These sites are great for establishing the relative success or failure of case study films at the box office. You can later make comparisons major US institutions and their films to judge the state of the UK film industry and the types of films it produces and for whom.
Try the UK Film Council's search engine. They are great for statistics including box office stats., etc.
http://www.ukfilmcouncil.org/weekendboxoffice
http://www.ukfilmcouncil.org.uk/distributionandexhibition
Another useful site for stats and info. is IMDB. See their left hand columns after finding your institution's films. Search other parts of the site, too.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1131729/business
Wikipedia has got to be a useful port of call for each part of your case study film and its institutions:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Boat_That_Rocked
Newspaper reviews are often crucial for discovering the reasons why a film succeeded or failed. Newspaper reviews are also a key source for finding out about box office statistics and comparisons with other or previous films in the same genre:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/filmblog/2009/apr/07/richard-curtis-boat-that-rocked-box-office
http://www.timeout.com/film/reviews/86395/the-boat-that-rocked.html
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/reviews/the-boat-that-rocked-15-1660783.html
Remember that DVD sales at Amazon (their rankings for the film's respective genres) is another indicator.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Boat-That-Rocked-DVD/dp/B0027UY818/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1262872357&sr=8-1
Pearl and Dean - business section is really useful for statistics, target audiences, comparisons with films in the same genre, etc.
http://business.pearlanddean.com/
Showing posts with label Slumdog Millionaire. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Slumdog Millionaire. Show all posts
Wednesday, 6 January 2010
Sunday, 20 December 2009
An Institutions and Audiences question
Consider why it is most sensible to begin at the end (with Exhibition - Audiences and Exchange) rather than with production and distribution, etc.
So that your answer is not too narrowly based be able to make comparisons with a US film institution and film for production, distribution and exhibition. This will give your British case study a wider context and you will be better placed to argue how film practices in the British Film Industry are directly affected by the giant US conglomerates based in Hollywood.
Distribution: How "Slumdog Millionaire was promoted through Creative Search Marketing
Technological convergence is present at each stage in the media and in this instance, the distribution part of the film industry. Here, "Tug" plays up its part in the use of search marketing for Pathe to publicise Slumdog Millionaire using online marketing on the Internet. For those researching case studies on this film and its institutions notice also how niche audiences were targeted: "Indian moviegoers and Danny Boyle enthusiasts".
Launching Pathe’s Slumdog Millionaire Using search marketing | ||||
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Monday, 14 December 2009
The Distributor's Marketing Campaign: how to analyse film posters
Of course, in the Exam there is no way that you can say everything about how your distributor's film poster targets its audience. Still, an analysis of two- three of its most important features will go a long way to earning you marks when writing a paragraph or so about this in your exam essay.
When you analyse any film poster you need to establish the type of film poster you are looking at.
The type of poster: Identify which type of poster it is: the teaser poster -this poster contains basic information to whet your appetite. It often does not indicate much about the plot, but may have a picture of the stars, and the name of the film.
The main theatrical poster- This contains information about the production personnel, the stars, and the distributors.
Video/DVD release poster - This one comes out when the film is released on DVD/video and often has all of the above plus short, one line reviews from relevant publications.
Character Poster – this one features the main character. Remember that the posters could be a combination of two types. The poster above focuses on the 'ensemble cast'.
For greater depth consider:
• Images of the key settings and the main characters. What is the title of the film? What can you say about the way in which the title graphics have been written? Who is starring in the film? Where are the stars’ names placed on the poster? Why? Describe the key images on your poster. Why have they been chosen? Talk about what images are used - stars, setting, colours, symbols, (mise-en-scene). What do they suggest/signify? What other pictures can you see? What is their purpose? What are the most important colours on your poster? Why do you think these were chosen? What do you think the film will be about? Who is the target audience?
• Narrative: What clues are there to the narrative? What can you tell about the genre of the film and the types of characters from their facial expression, body language, stance, appearance and position on the poster? What makes you say this? What impression do you get of the character/personalities from their expression, clothes, props. Is there an enigma being presented? Is the poster composed of a series of images (montage, lack of perspective) Is the key image a still from the film?
• Colours: What colours are used in the posters? Are they relevant to the genre e.g. horror posters generally use dark strong colours especially black and red to represent death and evil. Romance films tend to employ lighter pastel and warm colours such as pinks, purples and other warm shades. Are the colours on your poster important? Why? What clues do they give about the genre, and how do they attract the target audience?
