year with a 6.6% increase
MEDIA Salles: Europe starts 2014 with more than 30,000 digital projectors
Europe starts 2014 with around 84% of its screens having converted to digital, a slightly lower penetration rate than the world average, which touches on 87%.
Screen battles in MENA countries
A lack of screens, curfews and soaring piracy: Melanie Goodfellow profiles the major players
Distrify, SDI launch film gifting scheme
A scheme that is a continuation of the online distributor’s ‘portable fundraiser’ project
The consumer at the centre of the game for a successful VoD strategy
Because of the increasingly higher expectations of the public, producers, distributors and operators have to find new strategies that benefits all players
Case Study on distribution strategies: Omar
We interviewed The Match Factory and the Film agency, respectively in charge of selling and promoting the film Omar, in order to understand how such a film is sold and promoted at the festival stage.
BAM Market in Bogota: The Reality of Distribution and Finding an Audience in No. America
"The challenge isn't getting your movie made. All it takes is a personal time commitment to the process and access to a credit card, a digital video camera, and a computer loaded with editing software. The challenge is actually getting your movie seen."
Cineuropa keeps an Eye on Films
Cineuropa is a partner of the Eye on Films Label, a unique network which guarantees the circulation of first feature films in Europe and third countries
Case Study on distribution strategies: More Than Honey
We interviewed distributors from different European countries to understand how the film was distributed across Europe and see if there were any country-specific particularities
An independent film opts for BitTorrent before being released in Cinemas
Community production and P2P network distribution continue to entice. A film, the first part of which was distributed via BitTorrent, will be counting on web users to finance its release in cinemas next year. And for the first time, the project includes the participation of a Hollywood actor.
10 Things Every Filmmaker Should Know From John Sloss's Hot Docs Master Class
Founder of Cinetic Media and co-founder of FilmBuff and Producers Distribution Agency, John Sloss reveals at Hot Docs’ industry centre 10 highlights to make film distribution and exhibition successful.
Case Study on distribution strategies: Ernest and Célestine
We interviewed distributors from different European countries to understand how the film was distributed across Europe and see if there were any country-specific particularities
Supermarkets bring hope to UK video market
As Hilco swoops to rescue HMV, Geoffrey Macnab reports on how optimism is returning to the UK video market.
EDEN: Union is strength
In just two years, the network of European distributors and practitioners has become one of the most interesting options to get closer to the emerging market of auteur cinema from Latin America for audiences who would not otherwise have access to it
Does the demise of HMV mean disaster for British indie cinema?
As the retail chain disappears from the high street, the monopoly of supermarkets and online retailers on DVD and Blu-ray sales may have a catastrophic effect on the UK film industry
The Pirate Bay - Away From Keyboard out now on YouTube
The Pirate Bay – Away From Keyboard, Swedish director Simon Klose's initiative that addresses the internet generation directly, is available free from 8 February on YouTube.
Online streaming websites becoming producers of their own contents
The new series House of Cards has just been released on Netflix on February 1st. The DVD rental and online streaming giant is not the only one which is taking the plunge into making their own productions.
At the start of 2013 70% of European screens are digital
At 1st January 2013, the number of screens equipped with either DLP Cinema™or SXRD™ technology worldwide had totalled more than 90,000 units, increasing by 43% compared to the year before.
Omri Marcus: Audiences are no longer just viewers; they’re Witnesses
For Red Arrow format developer Marcus, TV audiences must now be truly engaged with shows; or shows will lose viewers
Europa Cinemas, 20 years promoting our diversity
The first pan-European network of cinema theatres has evolved throughout the years to match the needs of the exhibition sector
How Shazam aims to replicate US TV success worldwide
The music recognition service has now evolved to TV, with promising results stateside and a recent deal with the UK's ITV. Miles Lewis explained all to StrategyEye
Europa Distribution 6th annual conference
The debate over Creative Europe was a key issue at the Europa Distribution annual conference in Lyon, which brought together 65 distributors and 20 speakers
Harvey Weinstein slams piracy in LFF keynote
US film producer Harvey Weinstein singled out Apple and Google in an attack on piracy as part of his keynote speech at the 56th BFI London Film Festival
Art Cinema = Action + Management 2012
The 9th training organised by the International Confederation of Art Cinemas has been concluded on September 2nd on the island of San Servolo, Venice
Netflix Surpasses Apple to Take Lead in U.S. Online Movie Business in 2011
Riding a tidal wave of growth for subscription video on demand (SVOD), Netflix Inc. in 2011 surged past Apple Inc. to become the largest U.S. online movie service in revenue terms, according to a new IHS Screen Digest Broadband Media Market Insight Report.
