Where Would Your Product Be Shown? - Evaluation

A Film 4 production will generally be shown either at the cinema, or TV on Film 4 - the channel, or on some of the Channel 4 network's other channels, such as Channel 4, More 4, E4 etc. As a result, we were to decide what would be more appropriate for our film, the big screen or the small one.

Cinema:

Pros:

• The opportunity to go to have multiple viewing for increased revenue
• Large sales revenue if successful
• Merchandise possibilities if successful
• Greater awareness of release
• Ratings given to the film, and is seen as better than a 'straight to TV' film

Cons:

• Very expensive, and money not returned if unsuccessful
• Bad reviews will reduce income significantly

Television:

Pros:

• Bad reviews will not effect 1st time viewing figures, as very often ratings are given only after first showing.
• If unsuccessful, income is not affected as a flat fee per showing is given
• Less expensive than cinema

Cons:

• Fewer people will be able to watch it, as it may only have one showing
• Far lower potential income
• If successful, a high income is still not given.

As a result of looking through the lists and comparing the two options, we opted for a Cinema release.

"What type of cinema?" This was the next question we had to ask ourselves. Would it be a large chain cinema, such as an Odeon or Vue, or would it be a local, independent cinema such as the Phoenix in Barnet, London? A larger chain would offer a greater number of potential viewers, but would also be far more expensive. Independent cinemas have been a host to many of the great films of the past that have been largely unnoticed by the public eye. An example of this is Religulous (2008) which won multiple awards, but was still only showed in independent cinemas. After much deliberation, we decided that a large chain cinema would be more suited to the thriller genre than an independent cinema

A Vue Cinema:

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The Inside of "The Phoenix" cinema in London

After releasing the film into the cinema, it is usually shown for about 4 to 8 weeks depending on its success. After this time, Chloe felt that a relatively swift release of DVD/Bluray would be prudent, the sooner it comes out on DVD or Blueray, the sooner people can rent or buy a copy. Conversely, I felt that a quick release would lead to a lower amount in total sales, as if a slightly longer times was waited, such as 3 or 4 months after it has left the cinemas, people are more likely to buy the film, as they haven't seen it for a while, and may want to see it again.