6-digit U.S. detail
512120
Motion Picture and Video Distribution
Description
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in acquiring distribution rights and distributing film and video productions to motion picture theaters, television networks and stations, other media broadcast and streaming outlets, and exhibitors.
Hierarchy
| Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 51 | Information 2-digit sector | The Sector as a Whole The Information sector comprises establishments engaged in the following processes: (a) producing and distributing information and cultural products, (b) providing the means to transmit or distribute these products as well as data or communications, and (c) processing data. The main components of this sector are motion picture and sound recording industries; publishing industries, including software publishing; broadcasting and content providers; telecommunications industries; computing infrastructure providers, data processing, Web hosting, and related services; and Web search portals, libraries, archives, and other information services. The unique characteristics of information and cultural products, and of the processes involved in their production and distribution, distinguish the Information sector from the goods-producing and service-producing sectors. Some of these characteristics are: 1. Unlike traditional goods, an ''information or cultural product,'' such as an online newspaper or a television program, does not necessarily have tangible qualities, nor is it necessarily associated with a particular form. A movie can be viewed at a movie theater or through television broadcast, video-on-demand, or streaming services. A sound recording can be aired on radio, embedded in multimedia products, streamed, or sold at a record store. 2. Unlike traditional services, the delivery of these products does not require direct contact between the supplier and the consumer. 3. The value of these products to the consumer lies in their informational, educational, cultural, or entertainment content, not in the format in which they are distributed. Most of these products are protected from unlawful reproduction by copyright laws. 4. The intangible property aspect of information and cultural products makes the processes involved in their production and distribution very different from goods and services. Only those possessing the rights to these works are authorized to reproduce, alter, improve, and distribute them. Acquiring and using these rights often involves significant costs. In addition, technology has revolutionized the distribution of these products. It is possible to distribute them in a physical form, via broadcast, or online. 5. Distributors of information and cultural products can easily add value to the products they distribute. For instance, broadcasters add advertising not contained in the original product. This capacity means that unlike traditional goods distributors, they derive revenue not from sale of the distributed product to the final consumer, but from those who pay for the privilege of adding information to the original product. Similarly, a directory and mailing list publisher can acquire the rights to thousands of previously published newspaper and periodical articles and add new value by providing search and software and organizing the information in a way that facilitates research and retrieval. These products often command a much higher price than the original information. Excluded from this sector are establishments primarily engaged in custom design of software; mass reproducing software or other prerecorded audio and video material on magnetic or optical media; producing live artistic and cultural works or productions; and performing in or creating artistic and cultural works or productions as independent (i.e., freelance) individuals. |
| 512 | Motion Picture and Sound Recording Industries 3-digit subsector | Industries in the Motion Picture and Sound Recording Industries subsector group establishments involved in the production and distribution of motion pictures and sound recordings. While producers and distributors of motion pictures and sound recordings issue works for sale as traditional publishers do, the processes are sufficiently different to warrant placing establishments engaged in these activities in a separate subsector. Production is typically a complex process that involves several distinct types of establishments that are engaged in activities, such as contracting with performers, creating the film or sound content, and providing technical postproduction services. Film distribution is often to exhibitors, such as theaters and broadcasters, rather than through the wholesale and retail distribution chain. When the product is in a mass-produced form, NAICS treats production and distribution as the major economic activity as it does in the Publishing Industries subsector, rather than as a subsidiary activity to the manufacture of such products. This subsector does not include establishments primarily engaged in the wholesale distribution of video and sound recordings, such as compact discs and audio tapes; these establishments are included in the Wholesale Trade sector. Reproduction of video and sound recordings that is carried out separately from establishments engaged in production and distribution is treated in NAICS as a manufacturing activity. Establishments that primarily acquire the rights to distribute video and sound recordings to the public via television or radio broadcast or streaming distribution services are classified in Subsector 516, Broadcasting and Content Providers. Establishments using facilities and infrastructure that they operate to distribute cable and satellite television subscription programming are included in Subsector 517, Telecommunications. |
| 5121 | Motion Picture and Video Industries 4-digit industry group | This industry group comprises establishments primarily engaged in the production and/or distribution of motion pictures, videos, television programs, or commercials; in the exhibition of motion pictures; or in the provision of postproduction and related services. |
| 51212 | Motion Picture and Video Distribution 5-digit NAICS industry | See industry description for 512120. |
| 512120 | Motion Picture and Video Distribution 6-digit U.S. detail | This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in acquiring distribution rights and distributing film and video productions to motion picture theaters, television networks and stations, other media broadcast and streaming outlets, and exhibitors. |
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Classification References
- 01Producing and distributing motion pictures and videos--are classified in Industry 512110, Motion Picture and Video Production;
- 02Operating television broadcasting stations, that may acquire the right to distribute content and subsequently broadcast or distribute that content--are classified in Industry 516120, Television Broadcasting Stations;
- 03Providing media streaming distribution services or operating media broadcasting and cable television networks, that may acquire the right to distribute content and subsequently broadcast or distribute that content--are classified in Industry 516210, Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers;
- 04Providing cable and satellite television distribution services using facilities and infrastructure that they operate--are classified in U.S. Industry 517111, Wired Telecommunications Carriers;
- 05Merchant wholesale distribution of blank digital video discs (DVDs)--are classified in Industry 423690, Other Electronic Parts and Equipment Merchant Wholesalers;
- 06Merchant wholesale distribution of prerecorded digital video discs (DVDs)--are classified in Industry 423990, Other Miscellaneous Durable Goods Merchant Wholesalers;
- 07Providing mass duplication and packaging of video tapes and discs--are classified in Industry 334610, Manufacturing and Reproducing Magnetic and Optical Media;
- 08Providing motion picture footage (via film libraries) to producers--are classified in U.S. Industry 512199, Other Motion Picture and Video Industries;
- 09Renting video tapes and discs to the general public, including through vending machines--are classified in U.S. Industry 532282, Video Tape and Disc Rental; and
- 10Retailing digital video discs (DVDs) to the general public--are classified in Sector 44-45, Retail Trade.
Index Items
Animated cartoon distribution
Film distribution agencies
Film distribution, motion picture and video
Film libraries, commercial distribution
Motion picture distribution exclusive of production
Motion picture film distributors
Motion picture film libraries, commercial distribution
Tape distribution for television
Television show syndicators
How Item Can Help
Transportation Management System capabilities ensure temperature-controlled and specialized handling of video equipment during global distribution, meeting tight deadlines for international festival screenings and post-production pickups.
External Resources
Census.gov NAICS Detail
Official US Census Bureau definition and scope for NAICS 512120.
Motion Picture & Television Assn
The primary trade association representing major film studios, production companies, and distributors in the United States.
US Copyright Office Motion Pictures Section
A government page providing resources for registering and protecting motion picture works.
ProShow Show Business Directory
An industry directory listing distributors and sales agents for films and video works.
