BFI notes

The Types of Theatrical Distribution:

• Art house cinemas: The  BFI and independent cinemas such as Electric Cinema. They usually exhibit low budget films
• Multiplex cinemas: These are arge cinema chains such as Vue & Odeon 
• Prestige: These are cross-overs of both, they are low budget films with big actors. 

Institutions

Vertigo: 

• Formed in 2002 for the purpose of distributing 2 short films. 
• They avoid producing prestige films
• Partners with Syco (Simon Cowells comapany) 
• Vertigo tends to hide its low budget

Warp: 

• Formed in 2001 and started off as an electronic music label which supported challenging and experimental music
• It is a middle ground between arthouse and multiplex 
• In partnership with Film Four 
• Warp uses its low budget to inspire creative freedom. 

Uses and Gratifications for national audience?

• Information/Education: How do other British people live? What are the issues affecting the UK?
• Social Interaction: 'Crowd Pleasures' (social viewing), Oscar nominations (conversation point)
• Personal Identification: National pride, solidarity,aspiration, glamorization,reinforcing/rejecting values
• Pure Entertainment: Spectacle, escapism, adrenaline (thriller/horror), catharsis (+emotional intensity)

Uses and Gratifications for US/international audience?

• Information/Education: historical/literary figures,contemporary celebrities/royalty
• Social Interaction:'Crowd pleasures' (social viewing, Oscar nominations (conversation point)
• Personal Identification: Solidarity with subcultures/marginalized groups rarely represented in mainstream cinema 
• Pure Entertainment: spectacle, escapism, adrenaline (thriller/horror), catharsis (+emotional intensity)