Independent Film Distribution in China: Analyzing South Korea's "The Host" as a Case Study in China's Movie Market

发布时间：2007.10.1

内容介绍

Although the potential of China’s vast market has been the steady focus of attention for foreign film companies, meaningful access has been held back due to the unique nature of this market posed by the challenging regulatory and cultural barriers that are in play.  This report serves to address those limitations via a detailed and unprecedented insider’s perspective into China’s perplexing film industry, in addition to providing crucial background and updates on the current film market status in China.  By following the on-the-ground experience of the successful independent film import and distribution process of “The Host” from the start to the end,  this report delivers practical insight into China’s complex foreign film import and distribution system and enhance foreign film companies’ perception of the inner workings of this process. 

This one of a kind report will prove to be an invaluable resource to investors who are seeking viable solutions to the dilemmas presented by China’s complicated foreign film distribution system. The finer facets of the foreign film distribution process, including step by step explanations of the import procedure and regulations, timing and preparation of film release, marketing tips, strategic advice and case examples of budget allocation will be covered.  The working model provided by the import and distribution experience of “The Host” will illustrate crucial market principles and greatly assist prospective foreign film companies towards forwarding their own entertainment products into China.

目录及图表

I. China Film Market Overview
A. Market Size and Trends
B. Production
C. Distribution
D. Exhibition
E. Film Imports
F. Film Exports
G. DVD Market

II. Overview of the distribution process for foreign films
A. Protectionist Barriers
1. Film Quota
2. Censorship
3. Blackout periods
B.  Introduction of the distribution process
1.   Selection of valid local distribution party
2. Preliminary import approval
3. Detailed film examination and deliberation by the Film Bureau
4. Final approval of the dubbed film
5. Contract Finalization
6. Securing Theater Contracts
7. Marketing
C.  Theoretical Case of the Flat Deal Film
1. Brief Summary of Import Sequence
2. Revenue Considerations
3. Sample Budget Calculations
4. Successful Example of a Flat Deal Film Import
D.  Theoretical Case of the Profit Share Film
                        1.  Brief Summary of Import Sequence
2.  Revenue Sharing Structure
3.  Sample Budget Calculations
E. Theoretical Breakdown of a CNY 0.3 Million Marketing Budget

III. Detailed Experience of the distribution of “The Host” in China
A.  Background Film Details
B. Overview of Key Parties involved in distribution of “The Host”
C. Summary of distribution figures for “The Host” in China
D. A Detailed Account of the Distribution Experience
(Timeline: March 2006 through January 2007)
E.  Negotiations with the Theater Owners’ Association
1. Attaining the Desired Market Position
2. Holding Cinema Previews for “The Host”
3. Selection of a Favorable Release Date
4. Marketing Plans and Strategies
5.  A Model of Personnel Duty Allocation

6. Review of the Costs and Profits involved in Film Distribution
7. Profit/Loss Balance Sheet for “The Host”

IV. Final Summary of Key Points for the Independent Distribution of a Foreign Film in China

A.  Achieve a Complete Understanding of the Chinese Film Industry Structure
B. Crucial factors to be addressed prior to film distribution
C. The Importance of “Guanxi” in China.
D. Factors that help minimize cost and maximize revenue.

V. Appendix
A.  List of Theater Owners’ Associations and Theaters in China

T I-1.    Number of Domestic Films Produced in China (1990 to 2006)
T I-2.    Funds Backing Chinese Domestic Films in 2005
T I-3.    Top Five Domestic Chinese Films in 2006
T I-4.    Top 10 Foreign Films in 2006
T I-5.    Top 10 Theaters in 2005
T II-1.   Classification Scheme of Film Distribution Scale
T II-2.  Example: Budget Calculations for Flat Deal Films
T II-3.   Example: Budget Calculations for High Grade Profit Shared Films 
T II-4.   Example: Budget Calculations for Grade C-E Profit Shared Films
T II-5.   Example: Itemization of Marketing Budget
T III-1.  Background Details of “The Host”
T III-2.  Summary of Distribution Details of “The Host”
T III-3.  Example: Duty Allocation for Distribution Company Personnel
T III-4.  Major Distribution Profit Sources
T III-5.  Major Distribution Expenses
T III-6.  Typical Example Profile for Small Distribution Company
T III-7.  Profit/Loss Balance Sheet for “The Host”