Saturday, 22 September 2012
Tuesday, 18 September 2012
The Usual Suspects - Character Representation
McManus
As we are introduced to this character, he is sleeping on his bed (which looks fairly basic) topless so that his tattoos are revealed. Tattoos are stereotypically linked to a 'chad' or more common person so this gives us the impression that McManus is a rough character. Alongside this, his language that is used in his snippet of speech, mainly consisting of swear words, shows his un-educated character and his restricted vocabulary which emphasises his possible lower class status. It seems that there is non-digetic light shining down onto McManus so that the focus of the scene is solely on him, and so that the audience doesn't get distracted by his surrounding (although we still catch a glimpse of his bare environment) and this light is used for the transition from this scene to the next, as well as the sound bridge accompanying it. Also, the camera shot zooms into McManus' face as part of the same movement of the police force, which makes the audience feel that they are looking in as part of the police arresting him.
Hockney
The most obvious observation is the fact that Hockney is a car mechanics, which is a stable middle class job. He appears clean cut and not an average criminal, this is a contrast to the previous character that we were introduced to. Hockney is very secretive when the police call his name and replies "Who wants to know?" - This makes the audience think that Hockney has got something to hide and there is a certain mysteriousness about him. However, Hockney deliberately reaches underneath the car so that it looks like he is about to get a gun out, however it is simply a cloth to wipe his face, which fools the police. This act of wit makes the audience think of him as a humorous character in the film. The same cloth he picks up is what makes the transition from this scene to the next.
Fenster
The first thing that caught my eye about Fenster was his vibrant choice of suit and the undone butting on his shirt, with the undone bow tie hanging loose from his neck. This gives us the impression that Fenster is some sort of 'Pimp' or maybe doing the walk of shame from staying out all night. Either way, Fenster looks lie he has been doing something that he shouldn't have. This judgement is supported further when the camera shot zooms into the upper half of his body to show more of his facial expressions, and he seems to be cautious of what's around him and if anybody see's him, which makes the audience think he has something to hide. As well as this, he seems to be in a quite run down area, as he walks past a 98cent store, and the area looks fairly cheap in general - a type of area that pimps are likely to situate themselves in. In Fenster's arrest he shows no struggle whatsoever and throws his arms up in the air voluntarily, however he then begins to play with the police by alternating his arms so that they cannot arrest him. This shows that he is a bit of a cheeky character in the film.
Keaton
This scene takes place in a classy, expensive restaurant, and alongside Keaton's posh voice/accent, presents Keaton as intelligent, high class, wealthy and posh. The music is completely different from the background music in the other scenes scenes and is a slow, calming, piano tune (probably being played in the restaurant), which creates a more calming arrest rather than an aggressive one. Also, there appears to be history between Keaton and the officer there to arrest him, which is a contrast to the other characters' scenes as there is some sort of connection between them both. We know this because as soon as the officer beings to talk behind Keaton's back, Keaton recognises the voice and the close up camera shot allows us to see his worried/surprised reaction. However, this relationship seems to lead to a more civil arrest that the others did not have.
Verbal
We are introduced to Verbal with his significant limp. We know that his leg is significant in the film as there is an extreme close up camera shot focusing purely on this, which then pans upwards to reveal the rest of Verbal a section at a time. We don't know what happened to cause this disability so therefore, as an audience, we want to find out - But it might suggest that he has been in an accident concerning criminal activity before. The 'sweater' or vest that Verbal is wearing is a stereotypical dress sense of a posh person so therefore this makes the audience question his class in society. Also, although Verbal is the most quiet of all the men, he seems to be the most threatening as there is something quite menacing about his voice - Which makes the audience question his innocence that he appears to have.
As we are introduced to this character, he is sleeping on his bed (which looks fairly basic) topless so that his tattoos are revealed. Tattoos are stereotypically linked to a 'chad' or more common person so this gives us the impression that McManus is a rough character. Alongside this, his language that is used in his snippet of speech, mainly consisting of swear words, shows his un-educated character and his restricted vocabulary which emphasises his possible lower class status. It seems that there is non-digetic light shining down onto McManus so that the focus of the scene is solely on him, and so that the audience doesn't get distracted by his surrounding (although we still catch a glimpse of his bare environment) and this light is used for the transition from this scene to the next, as well as the sound bridge accompanying it. Also, the camera shot zooms into McManus' face as part of the same movement of the police force, which makes the audience feel that they are looking in as part of the police arresting him.Hockney
The most obvious observation is the fact that Hockney is a car mechanics, which is a stable middle class job. He appears clean cut and not an average criminal, this is a contrast to the previous character that we were introduced to. Hockney is very secretive when the police call his name and replies "Who wants to know?" - This makes the audience think that Hockney has got something to hide and there is a certain mysteriousness about him. However, Hockney deliberately reaches underneath the car so that it looks like he is about to get a gun out, however it is simply a cloth to wipe his face, which fools the police. This act of wit makes the audience think of him as a humorous character in the film. The same cloth he picks up is what makes the transition from this scene to the next.
