Factors Influencing Motion Picture Success: Empirical Review And Update

Abstract

This paper investigates the factors associated with the success of creative products and services, focusing specifically on motion pictures.  The study offers a comprehensive examination of the factors influencing motion picture box office success, including quality and other product attributes, as well as marketing expenditures and film distribution patterns.  Based on a thorough review of the literature, a model is developed and tested using a sample of 439 movies.  Results suggest that the following factors are positively associated with motion picture success: quality, whether a movie is a sequel, marketing expenditures, the number of opening screens, and a favorable release date.  Implications of these findings for both theory and management are suggested.