• Layout: Write about how the images are laid out. Are they are blended in without any concern for real perspective or size relationships between people and setting. Why do you think they are laid out like that? Do you know what the plot, genre and/or theme of the film is? If so,how? Most posters are Portrait or Landscape in shape. What shape is yours? Describe and discuss the title, font, typeface and graphics on the poster. What style are they in, where are they positioned etc? has the poster been painted and printed or produced using DTP
(mention how improvements in technology have changed production values)
• Written text: Is there a catch or tag-line? What does it tell us about the action, genre and attitude within the film? Who do you think is the target audience for the film? How has the poster been made attractive to these people? Discuss the billing/credit block. What information does it include about credits and information? Do we get information about who is in the cast, who directed the film, which company distributes it and promotes it etc? Where is the certificate? What does it indicate about the target audience and the content of the film? Does the poster list a website? If not, why not?
• Finally, what is the USP (the unique selling point) in each poster? What makes it different from other films? The plot, stars, themes, setting or characters? Sometimes you can have more than one USP.
For your case study institution's film you should focus your attention on the main theatrical poster. The one below is a teaser.
When you analyse any film poster you need to establish the type of film poster you are looking at.
The type of poster: Identify which type of poster it is: the teaser poster -this poster contains basic information to whet your appetite. It often does not indicate much about the plot, but may have a picture of the stars, and the name of the film.
The main theatrical poster- This contains information about the production personnel, the stars, and the distributors.
Video/DVD release poster - This one comes out when the film is released on DVD/video and often has all of the above plus short, one line reviews from relevant publications.
Character Poster – this one features the main character. Remember that the posters could be a combination of two types. The poster above focuses on the 'ensemble cast'.
For greater depth consider:
• Images of the key settings and the main characters. What is the title of the film? What can you say about the way in which the title graphics have been written? Who is starring in the film? Where are the stars’ names placed on the poster? Why? Describe the key images on your poster. Why have they been chosen? Talk about what images are used - stars, setting, colours, symbols, (mise-en-scene). What do they suggest/signify? What other pictures can you see? What is their purpose? What are the most important colours on your poster? Why do you think these were chosen? What do you think the film will be about? Who is the target audience?
• Narrative: What clues are there to the narrative? What can you tell about the genre of the film and the types of characters from their facial expression, body language, stance, appearance and position on the poster? What makes you say this? What impression do you get of the character/personalities from their expression, clothes, props. Is there an enigma being presented? Is the poster composed of a series of images (montage, lack of perspective) Is the key image a still from the film?
• Colours: What colours are used in the posters? Are they relevant to the genre e.g. horror posters generally use dark strong colours especially black and red to represent death and evil. Romance films tend to employ lighter pastel and warm colours such as pinks, purples and other warm shades. Are the colours on your poster important? Why? What clues do they give about the genre, and how do they attract the target audience?
• Layout: Write about how the images are laid out. Are they are blended in without any concern for real perspective or size relationships between people and setting. Why do you think they are laid out like that? Do you know what the plot, genre and/or theme of the film is? If so,how? Most posters are Portrait or Landscape in shape. What shape is yours? Describe and discuss the title, font, typeface and graphics on the poster. What style are they in, where are they positioned etc? has the poster been painted and printed or produced using DTP
(mention how improvements in technology have changed production values)
• Written text: Is there a catch or tag-line? What does it tell us about the action, genre and attitude within the film? Who do you think is the target audience for the film? How has the poster been made attractive to these people? Discuss the billing/credit block. What information does it include about credits and information? Do we get information about who is in the cast, who directed the film, which company distributes it and promotes it etc? Where is the certificate? What does it indicate about the target audience and the content of the film? Does the poster list a website? If not, why not?
• Finally, what is the USP (the unique selling point) in each poster? What makes it different from other films? The plot, stars, themes, setting or characters? Sometimes you can have more than one USP.
For your case study institution's film you should focus your attention on the main theatrical poster. The one below is a teaser.
Sunday, 13 December 2009
Technological Convergence
Still struggling with this concept/term? Rose's brief video should help you finally understand. The thing is that you need to think about where you can apply this concept to the following areas of the film industry: audience, production, distribution/marketing, exhibition, exchange.
