Digital Distribution Research

Digital distribution is the delivery of media content to the public through various methods including audio clips, videos, computer software and video games. The term is primarily used to describe online distribution methods. Content distributed online can either be streamed or downloaded by viewers. Online content comes in the forms of audio books, films, T.V. shows, music, computer software, and video games. Film distribution is the process of making a film readily available for viewing. The goal of film distribution is to attract a wide audience and simplify the viewing process of a film. It is the professional film distributor's job to ensure these goals are met. Film distributors are responsible for deciding upon  the marketing strategy of film, the various media on which the film may be viewed, and the final release date. The public can view the film using various methods such as in a movie theater, on a television at home, or even stream it online on a computer. Many films come accompanied by a film promotion. Movie producers often make agreements with each theater. Money is made in the form of ticket sales and the theater and studio would both profit. Movies have a limited showtime in order to boost demand and short-time ticket sales. In the typical process, a movie is first released in theaters, then after the typical window time of about 16 weeks the film becomes available on VHS as well as Video on Demand. About two years after a films' release date in theaters, it is made available for free-to-air TV channels on cable. A film becomes available on DVD and the internet after 90 days post-release. A straight to video (or straight-to-DVD/straight-to-Blu-ray) release takes place when a movie is released via home video formats including Blu-Ray, VHS, or DVD, without being released in theaters first. When this occurs the theatrical window period is not being taken into consideration. As a result of strong DVD sales, Direct-to-video releases have achieved higher success and profit in recent years, particularly for independent movie producers/companies.