This month we speak with Ivo Andrle, the head of the Czech film distribution company Aerofilms.
FNE: What impact would the digital single market have on your work?
Ivo Andrle: I wouldn't expect dramatic changes in day-to-day operations in a short term. In a long term, there could be an impact on production of films (the financing), and also we could partly lose control over the distribution of films that we'd invested in. It would be difficult to organize the distribution to its maximum profit and efficiency with non-exclusive rights and no control over the VOD exploitation.
However, at the same time as a consumer I sometimes get frustrated with the limited offer. I am sure that the situation can improve by more sensitive tools and rules rather than just destructive approach to the existing business models.
FNE: How important is VOD for your business? Does it bring in an important part of your income?
Ivo Andrle: The role of VOD has been increasing very rapidly in last three or four years, and it's becoming a relevant source of revenues, especially in the case of some titles.
FNE: Where do you see VOD in five years from now?
Ivo Andrle: In our territory I think that the consumption of VOD is not saturated. Many people haven't "discovered" and started using VOD services. For various reasons. There will be a graduate growth of the market as more and more consumers will overcome the difficulties (technical, administrative...), and the distributor's offer will meet the consumers' demand in a better way.
FNE: How can the VOD distribution for the independent European films be improved?
Ivo Andrle: Pretty much the same way as any other kind of films. We need easy-to-enter and easy-to-use technologies and services, we need large and timely offer. Also, we need to change the habit of watching anything online for free, gradually, it needs to become normal to understand that "online" doesn't necessary mean "free".
We shouldn't be forgetting about the important role of positioning and editing of the content in the online world. The role of selectors and labels will become more and more important.
FNE: What was your biggest hit in the last 12 months? Did you use any particular strategy?
Ivo Andrle: The Czech documentary Zkaza krasou by Helena Trestikova (produced by Hana Třeštíková and coproduced by Czech Television). We released it day-and-date with theatrical release, and we reached the numbers of our previous hit on VOD (Nymphomaniac by Lars von Trier) in just a few days.
Contact:
Aerofilms s.r.o.
Jireckova 1008/8
170 00 Praha 7, Czech Republic
Phone/Fax: +420 224 947 566
www.aerofilms.cz
