Motion Pictures and Movie Industry: Market Research Reports, Statistics and Analysis

Key Market Segments

• The world animation software market is expected to reach $2 billion by 2017, according to Global Industry Analysts. The market is fuelled by demand from the entertainment industry in particular, falling animation software prices and growing numbers of viewers. The market is set to record strong growth as technological developments come about and infrastructure evolution continues. The US and the EU are two leading regional markets for animation software. Less established, but with great growth potential, Asia represents a region for future expansion, with animation software demand in the Philippines and India continuing to climb. The Asia-Pacific market is expected to reach yearly growth of 18% through 2017.

• The global online movie market is expected to reach almost $4.45 billion by 2017, according to research from Global Industry Analysts. Moving forward, market growth will be fuelled by broadband internet, increasing rentals and 3D movies. The number of movies available online is growing steadily, along with the online movie consumer base. With outfits such as Netflix and Apple facilitating movie downloads and viewing, consumers are quick to choose movies to rent or buy for home viewing. With movie theater outings becoming an increasingly expensive option, consumers are moving towards the trend of movie viewing at home, especially in the context of the economic recession.

• The global online movie ticketing services industry is expected to reach almost $14 billion by 2017, according to research from Global Industry Analysts. Factors fuelling the market include the popularity of digital 3D screens. In 2010, global movie ticket sales reached $32 billion, representing more than a $2 billion increase in two years. Online movie booking is made easier by theaters detailing available seats, as done by sites like Moviefone and Fandango. The market has also benefited from broadband internet penetration, and the popularity of mobile devices, which mean consumers have easy access constantly. 

Regional Markets

The US movie and entertainment industry is expected to grow at a yearly rate of around -4% between 2010 and 2015, according to research from MarketLine. This would bring the market to over $24 billion by the close of 2015. Video sales represent the leading market segment, generating close to $12 billion, or 40% of the overall market.

Industry Leaders

Leading players operating in the global motion pictures industry include companies offering movies online, such as Rovi, Sony, Walmart, Amazon, Computer Entertainment, Microsoft, Apple and Netflix. Companies in the online movie tickets market include Cinemark, CineStar, Inox Leisure, Fandango, KyaZoonga, MovieFone, Cineplex Entertainment, MovieTickets.com, BookMyShow and BIG Cinemas.

Market Outlook

The global movie industry continues to see huge growth, fuelled by the popularity of films, rising consumer income and technological developments. Box office growth continues to expand, with 3D screens meeting demand for films in 3D for a superior viewing experience. As 3D films involve higher admission charges, box-office revenues has benefited from their popularity.

The production and distribution of films is facilitated by developments in technology, with digital technology in particular revolutionizing the industry. As digital technology allows movie distribution to take place through fiber-optic cable or satellites, the future of movie theaters will be increasingly hassle free, perhaps one day breaking away completely from physical film, cutting the transport costs associated with metal film canisters.

Leading Industry Associations

• Motion Picture Association of America http://mpaa.org
• Music and Film Industry Association of America http://mafiaa.org/
• National Association of Theater Owners www.natoonline.org