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The distribution sector of the film industry is rapidly evolving. New media technologies, digitization and the internet are increasingly pushing all media formats online. Once considered novel and simply an alternative to the traditional modes of consumption, online consumption is rapidly replacing existing modes and taking the place as the mainstream mode of consumption.
Many view and some fear that the traditional mode of viewing films in the theatre may be on the brink of extinction. Technically in many cases the viewing of film is already dead. The idea of film itself – a set of images & sounds taken in succession – has remained. However the way this is achieved very often no longer relys upon the projection derived by light passing through moving film.
Film in a digital format ushers in a host of options for the consumer. It may be delivered in digital format in virtually any setting, delivered via DVD, laser disc, video on demand (Vod) or online download. Many of the traditional cinema complexes are now equipped with digital projection capabilities. The home theatre is taking its place as the standard rather than the exception. And, computing technologies are now responsible for wide screen, high quality movies on your laptop. When viewed on a plane the screen size may even be, in some cases too large for the standard economy seat.
Greater options and flexibility in the distribution of film content currently poses a problem for the traditional studio system. Piracy of film content has become a major issue for the industry, as consumers are given access to increasingly advanced software and computing technologies.
Some also believe that the exhibiting of film in the cinema may in the near future cease. Cinema audiences have eroded over recent years with the availability and popularity of the DVD format. The staggering of release datesfor differing global regions and the lag between cinema and DVD release times are shrinking. This is in part to address the issue of piracy, however also in an attempt to save marketing and promotional costs, while maximising profits.
Silver, J., and Alpert, F. (2003) "Digital Dawn: A revolution in movie distribution?," Business Horizons, Sept-Oct 2003, pp.57-66, retrieved August 28, 2005, from Proquest Database.
Rohin Whitford 01:44, 28 Oct 2005 (EST)
