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Traditional Film Distribution and Exhibition Platforms in the Formal Economy

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Abstract

This chapter is centred on the traditional film distribution route of theatrical and non-theatrical releases in the formal economy. The chapter delves into the structures, operations, and processes of both distribution channels and looks at how the independent sector approaches and responds to them. It lists down the entry barriers and analyses the factors that generally hinder independent filmmakers from accessing the elusive theatrical platform. One of the developments and responses from the independent sector and the government is the growing number of cinematheques and microcinemas that are being built across the country. The chapter also breaks down the different non-theatrical avenues that a film can take, and contains case study profiles of films, their respective outfits, a discussion of how these films are distributed, exhibited and received, and how theatrical and non-theatrical platforms affect the film’s cultural value and economic value.

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Lim, M.K. (2019). Traditional Film Distribution and Exhibition Platforms in the Formal Economy. In: Philippine Cinema and the Cultural Economy of Distribution. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-03608-9_6

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