The COVID-19 Pandemic and the Adoption Factors of Film Distribution Business Models in the Context of Sustainability

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated already visible changes in the film distribution model caused by the rapid growth of streaming platforms. Restrictions caused by the pandemic, including movement and occupancy limits, meant that the current distribution model had to change. At the same time, it has caused certain behaviours and changes in audience preferences to emerge that have rendered the value proposition offered to viewers insufficient. The sustainability of film distribution encompasses both business and cultural aspects, seeking to create value that is sustainable from a social, economic, and environmental perspective. The aim of this article is to identify and quantify the strength of factors influencing the formation of contemporary film distribution business models. Starting from the observations of changes in the film distribution market, through a literature review, and semi-structured and computer-assisted CAWI expert interviews conducted from December 2022 to May 2023, we attempt to identify which factors influence the change in the business model adopted. The results of the research carried out indicate that it is primarily social and economic factors that drive the creation of new business models for film distribution, while environmental aspects are still considered to be the least important in this regard.