Fenster
The first thing that caught my eye about Fenster was his vibrant choice of suit and the undone butting on his shirt, with the undone bow tie hanging loose from his neck. This gives us the impression that Fenster is some sort of 'Pimp' or maybe doing the walk of shame from staying out all night. Either way, Fenster looks lie he has been doing something that he shouldn't have. This judgement is supported further when the camera shot zooms into the upper half of his body to show more of his facial expressions, and he seems to be cautious of what's around him and if anybody see's him, which makes the audience think he has something to hide. As well as this, he seems to be in a quite run down area, as he walks past a 98cent store, and the area looks fairly cheap in general - a type of area that pimps are likely to situate themselves in. In Fenster's arrest he shows no struggle whatsoever and throws his arms up in the air voluntarily, however he then begins to play with the police by alternating his arms so that they cannot arrest him. This shows that he is a bit of a cheeky character in the film.
Keaton
This scene takes place in a classy, expensive restaurant, and alongside Keaton's posh voice/accent, presents Keaton as intelligent, high class, wealthy and posh. The music is completely different from the background music in the other scenes scenes and is a slow, calming, piano tune (probably being played in the restaurant), which creates a more calming arrest rather than an aggressive one. Also, there appears to be history between Keaton and the officer there to arrest him, which is a contrast to the other characters' scenes as there is some sort of connection between them both. We know this because as soon as the officer beings to talk behind Keaton's back, Keaton recognises the voice and the close up camera shot allows us to see his worried/surprised reaction. However, this relationship seems to lead to a more civil arrest that the others did not have.
Verbal
We are introduced to Verbal with his significant limp. We know that his leg is significant in the film as there is an extreme close up camera shot focusing purely on this, which then pans upwards to reveal the rest of Verbal a section at a time. We don't know what happened to cause this disability so therefore, as an audience, we want to find out - But it might suggest that he has been in an accident concerning criminal activity before. The 'sweater' or vest that Verbal is wearing is a stereotypical dress sense of a posh person so therefore this makes the audience question his class in society. Also, although Verbal is the most quiet of all the men, he seems to be the most threatening as there is something quite menacing about his voice - Which makes the audience question his innocence that he appears to have.
Teenager Representation in TV Drama
Sid Jenkins representation (Skins, Series 1, Episode 1, Part 1)
Focusing on his bedroom scene;
- Introduces Sid’s bedroom with a plate with cigarette ends, this gives us the impression that he smokes.
- His bedroom is messy, cluttered and dirty. This cluttered background links to his lifestyle as most of the time he doesn’t know who he is/what he wants/what to do and it reflects his appearance e.g. His messy hair.
- In his bedroom you see CD’s, video/computer games, a stereo, and magazines – there are no schoolbooks etc. So, little signs of intelligence.
- Diegetic light is shining through the window situated at the left of the bedroom to show the time of day & the fact that he isn’t up in time for college hints at his lazy/apathetic attitude.
- Lava lamps are situated around the room more than once, this makes us think he is still a little immature and amused by childhood things.
- He has childish duvet covers, which supports the fact that he is immature and childish.
- The high camera shot of Sid’s bedroom looks down at his bedroom to show the scale of the bedroom and his environment – as a person’s bedroom tends to reflect a persons character. This camera shot also makes us feel as though we are looking into the bedroom.
Sunday, 16 September 2012
5x5
5 Albums/Mixtapes
- Late Registration - Kanye West (Key tracks: Touch the Sky ft. Lupe Fiasco, Gold Digger ft. Jamie Foxx, Roses, Addiction, Gone ft. Consequence & Cam'Ron)
- Channel Orange - Frank Ocean (Key tracks: Thinkin' Bout You, Super Rich Kids ft. Earl Sweatshirt, Bad Religion, Forrest Gump)
- Man On The Moon: The End of Day - Kid Cudi (Key tracks: Pursuit of Happiness, Day 'N' Nite (Nightmare), Soundtrack 2 My Life, Up Up and Away)
- Fantasea - Azealia Banks (Key tracks: Esta Noche, Jumanji, L8R, Runnin')
- Watch the Throne - Jay-Z & Kanye West (Key tracks: N*ggas In Paris, Otis ft. Otis Redding, Gotta Have It, H.A.M)
5 Live Artists
- Kanye West & Jay-Z (Watch the Throne tour)
- Chase and Status (No More Idols tour)
- Arctic Monkeys (V Festival)
- Drake (Club Paradise tour)
- The Enemy (V Festival)
These are quite simply the 5 best artists (In my opinion) that I have seen live in 2011-2012.
