Some theses about the end of the 35 mm era in Brazil (1997 - 2014): New problems about market occupation

Abstract

The cinematographic commercial exhibition in Brazil is in a very sensitive moment of its trajectory, begun in the distant year of 1896. Since then, the branch has undergone a series of changes In this text, I intend to address the recent technological and business transformations, since these segments of activity are shifting to a new paradigm, which is still under construction. What can be said is that it is a change of the degree of quality, depth and intensity never before seen. In this current scenario, a series of unprecedented and unexpected situations has been created, which puts us in the face of a constantly changing process. For example, this can be observed in the infrastructure-based sector, where the technological issues - the Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI) standard, the digital projector financing schemes - the Virtual Print Fee (VPF) -, the presence of integrating agents and other issues that are yet to come are the elements that are giving and will give the tone and the compass of the unfolding of this intricate symphony of interests. The problem of the technological issue is beyond the mere replacement of the machines, it is necessary to make a logistical and human resources adequacy, so that this task happens in a satisfactory way. There is a common sense in the Brazilian market that considers the fact that the process of digitalization of the rooms is in an unsatisfactory stage. Under pressure from the market itself, this situation led the Brazilian State, through BNDES and Ancine, mainly to provide financing lines for such a complex and expensive task. In addition, legal mechanisms (customs and tariffs) have recently been created with the purpose of lowering the import costs of the necessary infrastructure for the digital adequacy of the cinematographic exhibition installed in the country.