FilmFour has struggled to compete for cinema space against large multinational film studios whose films make up over two thirds of UK box office takings. FilmFour blames their poor box office results on a lack of influence in the distribution market rather than the quality of their films. The company originally operated as a subscription channel but later relaunched as a free channel supported by advertising in order to earn more money and reach more homes.

1. Institutional Research
Part 2

2.  One of FilmFour's biggest problems has been
competing for cinema space with
multinational film companies, whose films
account for more than two thirds of UK box
office takings. FilmFour blames the poor box
office results on its lack of clout in the
distribution market rather than the quality of
its films. (BBC on Film Four Partner Search)

3.  Originally only subscribers could access the
channel
 The company wasn’t making enough money
through subscriptions alone
 Relaunched the channel in July 2006 as a
freeview channel
 Believed they could make more money through
advertising
 Has become the Uks largest free film channel
available to 18 million homes

4.  Why do you go to the cinema?
 What other options are available to you if you
want to see a film?
 What are the pros and cons of these options?
 So why do you still go to the cinema?!

5.  Young people are increasingly watch films on
small screens using various models of DVD
players
 Cinema admissions in Britain fell by 4% in
2005 and US box-office by 9%
 Trend towards home consumption began in
the 1960s when studios realised they could
use television to show films long after they
had passed their sell-by date in the cinema

6.  1970s VHS was introduced
 1980s satellite was introduced
 DVDs have pushed VHS out of the home
 What are the advantages of DVD over VHS?
 What are some drawbacks for the studios?

7.  Massive corporations may be able to
 Publicise and advertise their films via their
own print, sound and visual media arms
 Put out associated books and music, again
from within their own organisation
 Show their films via their own various TV and
cinema outlets

8.  A major issue for FilmFour is that it does NOT
own its own exhibition theatrical chain
 What issues might this raise for FilmFour?
 Synergy was not always apparent at the
company as in 2003 Ali G went to Working
Title!

9.  New technologies have always added to the
cinema experience
 The size/quality of the spectacle have been
enhanced

10.  Also available in a standard DVD edition, the Blu-ray version of Slumdog
Millionaire argues effectively for a conversion over onto the new
format. The film looks sensation here, and this is coming from someone
who saw the movie twice in theaters. The use of color that Boyle excels
at is heightened here, the attention to detail and panoramic vistas
recreated superbly within the 2.35:1, AVCX 1080p encode. Remember—
Boyle utilized both 35mm stock and digital cameras to capture the
action, so there will be a definite distinction between the two. The use
of grain, the occasional muddiness and lack of clarity are artistic choices
on the director's part (his accompanying commentary track assures us of
same). Sonically, the Blu-ray comes with only one audio mix—an
English-Hindi 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio that engages all the channels
without subjecting us to aural chaos. Indeed, the balance between
dialogue and ambient elements is excellent, and the use of music and
effects really elevate the overall immersive effect. While the film itself is
subtitled out of necessity, there are optional SDH, French, and Spanish
translations offered.

11.  Boyle and Patel take the audience through the
backstreets and countryside of India
 Interviews with Beaufoy
 Deleted scenes
 Making-of
 Music video for ‘Bombay Liquid Dance’
 Trailers
 Short film entitled ‘Manjha’