5 Issues of Elle Magazine (2012)
- David Beckham - July 2012.
- Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen - April 2012.
- Mila Kunis - August 2012.
- Rosie Huntington Whitely - September 2012.
- Alexa Chung - March 2012.
5 Men
- Francisco Lachowski
- David Beckham
- Alex Turner
- Zac Efron
- Justin Bieber (Only from what he looks like in 2012)
5 Designers
- Hubert de Givenchy
- Gianni Versace
- Coco Chanel
- Karl Lagerfeld
- Yves Saint Laurent
Friday, 14 September 2012
Attack the Block Research Task
How it was produced
Joe Cornish made the film with Big Talk Productions (makers of Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz) and Film4, The UK Film Council, and StudioCanal. The film was shot across London from March to May 2010, with 6 weeks of night shoots.
What it was based on
Attack the Block was inspired by Joe Cornish's favourite films whilst growing up in the 90's, such as E.T, Gremlins, Critters, Predator, Warriors, Streets of Fire, Rumble Fish, and the idea of films that combined fantasy and suburban reality (the type of neighbourhood that he lived in, throughout his childhood years).
The creatures were based on Joe Cornish's cat, the illustration on the old Space Invaders arcade cabient and are influenced by rotascope techniques (an animation technique in which animators trace over footage, frame by fame, for use in live-action and animated films).
Any problems that arose in making the film
Joe Cornish was dealing with first time actors, which would be difficult and increase the pressure that he was under (especially the fact that they were 11 kids). He had to use special effects, stunts, explosions, fight scenes, and they were shooting at night. Therefore they had a lot to achieve by the date of which they were to deliver the film, which is a lot to handle on a small budget British film.
The directors views on the British film Industry
How they saved money, the technology used
They didn't have the budget to do 3D, CGI creatures so they used practical effects, old school effects, and a little bit of CG to remove detail rather than add it.
Any issues with film rating, any controversy surrounding the film
The majority of the people who went to see Attack the Block stressed that the film rating was an issue. Parents of children said things such as "This is a smart but violent alien invasion movie, with heavy gore." another issue that arised around the film's rating was that the language is strong, and pot-smoking is a major event in the characters' lives - with some of the teens spending the whole movie stoned. To exagerrate this, critics also slated the fact that the kids hang out with a drug dealer who keeps a special room filled with pot plants. However, some people said that there are positive messages sent through to kids who watch the film, about working together as a team. Therefore, there was a lot of controversy around the film's rating of a 15.
The film's promotion
Attack the Block used film trailers and posters for their promotion methods, as well as Joe Cornish taking part in exclusive interviews before the release of the film, for example, his interview with Film4. There was also a premiere for Attack the Block on May 4th, 5 days before the film was to be released in the UK. Due to this, reviews were written on well known websites such as the BBC Film section, and interviews were filmed to be seen by the potential audience.
The soundtrack (Include information on the soundtrack creator and the types of music they referenced in their work)
The soundtrack for the film was an original score composed by Simon Ratcliffe and Felix Buxton of the popular electronic dance music group Basement Jaxx, and Steven Price except for the song played during the end credits ("Youths Dem Cold" by Richie Spice).
Joe Cornish made the film with Big Talk Productions (makers of Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz) and Film4, The UK Film Council, and StudioCanal. The film was shot across London from March to May 2010, with 6 weeks of night shoots.
What it was based on
Attack the Block was inspired by Joe Cornish's favourite films whilst growing up in the 90's, such as E.T, Gremlins, Critters, Predator, Warriors, Streets of Fire, Rumble Fish, and the idea of films that combined fantasy and suburban reality (the type of neighbourhood that he lived in, throughout his childhood years).
The creatures were based on Joe Cornish's cat, the illustration on the old Space Invaders arcade cabient and are influenced by rotascope techniques (an animation technique in which animators trace over footage, frame by fame, for use in live-action and animated films).
Any problems that arose in making the film
Joe Cornish was dealing with first time actors, which would be difficult and increase the pressure that he was under (especially the fact that they were 11 kids). He had to use special effects, stunts, explosions, fight scenes, and they were shooting at night. Therefore they had a lot to achieve by the date of which they were to deliver the film, which is a lot to handle on a small budget British film.
The directors views on the British film Industry
Joe Cornish feels that the British film industry's film-makers passion is matched by that of the audience, especially bloggers."They take their role of championing films very seriously, and they're led by the heart. If they dislike something, they won't write about it, unless they really feel it violates one of their principles. But in Britain you get a lot of ho-humming and boiled sweet sucking and here you get commitment and passion, which I think is really cool." As well as this, Cornish thinks that being a relatively unknown film director helps a great deal in the British film industry as he says "People don't come with any preconceptions. You can tell why some British film-makers who started in television enjoy working in America because people are a bit more accepting of you trying something different. This audience are able just to take this film as a film and not to have preconceptions of what Joe of Adam and Joe might do, not weighed down by any of that baggage. And they really dig it, you know. It's kind of really nice to talk to them as if I'm a film-maker. People here are really excited to have stuff in their town. In London, we're quite haughty. We feel we deserve them to come to us."