Hyper Island Master Class – Mobile Media
For three intensive days from Monday March 26, the progressive digital media training organisation Hyper Island welcomed 15 media professionals to its London office to hear expert presentations. The intention - to find progressive methodologies for generating new revenue streams using the smartphone.
Paramount Signs Up With Google Movie Rental Service
CinémaLab 2012: a bridge between Latin American cinema and Europe
Besides its Cinema in Development and Cinema under Construction events, the 24th Rencontres de Toulouse also include a third activity for industry professionals from Europe and Latin America: the fourth edition of its CinémaLab.
Digital home revolution
Movies on video consumption is modified in the USA by Apple, Netflix, Amazon and Hulu
Over half of Europe’s screens are now digital but single-screen cinemas are struggling
A new report from the European Audiovisual Observatory and MEDIA Salles shows that around 18 500 digital screens had been installed in Europe by the end of 2011. This means that over 52% of European screens are now capable of digital projection, up from just 4% three years ago.
Hollywood Studios review their strategy regarding 3D films
Hollywood Studios review their strategy regarding films in 3D, as audiences appear more and more selective and box-office disasters multiply.
Strategies and future of European cinema (Part 2)
Beyond the classic speeches and platitudes that create unrest, real dangers are currently threatening the Old Continent' art and essai theaters. A tour to watch the film exhibition in six European countries.
Strategies and future of European cinema (Part 1)
Heart of the exhibition of films, theaters are, paradoxically, the film industry area with less information, each country usually ignores the practices of close territories.
Television and On-Demand Audiovisual Services in the Russian Federation
The European Audiovisual Observatory publishes a new report “Television and on-demand services in the Russian Federation”
How to make VOD an opportunity for Europe's audiovisual production?
The European Commission has published a Green Paper on the online distribution of audiovisual works in the European Union that investigates on opportunities and challenges towards a digital single market.
Harvey Weinstein: VOD, Internet Still Need Time to Mature
The DVD revenue from movies is down and the money to be made from new media is not yet making up the difference, which has increased the importance of the initial release of a film, producer and executive said Saturday at the Produced By Conference.
European cinema in 2010 - a year of mixed results
On the occasion of the 61st Berlin International Film Festival the European Audiovisual Observatory releases its first estimates for European cinema attendance in 2010. The Observatory estimates that total admissions in the European Union dropped by 2.0% to around 961 million tickets sold.
Digitisation and Online Exploitation of Broadcasters’ Archives
The European Audiovisual Observatory has just published a new IRIS Special report which examines current challenges to television archives in the digital era of online content. The report is the fruit of a workshop co-organised in April of this year by the Observatory and its partner organisation, the Amsterdam-based Institute for Information Law (IViR).
Multi-Territory Licensing of Audiovisual Works in the European Union
This new study examines the economics of the copyright industries and the specifics of digital delivery in the media market. It also considers the conditions needed to achieve a single market in cultural productions. The report sets out a number of recommendations to enable European AV companies to maximise on the digital shift in the context of the EU’s powerful regulatory and support instruments.
European Distributors: Up Next!
Ten independent distributors from ten different European countries discussed the potential of new technical formats, social community platforms and business models, during the initiative European Distributors: Up Next!
