RESEARCH AND AUDIENCE: Why I Chose To Use Film4

Film4 is a free digital television channel, which is available in the UK, the Republic of Ireland and Switzerland. It was launched on the 1st Novemeber 1998 and is owned and operated by Channel Four Television Corporation. Its purpose is to produce and broadcast alternative films. Film4 is committed to enhancing the British Film making industry by nuturing and funding new talent. It offers a distinctive range of mainstream and independent films.

The History of Film4

• It originated in 1982 as Film4 Productions, as it was firstly a film production company and is responsible for backing a large number of films in the UK and around the world.
• In 1998 the company re-branded Film4 Productions to becomne just FilmFour. It became Channel 4's second channel and was a susbscription only service, which was available on satellite television. It cost £5.99 a month, eventually rising to up to £7. Channel4 cut its budget from £30 to £10million and 50 staff in 2002.  The cuts were caused when FilmFour's attempts to compete with Hollywood.
•  FilmFour Weekly ceased broadcasting on 19 July 2006 when the subscription service ended. The subscription service ended on 19 July 2006 and the channel re-launched  as a free-to-air service a few days later on 23 July. When the channel became free, it also returned to digital as part of the Freeview brand, and became completely free-to-air on satellite television. Commercial breaks were included during films for the first time. Film4 remains the only free film channel available on digital terrestrial television.
• Film4 frequently has themed nights or seasons in which a number of films centered around one genre or director are shown. Due to verticle integration it also shows in-house productions.

Why I Chose To Use Film4

I chose to use Film4 as my production company as I felt that after researching the institution that it was best suited to my style of film. I have produced an independent film that is targeted at a niche market, therefore my film will not be shown in the cinema. As a result of this Film4 is a great institution for my film, as it allows my target audience to watch my alternative film in the comfort of their own home.