Advice for writing your essay's argument for the Institutions and Audience section of the Exam
Whatever you do you should always read the question and underline or circle its key words. Then make your plan for your answer. Remember to use key words from the question to keep your essay's argument relevant. You also need to use key concepts such as Audience, Production, Distribution, Exhibition and Exchange. Remember to use and apply concepts such as Technological Convergence, Synergies, Media Convergence (for media ownership) etc. There are several other terms listed in a previous post on selected key terms for Institutions and Audiences.
http://asanda2mediastudies.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2009-12-12T12%3A23%3A00Z&max-results=7
Rather than just plough through the expected format of production, distribution/marketing/exhibition issues with key terms tagged on, why not begin with the audience's reception of the film. Its the most important part of the process and what happens there can decide the genres and casting, etc. of future films which institutions may then "greenlight". Given how much of the audience first finds out about a film on the Internet and then discusses it on various websites, is a good way to discuss technological convergence early on. After all, YouTube, Face-Book, Blogsites, Amazon UK message boards on films, etc have put people onto films that they would otherwise never have found.
Moreover, like a detective you can go over the ISSUES as to why a particular film was a success or not for its institution(s) by beginning with the audience's reactions to the film (both critics and ordinary people) and then by raking over the production, marketing and exhibition issues associated with the film and its institution. You will be better placed to decide why a film succeeded or failed to make money and please its audiences. After all, in the regular pattern of film-making and the decisions taken at each stage, errors can take place which could be rectified in future.
Another possible angle is to begin with the importance of technological convergence and begin with its ever widening role in enjoying, making and marketing films.
As mentioned at the beginning you need to address the question's key words and not just spill down everything you know about your case study. Relevance is everything.
http://asanda2mediastudies.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2009-12-12T12%3A23%3A00Z&max-results=7
Rather than just plough through the expected format of production, distribution/marketing/exhibition issues with key terms tagged on, why not begin with the audience's reception of the film. Its the most important part of the process and what happens there can decide the genres and casting, etc. of future films which institutions may then "greenlight". Given how much of the audience first finds out about a film on the Internet and then discusses it on various websites, is a good way to discuss technological convergence early on. After all, YouTube, Face-Book, Blogsites, Amazon UK message boards on films, etc have put people onto films that they would otherwise never have found.
Moreover, like a detective you can go over the ISSUES as to why a particular film was a success or not for its institution(s) by beginning with the audience's reactions to the film (both critics and ordinary people) and then by raking over the production, marketing and exhibition issues associated with the film and its institution. You will be better placed to decide why a film succeeded or failed to make money and please its audiences. After all, in the regular pattern of film-making and the decisions taken at each stage, errors can take place which could be rectified in future.
Another possible angle is to begin with the importance of technological convergence and begin with its ever widening role in enjoying, making and marketing films.
As mentioned at the beginning you need to address the question's key words and not just spill down everything you know about your case study. Relevance is everything.
Saturday, 12 December 2009
How Film Makes its Money Back
An excellent presentation full of graphical displays which illustrate where the money goes once a film is shown in cinemas. It shows how crucial the production and marketing decisions are when it can be so hard to make money from films.
How Film Makes Its Money Back
How Film Makes Its Money Back
Thursday, 10 December 2009
Selected Key Terms for Institutions and Audiences - The Film Industry
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.
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 distributed Film4 and Celadors' Slumdog Millionaire after the original US distributor, Warner Independent went out of business.
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:
The Boat That Rocked opened on wide release in over 400 cinemas in April 2009. The film flopped at the box office for a number of reasons: the critics' reviews, poor weather putting off cinema goers, and perhaps the lack of a strong female character. The film also flopped on American release in November 2009. However, young people and older people like the film: sales in Morrisons and other supermarkets seem brisk before Christmas as many are buying the DVD as a present to cheer people up during these dark winter months. Slumdog Millionaire almost never got distribution. Its early US distributor, Warner 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.
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/boyle-reveals-slumdog-millionaire-was-nearly-never-made-1331821.html
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.
Vertical and Horizontal Integration
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/Synergies
Definition: 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.
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 Convergence
Definition 1: Convergence of media occurs when multiple products come together to form one product with the advantages of all of them.
Technological Convergence
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! 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.
