Recent research in the motion picture industry

Abstract

This paper summarizes three recent projects that I have completed on the motion picture industry. For each project, this paper summarizes the research problem, the type of analysis completed and the results of the project. The first project looked at the ability to use intent measures taken prior to the release of a film to forecast motion picture box office after release. Intent measures are common measures to predict new product sales in frequently purchased packaged goods. The second project constructed a model for forecasting the box office of a film before the film was made. Although the model is not as accurate as the one found in the first project, it does provide guidance to filmmakers in the initial planning phase. The third project attacks the problem of when to release a film when strong seasonal patterns are present. Specifically, the paper asks the question about when to launch when the film is completed during the low season and the high season is still several months away.