How they saved money, the technology used
They didn't have the budget to do 3D, CGI creatures so they used practical effects, old school effects, and a little bit of CG to remove detail rather than add it.
Any issues with film rating, any controversy surrounding the film
The majority of the people who went to see Attack the Block stressed that the film rating was an issue. Parents of children said things such as "This is a smart but violent alien invasion movie, with heavy gore." another issue that arised around the film's rating was that the language is strong, and pot-smoking is a major event in the characters' lives - with some of the teens spending the whole movie stoned. To exagerrate this, critics also slated the fact that the kids hang out with a drug dealer who keeps a special room filled with pot plants. However, some people said that there are positive messages sent through to kids who watch the film, about working together as a team. Therefore, there was a lot of controversy around the film's rating of a 15.
The film's promotion
Attack the Block used film trailers and posters for their promotion methods, as well as Joe Cornish taking part in exclusive interviews before the release of the film, for example, his interview with Film4. There was also a premiere for Attack the Block on May 4th, 5 days before the film was to be released in the UK. Due to this, reviews were written on well known websites such as the BBC Film section, and interviews were filmed to be seen by the potential audience.
The soundtrack (Include information on the soundtrack creator and the types of music they referenced in their work)
The soundtrack for the film was an original score composed by Simon Ratcliffe and Felix Buxton of the popular electronic dance music group Basement Jaxx, and Steven Price except for the song played during the end credits ("Youths Dem Cold" by Richie Spice).
- "The Block"
- "Sam is Mugged"
- "Round Two Bruv"
- "It’s Raining Gollums"
- "Tooling Up"
- "Moses is Arrested"
- "Tell Me I’m Dreaming"
- "Throat Ripper"
- "Rooftops"
- "Moses - Ninja"
- "Just Another Day"
- "They Want Moses"
- "Actions Have Consequences"
- "Eat My Hat"
- "They Fell Out of the Sky"
- "I Need to Finish What I Started"
- "Turn the Gas Up"
- "Moses vs. The Monsters"
- "Moses the Hero"
- "The Ends" - Basement Jaxx
Monday, 10 September 2012
Working Title - 20 Questions
1. Who were the co-founders of Working Title?Working Title Films was co-founded by the producers Tim Bevan and Sarah Radclyffe in 1983.
2. When was the comapny founded?In the year 1983.
3. Where is Working Title based?
The headquarters of Working Title is situated in London, in the affluent inner-city area of Central London.
4. Who are the co-chairpersons of WT now?
Eric Fellner and Tim Bevan are now the co-owners of the company.
5. What awards have Working Title won?
Working Title have won 6 academy awards, 26 BAFTA's, 4 Oscar's and loads more.
6. How many full time staff does WT employ?
In total, there are only 42 full time staff employed at Working Title altogether.
7. What is Working Title's philosophy?
Their philosophy is to make films for an audience and played in a multiplex.
8. List 5 box office hits that Working Title have made.
Paul, Shaun of the Dead, Johnny English Reborn, Hot Fuzz, Notting Hill.
9. List 5 flops that Working Title have made.
Thunderbirds, Green Zone, Captain Corelli's Mandolin, The Boat That Rocked, Wimbledon.
10. What is Richard Curtis' relationship with Working Title?
He has directed many of Working Title's films that have been produced and became a success.
11. List 2 famous directors that Working Title have worked with.
Richard Curtis and Kirk Jones.
12. What is Hugh Grant's relationship with Working Title?
He has worked with Working Title on numerous occasions and starred in many of their films, mainly romcom's, as he believes there is something about the company that sets it apart from all others.
13. Find out about the Coen Brothers (films, genres, status) and what do they have to do with Working Title?
Joel David Coen and Ethan Jesse Coen are American filmmakers. They write, direct, and produce their films that are known for their dry humour and amazing visuals. They have worked with Working Title on numerous occasions, on their films.
14. Who owns 67% of Working Title Films? When did this happen? Why did this happen?
Universal Studio's own 67% of Working Title, as PolyGram films was merged and sold to Universal Studios in 1999.
15. List two of Working Title big blockbuster films and find out their budgets.
Bridget Jones' Diary had a budget of £26 million. Notting Hill had a budget of £46 million.
16. What genre of films is Working Title most famous for?
Working Title produce films with various genres ranging from comedy to family films, which cater for a large target audience from U rated to 18 rated movies.
17. What other genres do Working Title like to make?
A range of films - Comedy, family, romantic comedy's etc.
