Exhibition Questions

1) Why are there no viable arts/independent cinemas in many areas? Why/how is Southampton able to sustain The Picturehouse (Harbourlights)?
Picturehouse cinemas show films that are suited to the audience in that location. For example, if people in Southampton wanted to see more romantic films that is what they would try and show. These independent cinemas are built particularly in university areas such as London and York. The audiences may be bigger in these locations which is maybe why independent cinemas are not as needed.

2) What is the relationship between movie going and video/DVD/Blu-ray hire/sales?
DVD's etc are easily and widely available in shops, for rental, online. It is a lot more convenient for people who purchase the DVD because they can watch it whenever they want. Also, it is cheaper to buy or rent a DVD than it is to watch a film at the cinema. Odeon cinemas in the UK were planning to boycott the release of Tim Burton's remake of Disneys 'Alice in Wonderland' because Disney were going to bring the film out on DVD after just 12 weeks instead of the usual 17, in an attempt to increase the declining DVD sales.

3) What does the programming of the Sky Movie channels and Film Four respectively say about the relationship between pay television, niche marketing and consumer behaviour?
On Film Four and Sky Movies they air films 24/7, and give viewers the choice of genres. In between the films there are trailers of upcoming movies, and there are niche marketing schemes which promote a new released film. In these niche marketing schemes there are exclusive interviews and clips with cast members.

4) What is the most appropriate response Contemporary British Cinema can make to Hollywood dominance?


5) Should British films be distinctive at the expense of profitability or profitable at the expense of distinctiveness?


6) Is it possible for British films to be both distinctive and profitable?