Distribution conventionality in the movie sector: an econometric analysis of cinema supply

✍ Scribed by Alan Collins; Antonello E. Scorcu; Roberto Zanola

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 2009
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 150 KB
• Volume: 30
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0143-6570
• DOI: 10.1002/mde.1469

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

This paper empirically analyzes the impact of several factors on a ‘conventionality index (CI)’ in the specific context of the cinema exhibition sector. To our knowledge, it is the first time that a standard CI has been constructed for this purpose. Econometric analysis of the determinants of variation in this index provides decision‐makers with an empirical focus for analyzing distributional aspects of the movie exhibition market, with particular emphasis on product differentiation. Specifically, (i) do cinemas based in a city area have a different or ‘specialized’ focus in contrast to cinemas in small towns? or (ii) do multiplexes have a different or more specialized focus in comparison with cinemas? To this end, cross‐sectional econometric models are estimated to help analyze these effects in three Italian regions for a sample of cinemas covering the 2006 season. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.