18. Find out as much as you can about WT2. (When established, films made, budgets, awards)
This is a subsidiary company to deal with low budget titles, and since 1999 has been run by Natasha Wharton and has made films such as Billy Elliot and Ali G In Da House.
19. What information can you find out about WT through their web page?
Using their web page, you can find out various information such as their upcoming movies and their trailers, and news.
20. Find out one other interesting fact about Working Title that you would like to share with the class.
Working Title has a budget of $35 million, before having to consult their parent company, Universal.
Key Terms for Audience and Institution
An Institution (in the film industry)
Definition: any company or organisation that produces, distributes or exhibits films. The BBC makes films with their BBC Films arm; Channel4's Film Four produces films, Working Title also produce films, as does Vertigo Films, etc. Some institutions need to join with other institutions which distribute films. Vertigo Films is able to distribute its own films, Channel Four distributed Slumdog Millionaire through Pathe. Working Title's distribution partner is Universal, a huge US company which can make, distribute and show films. The type of owner ship within an institution matters as, for instance, Channel 4 and the BBC are able to show their own films at an earlier stage than other films made by other institutions. They are also better placed to cross-promote their in-house films within their media organisations. Use you work on Film Four as the basis for most of what you write, Moon is a good cross comparison as Duncan Jones had to create his own institution just to get the film made.
Distribution and Marketing
Definition: the business of getting films to their audiences by booking them for runs into cinemas and taking them there in vans or through digital downloads; distributors also create the marketing campaign for films producing posters, trailers, websites, organise free previews, press packs, television interviews with the "talent", sign contracts for promotions, competitions, etc. Distributors use their know-how and size to ensure that DVDs of the film end up in stores and on supermarket shelves. Distributors also obtain the BBFC certificate, and try to get films released as the most favourable times of the year for their genre, etc.
Examples:
Universal distributed Working Title's The Boat That Rocked; Pathe distributedFilm4 and Celadors' Slumdog Millionaire after the original US distributor, Warner Independent went out of business. TRON was heavily marketed across a variety of mediums, Moon struggled to get press attention and Duncan Jones had to really push the film in obscure places like Popular Mechanics etc. The Kings Speech was distributed by Momentum (a susiduary of Aliance films) Who are a major independent film distributor.
Exhibition
Definition: showing films in cinemas or on DVD. Media attention through opening nights and premieres How the audience can see the film: in cinemas, at home, on DVD, through downloads, through television, including premieres, the box office take in the opening weeks; audience reviews which includes those of the film critics, ordinary people, cinemas runs; awards in festivals, The Oscars, BAFTAS, etc.Examples:Slumdog Millionaire almost never for ditribution. Its early US ditributor, Waner Independent was a victim of the economic downturn and went out of business. The film's makers then struggled to find a distributor! Then Fox Searchlight stepped up and "the rest is history". The 8 out of 10 Oscar nomination wins ensured that the film has been the greatest British success in awards and in box office for nearly 60 years.
Motherhood took just £86! Moon. Initially Sony Pictures worldwide were due to distribute the film but they specialise in straight to DVD features. Following positive reaction following its Sundance film festival the rights were acquired by Sony Classic Pictures who gave the film a limited release in the US Cities like New York and LA.
Exchange
Definition: The unintended use of an institution’s media text (i.e. a film) by OTHER PEOPLE who use the film or parts of it to form new texts. What happens to a film, etc. after the public get their hands on it using digital technology.
Examples:People unconnected to the institution/ film using WEB 2.0 applications such as YOUTUBE, Blogger, Amazon film message boards, TWITTER, Face-Book, discuss the film or edit parts of together to form a new text which the may then put a new soundtrack to and publish on YOUTUBE, etc. When you add a trailer from a site like YouTube on your blog you have been engaging with exchange. Look back to MArk Kermodes video regarding piracy and the new release strategies for films like Ken Loach's "Route Irish" or the Jack Ass 3 release on DVD and Sky Box Office.
Vertical and Horizontal Intergration
Viral Marketing
Definition: A marketing technique aiming at reproducing "word of mouth" usually on the internet and through existing social networks. YouTube Video pastiches, trailers, interviews with cast members, the director, writer, etc. You can find interviews of “the talent” trying to gain publicity for your case study films on YouTube. Find some clips from the films we have studied to help you in the exam.
Guerilla Marketing Definition: The use of unconventional and low cost marketing strategies to raise awareness of a product. The aim is usually to create “buzz” and “word of mouth” around a film. Unusual stunts to gain publicity (P.R.) on the film’s opening weekend, etc.Examples:
Sasha Baron Cohen created “buzz” before the release of his film “Borat” by holding fake press conferences. The studio also accessed the popularity of YouTube by releasing the first 4 minutes of the movie on YouTube, a week before it’s release, which can then be sent virally across the nation. At a special viewing of “Bruno” Cohen landed on Eminem “butt first” from the roof MTV Awards venue, dressed in as an angel outfit with rents in the rear end.