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 distributed Film4 and Celadors' Slumdog Millionaire after the original US distributor, Warner Independent went out of business.
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:
The Boat That Rocked opened on wide release in over 400 cinemas in April 2009. The film flopped at the box office for a number of reasons: the critics' reviews, poor weather putting off cinema goers, and perhaps the lack of a strong female character. The film also flopped on American release in November 2009. However, young people and older people like the film: sales in Morrisons and other supermarkets seem brisk before Christmas as many are buying the DVD as a present to cheer people up during these dark winter months. Slumdog Millionaire almost never got distribution. Its early US distributor, Warner 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.
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/boyle-reveals-slumdog-millionaire-was-nearly-never-made-1331821.html
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.Vertical and Horizontal Integration
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/Synergies
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.
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 Convergence
Definition 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.Technological Convergence
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! 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.
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.
Friday, 27 November 2009
Exhibition - types of film releases and the reasons for them
Several types of film release patterns
Again, this article is old and it does not take account of new release patterns such as the one devised by Warner Bros for "Jesse James". Yet it is helpful for definitions, etc.Types of Release
PatternsIndustry Analysis by Anthony Leong, Lara Kalins, Oren Levy, Marion De Marcillac, and Annekatrin Scholze© Copyright 1996
Wide Release
The most common release pattern, in which the film is released nationally in all markets. This is the pattern used by the majors, since this type of release pattern requires a heavy investment in prints and national advertising, which while having reach into all markets, is expensive. With a wide release, the producers and distributors can realize revenues to recoup their investment in a shorter time period (provided that the film is successful). Finally, revenues from DVD sales can also be realized faster from a quickly-executed theatrical release (the shorter the time period between the theatrical release and the DVD release, the greater the potential for DVD income).
The Modified Wide Release
The film will open in a few major markets and expand week by week to build awareness and allow positive word-of-mouth reputation to develop. This type of release would initially be supported spot advertising (advertising in a specific geographical area, such as a city) and may move to national advertising once it expands to other markets.
Exclusive and Limited Runs
Exclusive and limited runs begin with engagements at a limited number of screens, traditionally in large urban areas, such as Toronto. Based on favourable reviews and positive word-of-mouth, the film may move slowly to additional theatres. This release pattern is almost always used for upscale 'art-house' or foreign films and may be part of a platforming strategy, where critical acclaim in an important market will assist in providing momentum for a wide release.
Territorial Saturation ( a territory is an geographical area in which the film is released, i.e. Europe, the UK, USA, etc.)
Territorial saturation involves saturating a territory with bookings, heavy advertising and promotion, before moving on to another territory. This method would be used for films tailored to specific markets. In Canada, this would be seen with French-language films, which primarily would be well-received only in Quebec. It is also used by independent distributors for exploitation or family movies.
Universal Release – the film is released in several countries on the same day. For instance a major blockbuster is sometimes released in the USA and the UK on the same date.
Again, this article is old and it does not take account of new release patterns such as the one devised by Warner Bros for "Jesse James". Yet it is helpful for definitions, etc.Types of Release
PatternsIndustry Analysis by Anthony Leong, Lara Kalins, Oren Levy, Marion De Marcillac, and Annekatrin Scholze© Copyright 1996
Wide Release
The most common release pattern, in which the film is released nationally in all markets. This is the pattern used by the majors, since this type of release pattern requires a heavy investment in prints and national advertising, which while having reach into all markets, is expensive. With a wide release, the producers and distributors can realize revenues to recoup their investment in a shorter time period (provided that the film is successful). Finally, revenues from DVD sales can also be realized faster from a quickly-executed theatrical release (the shorter the time period between the theatrical release and the DVD release, the greater the potential for DVD income).
The Modified Wide Release
The film will open in a few major markets and expand week by week to build awareness and allow positive word-of-mouth reputation to develop. This type of release would initially be supported spot advertising (advertising in a specific geographical area, such as a city) and may move to national advertising once it expands to other markets.
Exclusive and Limited Runs
Exclusive and limited runs begin with engagements at a limited number of screens, traditionally in large urban areas, such as Toronto. Based on favourable reviews and positive word-of-mouth, the film may move slowly to additional theatres. This release pattern is almost always used for upscale 'art-house' or foreign films and may be part of a platforming strategy, where critical acclaim in an important market will assist in providing momentum for a wide release.
