Question 3: What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?

PATHÉ UK/PATHÉ EUROPE:

' With a reputation built on independence, innovation and quality, Pathé is the world's longest established film company, and now encompasses a diverse range of media and entertainment interests.'

   Pathe UK is a prominent institution within the film industry, operating as a studio, as well as being fully involved within the production, marketing and distribution of a film. The types of media product developed and distributed are extremely varied, ranging from 'Chicken Run' to 'Slumdog Millionaire' by Danny Boyle. Whereas, Pathe Europe is, evidently, the European section of the institution, becoming and remaining as one of Europe's major companies. Continentally, Pathe is Europe's leading exhibitor, as well as being one of the leading distributors of films within France.

Pathe distributed 'Essex Boys' which our product 'Crowe' was heavily influenced by. This therefore gives us a strong indication that similar toned films to ours, are supported and distributed by this institution.

   Pathe is most likely to distribute 'Crowe', as it suits the European, film market targeted by the institution  with a variety of films. What attracted me most to Pathe, was their 'reputation built on independence, innovation and quality' which is exactly what 'Crowe' is about; it is definitely not mainstream, suiting a niche market. Also, Pathe has distributed a mixture of low key, niche films and bigger successes. This therefore enables 'Crowe' the potential expand in terms of success, however, we as a production company are not aiming for international success, just success within our specific target audience, whether this be a substantial turnover or not. For example, Danny Boyle's 'Millions' didn't achieve huge success, in which Pathe UK distributed, recieving £282,294 overall in the UK recorded on 5 June 2005, in 255 Screens. However, the money generated was from the film specific audience, much like that of 'Crowe's'; where narrative and film technique is of importance.

   Also, the institution distributes films through Pathe International, which is extremely popular in France. This was an appealing factor when deciding on a distributor, because our film contains foreign dialogue (Polish). Films within another language involved tend to attract an intellectual, niche market in contrast to American, mainstream block busters. Therefore our film suits this distributor in the sense that we are aware that they have supported previous foreign films, such as 'Renaissance' and 'The Mark Of the Angles- Miserere'

http://www.patheinternational.com/en/fiche.php?id_film=748

Exhibition:

   In terms of cinema exhibition, our film appeals more to an art-house, independent cinema audience; in particular, Cinema City. This is because of our film style and narrative, possibly more intricate and complex than films purely to 'entertain' such as productions exhibited at 'VUE' and 'ODEON'. This is because 'Crowe' isn't aimed at a mainstream audience, therefore would have no use at a multiplex. Below, are a couple of Cinema City's film listings that they are currently exhibiting. As you can see, there is a variety between mainstream productions such as 'Argo', in comparison to more independent, début director productions such as 'Robot and Frank'. 

Technologies:

   Various digital technologies could offer new distribution opportunities for 'Crowe'. For example, Pathe distribution has its own accounts within the social network sites of  YouTube and Twitter. This enables films, such as 'Crowe' to be distributed, simply by word of mouth, as well as connecting to a modern market, who may be attracted by exclusive, 'behind the scenes' clips that could be distributed on the YouTube account.

'Arts Alliance Media (AAM) has struck a content deal with Pathe, making titles such as Talk To Her, Memento and The Queen available for customers to rent online.'

  Pathe are also positioning themselves and developing their institution in order to secure relevance within the digital era. For example, the institution has launched a Video on Demand service within Europe and have also singed a deal for a Video on Demand distribution through the owners of LoveFilm, as well as partner sites AOL UK and Empire, in which the deal covers any future Pathe titles, such as 'Crowe'. Therefore we understand and can be assured that 'Crowe' will be helped and supported to witstand the 'digital era', as new technologies play an extremely important role within the media industry.

Mubi:

 Our media product could also be distributed by MUBI; an online film website, integrating elements and the use of social networking with video streaming By being described as an "online cinematheque.", we can establish that this site has a certain market. The site allows people to view (feature) films, for a fee, and connect with others with similar tastes in movies.

Student film-maker status:

   Being a student-film maker, with a début product, may also offer other distribution opportunities. For example,  considering student and first film competitions enables our product to be distributed and exhibited by many, including important names within the industry. Another option are film festivals. One of the most famous, is the Sundance Film and Music Festival, which has been exhibiting short and full length, unique features here in London for 2 years. Competitions and festivals also enable a production company to establish their audience, in which they can decide on an appropriate distribution and marketing company.