Media ConvergenceDefinition 1: Convergence of media occurs when multiple products come together to form one product with the advantages of all of them.
Examples:
More and more films are being marketed on the Internet and on mobile phones. You no longer need even to buy the DVDs or CDs as you can download films and music directly to your laptop, Mac or PC. Blue Ray DVDs can carry more features than ordinary DVDs and can be played on HD televisions and in home cinemas for enhanced/cinematic picture quality. You can save films on SKY digital, Free-box digital players, etc. You mobile phone has multiple features and applications. With media and technological convergence this is growing year on year. Play-Stations, X-Boxes and the Wii can can connect with the Internet and you can play video games with multiple players.Definition 2: The growing interractive use of digital technology in the film industry and media which enables people to share, consume and produce media that was difficult or impossible just a few years earlier.
Examples:
For instance, the use of new software to add special effects in editing; the use of blue-screen; using new types of digital cameras like the one Danny Boyle used in “Slumdog Millionaire” (The Silicon Imaging Camera to shoot high quality film in tight spaces); you can use the Internet to download a film rather than go see it in the cinema; you can watch it on YouTube; you can use special editing programs like Final Cut Pro to edit bits of a film, give it new soundtrack and upload it on YouTube; you can produce illegal, pirate copies on DVDs from downloads and by converting the film’s format; you can buy Blue Ray DVDs with greater compression which allows superior viewing and more features on the DVD; distributors can use digital software to create high concept posters; cinemas can download films to their projection screens and do not have to depend on a van dropping off the film! The is also the Digital Screen Network. There are tons of ways in which technological convergence affects the production, distribution, exhibition and exchange by prosumers. ( A prosumer is someone who not only consumes (watches films) but also writes about them the Net, blogs and make films out of them, often uploading them on sites like YouTube, etc.
A Mainstream Film
Definition: A high budget film that would appeal to most segments of an audience: the young, boys, girls, teenagers, young people, the middle aged, older people, the various classes in society. Distributors often spend as much or more than the film cost to make when distributing mainstream films that are given wide or universal releases.
Example: The Boat That Rocked was a mainstream idea and was given the mainstream treatment on wide release. The film flopped at the UK box office on release ( and has not done too well since mid November 2009 on release in the USA. This was mostly because of its poor reviews, particularly from “Time-Out”. However, when young and older audiences see the DVD they generally like the film because of its uplifting storyline and the well-chosen soundtrack.
Art House Films
Definition: A low budget independent film that would mostly appeal to an educated, higher class audience who follow unusual genres or like cult directors that few people have heard of. Therefore it is usually aimed at a niche market. Foreign films often come under this category.
Examples:
The low budget film, Once (2007) which found a specialised, boutique distributor in Fox Searchlight fits this label. (FOX the mainstream company usually distributes big budget film and blockbusters); So does “Juno” from 2008 which began as a low budget film about teenage pregnancy that the big studios thought too risky to touch – but it found popularity through its touching storyline, engaging music and its Oscar nomination for best script. Like “Slumdog Millionaire” the film crossed over between art-house cinemas and audiences to mainstream ones because of the recognition it received from Canadian film festivals and award ceremonies like Britain’s BAFTAS and the Hollywood’s Oscars.
Ratings bodies BBFC - The British Board of Film Classification.
How your institutions films are rated will affect audiences in so far as WHO can see them. Remember that sex scenes, offensive language, excessive violence, the use of profanity, etc. can affect the rating and certificate the film receives and therefore affect who is able to see the film.
Definition: any company or organisation that produces, distributes or exhibits films. The BBC makes films with their BBC Films arm; Channel4's Film Four produces films, Working Title also produce films, as does Vertigo Films, etc. Some institutions need to join with other institutions which distribute films. Vertigo Films is able to distribute its own films, Channel Four distributed Slumdog Millionaire through Pathe. Working Title's distribution partner is Universal, a huge US company which can make, distribute and show films. The type of owner ship within an institution matters as, for instance, Channel 4 and the BBC are able to show their own films at an earlier stage than other films made by other institutions. They are also better placed to cross-promote their in-house films within their media organisations. Use you work on Film Four as the basis for most of what you write, Moon is a good cross comparison as Duncan Jones had to create his own institution just to get the film made.
Distribution and Marketing
Definition: the business of getting films to their audiences by booking them for runs into cinemas and taking them there in vans or through digital downloads; distributors also create the marketing campaign for films producing posters, trailers, websites, organise free previews, press packs, television interviews with the "talent", sign contracts for promotions, competitions, etc. Distributors use their know-how and size to ensure that DVDs of the film end up in stores and on supermarket shelves. Distributors also obtain the BBFC certificate, and try to get films released as the most favourable times of the year for their genre, etc.