Territorial Saturation ( a territory is an geographical area in which the film is released, i.e. Europe, the UK, USA, etc.)
Territorial saturation involves saturating a territory with bookings, heavy advertising and promotion, before moving on to another territory. This method would be used for films tailored to specific markets. In Canada, this would be seen with French-language films, which primarily would be well-received only in Quebec. It is also used by independent distributors for exploitation or family movies.
Universal Release – the film is released in several countries on the same day. For instance a major blockbuster is sometimes released in the USA and the UK on the same date.
Monday, 23 November 2009
Exhibition issues? - check out Pearl and Dean
Click on the image to enlargeThis is an example of the information you can find. Of course, you could analyse for the target audience for your institution's case study film in for class, gender and age and blog the results on your case study blogs. Remember to add a title and tags so you can find your blog post easily.
For information for your case study film try this link and do a search.
Remember that the UK Film Council is another good source. You can look up the stats for the release of your case study film, and much more!
http://www.ukfilmcouncil.org.uk/weekendboxoffice
Film Distribution
Now, this IS VERY USEFUL for your case study institutions and films. Find information on how how your institution distributed their film with perhaps another institution at the British Film Council, IMDB, Screenonline or Pearl and Dean (the business section).
Film Distribution
Film Distribution
Tuesday, 3 November 2009
Exhibition, Consumption and Exchange - Case Study Concept Map
This is the third concept map and final part of your case studies. Research the information and arguments appropriately for your case studies and produce posts on your blogs.
Click on the image to enlarge
Click on the image to enlarge
Friday, 16 October 2009
Institutions and Audiences: a distribution concept map
Click on the image to enlarge
Part 2 of your case study:
Aim to research each of these areas and post about them in your blogs for your cast study institution and the same, recent film that you researched for production issues.
Wednesday, 14 October 2009
An essay plan for patterns and issues of an institution's ( film) production
This is a cut down version of a similar essay you will write which will later include the distribution and exhibition issues of your film institution. We will work on how you can discuss technological convergence and synergies across all three areas as you produce your blogs. Notice how I've tried to integrate arguments for them on each of the three parts of the institution case study.
Here is the essay question that you began in class. Remember to use its key words and phrases for your answer as you are not expected to reel off everything you know about the institution and a film it recently produced, distributed and exhibited:
The Essay Question
It is not the film industry; it the film business.
( Eric Fellner of Working Title Films )
Using detailed examples from your case studies discuss the issues and patterns which enables your institution to thrive as a film business.
Click on the image to enlarge. Oops! Missed out on the director. Still, the writer, Richard Curtis, also directed this film.
Here is the essay question that you began in class. Remember to use its key words and phrases for your answer as you are not expected to reel off everything you know about the institution and a film it recently produced, distributed and exhibited:
The Essay Question
It is not the film industry; it the film business.
( Eric Fellner of Working Title Films )
Using detailed examples from your case studies discuss the issues and patterns which enables your institution to thrive as a film business.
Click on the image to enlarge. Oops! Missed out on the director. Still, the writer, Richard Curtis, also directed this film.
Sunday, 4 October 2009
"Slumdog's" Danny Boyle and "The Wrestler's" Darren Aronofsky discuss new film technology
Danny Boyle, who directed "Slumdog Millionaire" discusses new technology that he used on the film while on set in India. Darren's Aronofsky's superb film, "The Wrestler", marks him out as a highly talented director. Quite useful for anyone finding out about technological convergence for Film 4 and how new digital technology is having an impact on film-making.
This is a link to Silicon Imaging who produced the cameras Danny Boyle talks about in this interview. ( It's well worth visiting to follow up this useful information for case studies for technological convergence.)
http://www.siliconimaging.com/DigitalCinema/
This is a link to Silicon Imaging who produced the cameras Danny Boyle talks about in this interview. ( It's well worth visiting to follow up this useful information for case studies for technological convergence.)
http://www.siliconimaging.com/DigitalCinema/
Read also this press release on Silicon Imaging's cameras used in Slumdog Millionaire and how they were used to produce superb images in tight spaces.
