Banque de données Léo-Ernest-Ouimet

The Léo-Ernest-Ouimet (LEO) database is updated daily. Results therefore depend on the regular transmission of data by movie theatre operators. Under the Cinema Act, they are obligated to respond to the survey carried out by the Observatoire de la culture et des communications of the Institut de la statistique du Québec (ISQ).

The complete results (number of screenings and admissions) for a film still in theatres are not available until six weeks following the end of its run, as this is the time required to obtain and process the data received from all operators exhibiting that film. Consequently, the LEO database does not provide real-time data for a film that is still in theatres.

Single feature film results only

The LEO database contains solely results for single feature films. Single feature means a screening for which the moviegoer pays only once and at which only one film is shown. In almost 99% of screenings, only one film is presented, but sometimes there are two or even three (usually at drive-ins). However, within the database, data is compiled only for single features. Moreover, films whose total number of screenings is under four have been deleted for confidentiality reasons.

Qualitative information on films

Qualitative information comes mostly from the film database managed by the Direction du classement des films et des services aux entreprises at the Ministère de la Culture et des Communications du Québec (MCC). This division of MCC has been mandated under the Cinema Act (CQLR, chapter C-18.1) to supervise and monitor the exhibition of cinematographic works in Québec. Its functions are as follows:

• to classify films and video material in order to protect young people, public order, and public information;
• to control distribution rights with a view to ensuring their protection;
• to issue, renew, suspend, or revoke distributors licences, exhibitors' licences for public movie theatres and video material retail dealers' licences;
• to inspect the establishments governed by the Act to ensure its application.

As part of its mandate, the MCC's Direction du classement des films et des services aux entreprises therefore collects several types of information, in order to characterize the films presented in Québec movie theatres.

The ISQ, in collaboration with the MCC's Direction du classement des films et des services aux entreprises, conducts a monthly survey on movie theatre and drive-in operators holding an exhibitor's licence duly issued by this division of MCC. All operators of the establishments surveyed must therefore submit a report for each screen in operation. The data gathered provide quantitative information in that they contain the results obtained for film screenings in movie theatres and drive-ins.

Qualitative information on cinematographic works combined with quantitative information from the survey makes it possible to paint a full picture of each film shown on Québec screens.