Examples:
Universal distributed Working Title's The Boat That Rocked; Pathe distributedFilm4 and Celadors' Slumdog Millionaire after the original US distributor, Warner Independent went out of business. TRON was heavily marketed across a variety of mediums, Moon struggled to get press attention and Duncan Jones had to really push the film in obscure places like Popular Mechanics etc. The Kings Speech was distributed by Momentum (a susiduary of Aliance films) Who are a major independent film distributor.
Exhibition
Definition: showing films in cinemas or on DVD. Media attention through opening nights and premieres How the audience can see the film: in cinemas, at home, on DVD, through downloads, through television, including premieres, the box office take in the opening weeks; audience reviews which includes those of the film critics, ordinary people, cinemas runs; awards in festivals, The Oscars, BAFTAS, etc.Examples:Slumdog Millionaire almost never for ditribution. Its early US ditributor, Waner Independent was a victim of the economic downturn and went out of business. The film's makers then struggled to find a distributor! Then Fox Searchlight stepped up and "the rest is history". The 8 out of 10 Oscar nomination wins ensured that the film has been the greatest British success in awards and in box office for nearly 60 years.
Motherhood took just £86! Moon. Initially Sony Pictures worldwide were due to distribute the film but they specialise in straight to DVD features. Following positive reaction following its Sundance film festival the rights were acquired by Sony Classic Pictures who gave the film a limited release in the US Cities like New York and LA.
Exchange
Definition: The unintended use of an institution’s media text (i.e. a film) by OTHER PEOPLE who use the film or parts of it to form new texts. What happens to a film, etc. after the public get their hands on it using digital technology.
Examples:People unconnected to the institution/ film using WEB 2.0 applications such as YOUTUBE, Blogger, Amazon film message boards, TWITTER, Face-Book, discuss the film or edit parts of together to form a new text which the may then put a new soundtrack to and publish on YOUTUBE, etc. When you add a trailer from a site like YouTube on your blog you have been engaging with exchange. Look back to MArk Kermodes video regarding piracy and the new release strategies for films like Ken Loach's "Route Irish" or the Jack Ass 3 release on DVD and Sky Box Office.
Vertical and Horizontal Intergration
Definition: Absorption into a single firm of several firms involved in all aspects of a product's manufacture from raw materials to distribution.
Example:
Vivendi Universal have integrated film, music, web and distribution technology into the company, including owning big stakes in cables and wires that deliver these services. Therefore they are vertically integrated because they own all the different companies involved in film, from production to distribution to exhibition. They are also horizontally integrated because they have all the expertise for producing media content under one roof – films, TV, magazines, books, music, games thus being able to produce all the related media content for one film under the same roof (see synergy). This is important for the control the institution has over their product/film.
Synergy/SynergiesDefinition: The interaction of two or more agents (institutions/companies) to ensure a larger effect than if they acted independently. This is beneficial for each company through efficiencies in expertise and costs.
Examples:
Working Title know how to make films and they have formed a business partnership with Universal, a massive US company, who have the experience and size in the marketplace (cinemas, stores, online, etc.) to distribute them. (They create the marketing campaign to target audiences through posters, trailers, create the film’s website, free previews, television and press interviews featuring “the talent”, drum up press reviews, word of mouth, and determine when a film is released for the best possible audience and the type of release: limited, wide, etc.) Channel Four’s Film 4 and Celador Films(Celador also produce Who Wants to Be A Millionaire and films, too) benefited by pooling their know-how, experience and expertise to jointly produce Slumdog Millionaire. These companies formed a business relationship with France’s Pathe to distribute this film. In the UK Pathe helped create the poster, trailer, website, etc. In the USA the film found another distributor after being nominated for the Oscars.
Example:
Vivendi Universal have integrated film, music, web and distribution technology into the company, including owning big stakes in cables and wires that deliver these services. Therefore they are vertically integrated because they own all the different companies involved in film, from production to distribution to exhibition. They are also horizontally integrated because they have all the expertise for producing media content under one roof – films, TV, magazines, books, music, games thus being able to produce all the related media content for one film under the same roof (see synergy). This is important for the control the institution has over their product/film.
Synergy/SynergiesDefinition: The interaction of two or more agents (institutions/companies) to ensure a larger effect than if they acted independently. This is beneficial for each company through efficiencies in expertise and costs.
Examples:
Working Title know how to make films and they have formed a business partnership with Universal, a massive US company, who have the experience and size in the marketplace (cinemas, stores, online, etc.) to distribute them. (They create the marketing campaign to target audiences through posters, trailers, create the film’s website, free previews, television and press interviews featuring “the talent”, drum up press reviews, word of mouth, and determine when a film is released for the best possible audience and the type of release: limited, wide, etc.) Channel Four’s Film 4 and Celador Films(Celador also produce Who Wants to Be A Millionaire and films, too) benefited by pooling their know-how, experience and expertise to jointly produce Slumdog Millionaire. These companies formed a business relationship with France’s Pathe to distribute this film. In the UK Pathe helped create the poster, trailer, website, etc. In the USA the film found another distributor after being nominated for the Oscars.
