Film Industry

Exam Section B[50 marks]

Results of your research

THE GOLDEN ERA OF HOLLYWOOD

The Golden Era of Hollywood is considered to be the period which spanned from the end of the silent era (late1920s) to the late ’60s.

It is considered the Golden Era because of the narrative and visual style of the films made during this period and the surge in popularity of American films.

Most studios created strictly defined genre movies and films were made on a ‘production line’ system.

Stable of ‘stars’

Along with writers and directors, film studios had their own actors. Each of these were associated with a specific genre.

They were all under strict contracts with the studios (and were sometimes loaned out to other studios) and some would argue that all creativity was severely limited.

Case Study: Fred and Ginger

“He gives her class and she gives him sex appeal” -Katharine Hepburn

They made a total of 10 filmstogether from 1933-1949, including:Top HatThe Gay DivorceeSwing Time

The Life of a film

Production (including pre-production such as organising locations, caterers, actors, etc)

Distribution including marketing, DVD releases, merchandise, soundtracks, etc

Exhibition where people watch it (for example, cinemas)

Re-cap

• What are the three stages in the life of a film?

• What is vertical integration?

• What is horizontal integration?

Research task

Research the definitions of vertical integration and horizontal integration (in relation to the film industry)Research what ‘The Big Five’ and ‘The Little Three’ are.WHY WERE THEY CALLED THIS??!!!

Post your findings (complete with images) on your blogs under the page ‘Media Institutions’

Answer the following questions:How do studios operate now?What so you think are the pros and cons of vertical and horizontal integration?

Paramount decree 1948United States v Paramount Picture

In 1948 the supreme court ruled that film studios were no longer allowed to own their own theatres hold exclusivity rights over what was shown. This would subsequently change the way in which films were produced, distributed and exhibited. This essentially put the first nail in the coffin of the Hollywood studio system

‘BLOCKBUSTERS’

What is a blockbuster?

Originally defined by audience response (box-office success)

Now, the term is used to define a high-budget production aimed a mass-markets

Associated marketing strategies and merchandise

Financial fortunes of film studio or distributors are decided by its success

CASE STUDY:Watch the teaser trailers.

What do they tell us about:

PRODUCTION

MARKETING: what ‘sells’ the film?Also consider merchandise, soundtracks and

product placement

EXHIBITION

ResearchPick a blockbuster of your choice (preferably a more recent one). See if you can find the teaser trailer and post it on your blog. Find out the following information:• The production company• The production budget• The distributor• The box office takings

Write a paragraph or two which explains your understanding how a blockbuster is produced, distributed and exhibited.

Vertical integration

Where a film company controls the production, distribution and exhibition process of a film and receive all of the profit from these areas

Horizontal integration

Where a large media conglomerate controls more than one media company (such as film, newspapers, TV, etc) and can choose to develop or invest in one particular area.

Re-cap

What have you found out about the production, distribution and exhibition of Hollywood blockbuster films?

Are there any companies who adopt a vertically integrated method?

Are there any companies who invest in one specific part of the process?

Your exam

You will be asked to comment on the production, distribution and exhibition of films.

There are different aspects of these stages that you will need to know so that you are fully prepared for all eventualities!

These are:

• Cross media convergence (where two or more media products are combined)

• Cross media synergy (where media products are combined with non-media products)

• Digital technologies and their impact on the 3 stages of the process

• Media ownership• Targeting audiences

Many of these things are interchangeable, however the question will require a specific and detailed answer

You can achieve this by using case studies to illustrate your answers and by linking your own experiences of media consumption to demonstrate your understanding of wider trends

Blockbusters

What can you tell me about the production of blockbusters?Remember: ‘production’ refers to everything to do with the actual making of the film, including:BudgetActorsTechnologies used whilst filming

Blockbusters

What do you know about the distribution process of blockbuster films?Remember: distribution refers to all elements of getting the film ‘out there’, including:MarketingRelease dateMerchandisingDVD/ Blu Ray release

Case study 1: Hollywood Production and distribution

The Dark Knight RisesIn your groups, research the following:The production and distribution companyThe production budgetStarsOrigins of the filmThe box office takingsAt least one marketing strategyIt’s domestic and global appeal

Divide your research between group members and share your findings with the rest of the group and post it on your blog.I will randomly select one person from each group to feedback to the rest of the class

Answer the following question

‘what do you think is more important for the success of a film, good production practices or distribution strategies?’ Use The Dark Knight Rises as a case study for your answer.

Important:Use key terminology in your answerFor example: vertical integration, horizontal integration, production budget, marketing strategies, mass-audience.

Possible exam question

Discuss the ways in which products are produced and distributed to audiences, within a media area that you have studied