Thursday, 30 April 2009
Institutions and Audiences - Key Terms For Film
Make this your starting point. How do British film production companies and distributors survive and prosper given their more powerful neighbour, Hollywood? What is the current state of the UK film industry? To be specific focus your case study on a UK institution from which you can later make comparisons with US production companies.
Links to get you started on researching UK film/distribution companies.
As you research make a list of subject specific key terms, i.e. "an integrated film company. production slate, etc."
Vertigo Films
http://www.vertigofilms.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vertigo_Films
http://www.bbc.co.uk/films/ukmovies/interviews/britplayers/vertigo_films.shtml ( essential videos with interviews/information )
http://www.uk.castingcallpro.com/cview.php?uid=354 (some history)
Film 4
http://www.channel4.com/film/ffproductions/index.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Film4
http://blogs.warwick.ac.uk/michaelwalford/entry/channel_4_films/
BBC Films
http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcfilms/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BBC_Films
Working Title Films
http://www.workingtitlefilms.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Working_Title_Films
http://blogs.warwick.ac.uk/michaelwalford/entry/working_title_history/
http://www.screenonline.org.uk/film/id/577488/
Hogarth Pictures
http://www.bbc.co.uk/films/ukmovies/interviews/britplayers/hogarth_pictures.shtml
UK Production Companies and Studios
http://www.bbc.co.uk/films/ukmovies/relatedlinks/production_companies.shtml ( An extensive list with links to many lesser known UK film companies.)
UK Cinemas and Distributors
http://www.bbc.co.uk/films/ukmovies/relatedlinks/cinemas_exhibitors.shtml
Several video interviews with key players on various aspects of the British film industry
http://www.bbc.co.uk/films/ukmovies/interviews/britplayers/
Click on the image to enlarge. This should be used with the concept map graphic for "higher/big concept" key terms.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1d3tO-ttJolGxzmiGu9ogekWfjCG2bZz9xmipWJzhCuugkv2LwAv8yydD5mxJpTfMId7I9mlWYj7GB_6XEsv9uAVk2iGHNbqWeW-ewvCQhBY8V8nka0bnzk5iD56X1za3SVqofnYktI6M/s1600-h/Institutions+and+Audiences+-+Higher+Concept+-+Ideas.jpg
Links to get you started on researching UK film/distribution companies.
As you research make a list of subject specific key terms, i.e. "an integrated film company. production slate, etc."
Vertigo Films
http://www.vertigofilms.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vertigo_Films
http://www.bbc.co.uk/films/ukmovies/interviews/britplayers/vertigo_films.shtml ( essential videos with interviews/information )
http://www.uk.castingcallpro.com/cview.php?uid=354 (some history)
Film 4
http://www.channel4.com/film/ffproductions/index.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Film4
http://blogs.warwick.ac.uk/michaelwalford/entry/channel_4_films/
BBC Films
http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcfilms/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BBC_Films
Working Title Films
http://www.workingtitlefilms.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Working_Title_Films
http://blogs.warwick.ac.uk/michaelwalford/entry/working_title_history/
http://www.screenonline.org.uk/film/id/577488/
Hogarth Pictures
http://www.bbc.co.uk/films/ukmovies/interviews/britplayers/hogarth_pictures.shtml
UK Production Companies and Studios
http://www.bbc.co.uk/films/ukmovies/relatedlinks/production_companies.shtml ( An extensive list with links to many lesser known UK film companies.)
UK Cinemas and Distributors
http://www.bbc.co.uk/films/ukmovies/relatedlinks/cinemas_exhibitors.shtml
Several video interviews with key players on various aspects of the British film industry
http://www.bbc.co.uk/films/ukmovies/interviews/britplayers/
Click on the image to enlarge. This should be used with the concept map graphic for "higher/big concept" key terms.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1d3tO-ttJolGxzmiGu9ogekWfjCG2bZz9xmipWJzhCuugkv2LwAv8yydD5mxJpTfMId7I9mlWYj7GB_6XEsv9uAVk2iGHNbqWeW-ewvCQhBY8V8nka0bnzk5iD56X1za3SVqofnYktI6M/s1600-h/Institutions+and+Audiences+-+Higher+Concept+-+Ideas.jpg
Thursday, 14 August 2008
Britons embrace digital lifestyle
This is an important piece of research for understanding how Britons allocate the time they use for technology. It's a must know for the Institutions and Audiences paper.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/3558216.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/3558216.stm
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