Video on Demand Distribution in Europe – Case Study: Movieurope.com
Niels Aalbæk Jensen, presented Movieurope, a Danish based VoD platform supported by the MEDIA Programme. Movieurope offers the largest selection of European feature films, documentaries and short films at a fixed price per month. "The revolution of the next years will be the possibility to plug your PC to the TV scree
Producers’ relationships with sales agents and distributors
Irina Ignatiew, Vice President of Telepool, and Paul Young, CEO of Cartoon Saloon, explained the relationships between the producers and the sales agent, taking the example of The secret of Kells. Telepool aims to fulfil the task that is required of international sellers: contributing to film financing by investing in an early stage or by helping producers to find other partners abroad.
The international distribution of Niko - The way to the Stars
The world sales agent on the film Irina Ignatiew explained the long process needed to present the movie in different markets and to sell it to different territories. The film was sold in most of the world countries (over 100) and worked very well in theatres in France and Benelux.
Distributing Animated Series on the International Market
Lionel Marty of MoonScoop presents the distribution main opportunities and threats. On one side there is an emergence of new channels like IPTV, DTT, new successful genres like comedy with co-viewing potential and live action, on the other side there is a general decrease in revenues and more restrictions on advertising regulations.
Screen Digest predicts European digital cinema funding shortfall of €450m
Rapid mainstream take-up accelerates public sector’s need to realise their role in the conversion of cinema screens to digital projection technology.
Scopas Medien: The Business Model of Web Series
Thomas Schneider-Trumpp presents the business model of a Web Series in stop-motion, Sports Comedy
Aardman Animations: A Forward Thinker
Miles Bollough explains the luck that's been behind Angry Kid, a series of short that he produced and that was perfect for digital media
13th Annual Conference of Europa Cinemas
The 13th Annual Conference, organised by Europa Cinemas saw the participation of more than 500 European professionals, to discuss the future for film theatres in moment when the transition to digital projection is taking place and competition is arising from other methods of film distribution, in the era of multiple platforms and the Internet.
More than 700 on-demand audiovisual services available in Europe
The European Audiovisual Observatory and the Direction du développement des médias (France) are publishing a new study entitled Video on Demand and Catch-Up Television in Europe. This work offers professionals an up-to-date overview of recent developments and examines the various business models and strategies of the different types of player in both Europe and the United States.
European Distributors: Up Next! 2009
European Distributors: Up Next! - San Sebastian 2009 How to improve the circulation of European films
European programmes and films represent three-quarters of peak viewing time
According to an independent study carried out on behalf of the European Commission and published today, European works represent almost three-quarters of European channels' peak viewing time.
Cine Sin Fronteras: European Films in Latin America
Cineuropa met with six Cine Sin Fronteras participants from Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Colombia, who related their experiences distributing European titles in Latin America.
Study on the role of SMEs in the changing home entertainment sector
The report initially portrays the European home entertainment sector in terms of breadth and depth by analyzing the practices and market trends in Europe and the role of the European audiovisual SMEs and works and then focuses on challenges and opportunities brought about by new distribution platforms.
Cinema Online – Past and Present
Cinema Online – Past and Present assesses the feasibility of establishing a pan- European film portal that could lead to more collaboration among film stakeholders in the EU and raise awareness regarding Europe’s cinematographic legacy.
Round Table on «What Content for Mobile Television?»
Bruno Bucher, Jean-Emmanuel Casalta, and Jacob Møllerour, specialists from the mobile industry, discussed contents for mobile TV at Cartoon Master (Digital) 2008. The discussion covered the current movement in the European mobile content business, including mobile technologies, economic challenges, and future scope for producers.
The Mobile Entertainment Market
Jacob Møller, CEO at Kiloo, Danish mobile games and contents provider, presented key strategies and opportunities in the mobile entertainment business at Cartoon Master (Digital) 2008. Since its establishment in 2002, Kiloo has been producing a number of high-quality games.
The development of film distribution in France (CNC study, July 2008)
According to CNC’s survey of French film distribution, the number of films released showed a gradual increase over the last 10 years. The study contains marketing figures according to the genre, national origin, and release schedule.
