Competition dynamics in the theatrical distribution and exhibition of first-run domestic films in Turkey

Abstract

The competition dynamics in film distribution and exhibition has been an attractive subject of research and discussion during the last few years. The transformation of the channels in these two sectors makes it worth studying, especially for the case of Turkey and its domestic film industry. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the competition dynamics in domestic film distribution and exhibition in Turkey during the last two decades. A mixed-method design was employed to utilize both quantitative and qualitative analysis to present an interdisciplinary approach that combines market structure with media studies. Secondary data was harnessed after an extensive retouch for excluding foreign films and adding new variables such as genre and audience’s perception. For quantitative analysis, descriptive statistics and regression analysis were used to figure out the effects of horizontal integration in domestic film distribution. Document analysis was exercised to reveal details and support the empirical evidence of quantitative analysis. The results showed that some dominant genres and distributors are associated with the horizontal and vertical concentration in domestic film distribution in Turkey. Findings point out that the competition dynamics are not only unfair but also incompetent especially for the niche films linked to genres like arthouse and documentary to be distributed and screened. A highly concentrated market structure was observed to be associated with the characteristics of coercive monopoly in both distribution and exhibition sectors that resulted in documentaries being one of the most affected genres that also have an imbalance in the box office among the theatrically-released documentaries.