Motion Picture Production & Distribution Industry Profile

Companies in this industry produce and distribute motion pictures. Major companies include Disney, FOX, MGM, Paramount, Sony Pictures, Universal, and Warner Bros (all based in the US), as well as Spain's Promotora de Informaciones, Toho Co of Japan, and Danish firm Egmont International Holding.

Three regions - Europe/Middle East/Africa, US/Canada, and Asia/Pacific - each account for about one-third of global movie box office revenue, according to the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). Latin America accounts for the remainder. China and Latin America have seen the fastest growth in box office revenue in recent years.

The US motion picture production and distribution industry includes about 12,000 companies with combined annual revenue of more than $60 billion. Moderate growth is forecast for the next two years. Key growth drivers include an increase in distribution channels and an expanding global market.

The top motion picture studios are generally part of larger media companies. Most companies in the industry engage in both production and distribution of motion pictures; about 500 companies are solely distributors. Production and distribution of television programs is included in the industry but discussed in a separate profile.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Consumer spending drives demand. The profitability of individual companies depends on creativity, marketing, and distribution. Large companies often have the advantages of long-term contracts with key actors and directors, a permanent staff of technical employees, and wide distribution networks. Small companies can compete ...