Shaping Policies for the Cinema of Tomorrow, Krakow conference report
The event entitled ‘Shaping policies for the cinema of tomorrow’ – held in Krakow from September 11-13 - focused its discussion on public funding strategies to face the impediments of globalisation and the expansion of digital technology in the European market.
European Video Market Information 2003-2008
The comprehensive statistics on retail DVD sales in Europe from 2003-2008 are available through the European Video Yearbook by International Video Federation (IVF). This book also offers marketing information of European countries including the two non-IVF members, Ireland and Switzerland.
Those Who Communicate Win in Digital Screening
Communication with the public has become crucial in the digital screening world. The first research carried out during Italy’s digital screens shows a slow development due to the scarcity of titles shown and the high cost of maintaining the technology.
European films strong as cinema attendance falls back
The European Audiovisual Observatory presented provisional data of 2003-2007 on the European film industry. According to the estimated figures, the number of films produced shows a slight increase of 1.1% corresponding to the growth in numbers of national productions. The demand for European films, however, improved achieving over 28% of the European market share.
Digital Cinema Experience
LCEEI, the Lapland Centre of Expertise for the Experience Industry and Peacefulfish developed a research project to identify the challenges and opportunities facing the film market in digitalising cinema.
Developing TV series as a multi-platform concept
Robert Réa, Senior Vice President of Ellipseanim, served as executive producer for 32 TV movies and 600 half hours episodes. During Cartoon Master 2007 he talked about the internet market and consumer behavior.
The Economic Model of Mobile Entertainment (2)
Angel Blasco, head of Films Cooperate Content Unit at Telefónica group, talked about the company’s scope in content business at Cartoon Master (Finance) 2007. Providing VOD and SVOD (subscription video on demand) services, Telefónica focuses on branding and cross-platform as marketing strategies.
Investing in New Media: A Producer’s Strategy
Millimages, a French production and distribution company for animated films, has become one of the leading European animation companies. Roch Lener, chief executive, presented a financing model and the future scope for producers in animation business on new platforms.
Best Strategies for Distributing an Animation Film
Interview with Paco Rodriguez, Executive Producer and Director at Filmax Animation.
New Distribution Models 2
Claudia Da Silva, project manager in charge of the business sector of the new-media department of the worldwide French TV production company Marathon Media, talked about the company’s strategies for multimedia platforms at Cartoon Master (Finance) 2007.
New Distribution Models 1
Dupuis Audiovisuel, is a renowned French production company for its successful adaptation of famous comics. During Cartoon Master (Finance) 2007, Leon Perahia, audiovisual director, showed business models in Animation industry, by presenting multiple platform strategies applied by the company.
International Sales: the Role of Distribution Companies and Their Marketing Strategies
What would be a typical model for co-financing a $50 million feature film?
Distributing an animated feature film (2)
The role of the distributor: ideal dates, timing, copies, role of screening. Interview with Camille Trumer, general manager of UIP France since 2003.
Distributing an animated feature film
Interview with Marc Bonny, co-director of Gebeka Films which distributes animated films and most notably Kirikou and the Sorceress and Kirikou & The Wild Beasts.
European independent distribution
European distribution market is characterised by an increasing concentration of the sector and by a general degradation of the conditions of film exhibition. In this respect, an increasing weakening of European independent distributors is registered.
High-Level Seminar on Audiovisual Content Online
Organised by the Portuguese Presidency of the EU council, the High-Level Seminar on Audiovisual Content Online, held in Lisbon in October 2007, dealt with subjects such as opportunities offered by the new distribution market, its contribution to European economy and culture, and the users’ role.
The distributor's work
Interview with Roch Lener, President of Bac Film, of which Millimages is currently the major shareholder, and Marc Bonny, Director of Gebeka.
Multiplexes in Belgium
Multiplexes cinemas have their own version in Europe, the “megaplex” (16 screens and upwards). Avant-garde technology is a ‘must’.
Study on the circulation of European films in festivals
The inclusion of commercial theatres into the offer of film festivals guarantees a wider audience, accentuated by a decentralized strategy of screening: youth clubs, universities or prisons.