Viral Marketing
Definition: A marketing technique aiming at reproducing "word of mouth" usually on the internet and through existing social networks. YouTube Video pastiches, trailers, interviews with cast members, the director, writer, etc. You can find interviews of “the talent” trying to gain publicity for your case study films on YouTube. Find some clips from the films we have studied to help you in the exam.
Guerilla Marketing Definition: The use of unconventional and low cost marketing strategies to raise awareness of a product. The aim is usually to create “buzz” and “word of mouth” around a film. Unusual stunts to gain publicity (P.R.) on the film’s opening weekend, etc.Examples:
Sasha Baron Cohen created “buzz” before the release of his film “Borat” by holding fake press conferences. The studio also accessed the popularity of YouTube by releasing the first 4 minutes of the movie on YouTube, a week before it’s release, which can then be sent virally across the nation. At a special viewing of “Bruno” Cohen landed on Eminem “butt first” from the roof MTV Awards venue, dressed in as an angel outfit with rents in the rear end.
Media ConvergenceDefinition 1: Convergence of media occurs when multiple products come together to form one product with the advantages of all of them.
Examples:
More and more films are being marketed on the Internet and on mobile phones. You no longer need even to buy the DVDs or CDs as you can download films and music directly to your laptop, Mac or PC. Blue Ray DVDs can carry more features than ordinary DVDs and can be played on HD televisions and in home cinemas for enhanced/cinematic picture quality. You can save films on SKY digital, Free-box digital players, etc. You mobile phone has multiple features and applications. With media and technological convergence this is growing year on year. Play-Stations, X-Boxes and the Wii can can connect with the Internet and you can play video games with multiple players.Definition 2: The growing interractive use of digital technology in the film industry and media which enables people to share, consume and produce media that was difficult or impossible just a few years earlier.
Examples:
For instance, the use of new software to add special effects in editing; the use of blue-screen; using new types of digital cameras like the one Danny Boyle used in “Slumdog Millionaire” (The Silicon Imaging Camera to shoot high quality film in tight spaces); you can use the Internet to download a film rather than go see it in the cinema; you can watch it on YouTube; you can use special editing programs like Final Cut Pro to edit bits of a film, give it new soundtrack and upload it on YouTube; you can produce illegal, pirate copies on DVDs from downloads and by converting the film’s format; you can buy Blue Ray DVDs with greater compression which allows superior viewing and more features on the DVD; distributors can use digital software to create high concept posters; cinemas can download films to their projection screens and do not have to depend on a van dropping off the film! The is also the Digital Screen Network. There are tons of ways in which technological convergence affects the production, distribution, exhibition and exchange by prosumers. ( A prosumer is someone who not only consumes (watches films) but also writes about them the Net, blogs and make films out of them, often uploading them on sites like YouTube, etc.
A Mainstream Film
Definition: A high budget film that would appeal to most segments of an audience: the young, boys, girls, teenagers, young people, the middle aged, older people, the various classes in society. Distributors often spend as much or more than the film cost to make when distributing mainstream films that are given wide or universal releases.
Example: The Boat That Rocked was a mainstream idea and was given the mainstream treatment on wide release. The film flopped at the UK box office on release ( and has not done too well since mid November 2009 on release in the USA. This was mostly because of its poor reviews, particularly from “Time-Out”. However, when young and older audiences see the DVD they generally like the film because of its uplifting storyline and the well-chosen soundtrack.
Art House Films
Definition: A low budget independent film that would mostly appeal to an educated, higher class audience who follow unusual genres or like cult directors that few people have heard of. Therefore it is usually aimed at a niche market. Foreign films often come under this category.
Examples:
The low budget film, Once (2007) which found a specialised, boutique distributor in Fox Searchlight fits this label. (FOX the mainstream company usually distributes big budget film and blockbusters); So does “Juno” from 2008 which began as a low budget film about teenage pregnancy that the big studios thought too risky to touch – but it found popularity through its touching storyline, engaging music and its Oscar nomination for best script. Like “Slumdog Millionaire” the film crossed over between art-house cinemas and audiences to mainstream ones because of the recognition it received from Canadian film festivals and award ceremonies like Britain’s BAFTAS and the Hollywood’s Oscars.
Ratings bodies BBFC - The British Board of Film Classification.
How your institutions films are rated will affect audiences in so far as WHO can see them. Remember that sex scenes, offensive language, excessive violence, the use of profanity, etc. can affect the rating and certificate the film receives and therefore affect who is able to see the film.
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