Safeguarding Poland's Film Legacy in the Digital World: The KADR Story

Safeguarding Poland's Film Legacy in the Digital World: The KADR Story

Studio Filmowe KADR is a leading figure in Polish cinema. For nearly seven decades, this esteemed film studio has created over 800 films, many considered masterworks of European cinema. Made by iconic directors like Krzysztof Kieślowski and Andrzej Wajda, KADR's films are cultural treasures that have defined Poland's artistic identity for years.

Fighting Piracy in the Internet Age

In 2013, KADR confronted a dilemma that put the legacy it had built over decades at risk. The growth of digital piracy meant many of KADR's most legendary films were being shared illegally online, violating the studio's copyrights and limiting its potential earnings.

Designing a Complete Digital Plan

At BB Media, we help content creators succeed in the digital world. For KADR, we made a multi-part plan addressing their needs around piracy, accessibility, and income.

Building a Digital Home 

First, we made an official YouTube channel for KADR to be a digital center where people worldwide could legally access and enjoy KADR's films. But just uploading the films wasn't sufficient. We carefully planned how each video was presented, creating interesting thumbnails and writing useful descriptions putting each film in the context of Poland's cinema history.

Putting Strong Anti-Piracy Systems in Place 

To address unauthorized sharing, we used advanced content protection software to constantly check YouTube for any uploads of KADR's films without permission. This non-stop monitoring lets us quickly find and take down illegal content, greatly reducing the spread of pirated versions of KADR's films.

The Results: 

Our work with KADR brought about major changes:

• In just one month, the studio’s YouTube channel gained 100,000 subscribers in the first month, creating a vibrant community around Polish cinema.
• We monetized their content to provide a sustainable income to be reinvested into restoring classics and creating new films.
• In our initial project phase, over 10,000 illegal uploads were detected and removed, and continuous monitoring ensured zero unauthorized uploads.
• With robust measures in place, KADR’s catalog is now protected from unauthorized distribution.
• Though hard to quantify, there was a visible cultural impact, as these films became freely accessible to audiences worldwide, increasing worldwide appreciation for Polish cinema.

The higher visibility and engagement on their YouTube channel turned into ad revenue KADR could then reinvest in restoration and production: creating a lasting model that enables KADR to preserve its past, while also funding its future.

How Did We Do It?

• Channel Creation and Management
  We designed and launched a dedicated YouTube channel featuring KADR’s iconic films, accessible for free. Our team also handled metadata, thumbnails, and strategic content uploads to maximize audience engagement.
• Content Monetization

  We strategically integrated advertising solutions to create a sustainable revenue stream, and redirected revenue to KADR, enabling reinvestment into their artistic mission.

• Post-Production Services

  By digitalizing and adapting classic films for modern formats, we preserved their quality and increased their appeal to online audiences.

• Rights Management

  Our expert team used YouTube’s Content ID system for comprehensive copyright protection, and we deployed proactive anti-piracy measures, including real-time scanning, claims management, and geofencing to safeguard intellectual property.

• Analytics and Reporting
  Lastly, we provided detailed reports and insights to guide strategy and maximize channel performance, so KADR could continue to make the most of their new home on YouTube and continue to grow their studio’s digital presence.
  
  

Insights for Preserving Culture Going Forward

KADR's incredible success shows, without a doubt, that traditional cultural institutions can thrive and prosper in the digital age. Using new technologies and platforms, we helped a studio with an incredible history move into a new era where its films could reach a global audience, be protected from piracy, and make money to support ongoing production.

This project was more than just business. It was a chance to preserve and promote cultural heritage. 

If you represent a cultural institution looking to succeed in the digital world, we would love to hear your story. Together, let’s explore how innovative digital strategies can help protect and promote the cultural treasures that define our shared heritage.

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