The Business of Media Distribution

Learn how an idea moves from concept to profits and how distribution dominates the bottom line of an industry otherwise grounded in high profile elements (production, creative, law, finance, and marketing).

In this updated edition of a bestselling industry staple, experienced media executive Jeff Ulin relates business theory and practice across key global market segments—film, television, video, and online/digital—providing you with an insider’s perspective that can't be found anywhere else. This new edition:

Includes perspectives from key industry executives at studios, networks and online leaders, including Fox, Paramount, Lucasfilm, USA Network, BSkyB, YouTube, Hulu, Microsoft and many more

Analyzes online influences throughout the distribution chain and explains the impact made by the growth of apps, tablets, smart-phones, social media, social gaming, and over-the-top delivery

Discusses the growth of Digital Cinema and the related distribution of 3D movies.

Explores changes in the home video business and growth of on-demand (VOD) and on-the-go access to content

Illustrates how online services like Netflix, Amazon, YouTube and Hulu are changing the way TV content is distributed and consumed, and why they are producing their own original series

Breaks down historical film windows, the economic drivers behind them, and how online and digital delivery applications are changing the landscape.

Features a companion website (www.focalpress.com/9780240824239), which includes additional material demystifying how projects are developed and profits calculated

Hollywood stars may make the headlines, but marketing and distribution are the behind the scenes drivers converting content into cash. Regardless of your background and training, The Business of Media Distribution, Second Editiondelivers the business practices and virtual apprenticeship you need to understand and manage the complicated media markets and how digital distribution is impacting traditional methods.

Author Bio
Jeffrey C. Ulin has worked as a media executive, attorney, lecturer, and entrepreneur. Half of his 20+ years in the film business have been at Lucasfilm, where he headed worldwide distribution for all markets (theatrical, video, TV, online), managed sales for Star Wars and Indiana Jones, and oversaw the release of the last Star Wars film made by George Lucas, Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. He also helped manage Paramount and Universal’s overseas video distribution venture; co-founded and ran animation studio Wildbrain Entertainment, where he created Disney’s pre-school hit Higglytown Heroes; and navigated the convergence of digital media at Silicon Valley’s most renowned law firm (Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati). Jeff sits on advisory boards of media start-ups and has used the book to teach the class Media & Entertainment: Economics, Policy, and Strategy at the Hass School of Business, the University of California, Berkeley. He is currently based in Amsterdam, working as General Counsel of Irdeto, a global leader in media delivery and security solutions.