Friday, 15 March 2013

Working Title Films (Case Study)

Background
Working Title Films is a British film production company. It was founded in 1983 by Tim Bevan and Sarah Radclyffe and is currently co-owned by Eric Fellner and Bevan. The company itself produces feature films and a handful of television productions.

Films
Working Title produces many Richard Curtis-scripted romantic comedies, such as the Bridget Jones movies and Notting Hill. The company also produce many Coen Brother movies, such as Fargo and O Brother Where Art Thou?  Other films that the institution is famous for include; Shaun of the dead, Billy Elliot, Hot Fuzz and Mr Bean's Holiday.

Success of the Institution
In 2004, Working Title made a £17.8 million profit. As of 2007, all its films were distributed by Universal Pictures, which owns a 67% stake in the company, and many of its recent films are co-productions with StudioCanal. The remaining shares are owned by the company's founders, BBC Films, and private investors.

How it Appeals to British Audiences
Many of Working Title's films are set in Britain, and aimed at British audiences, such as Love Actually. However this doesn't mean that their films fail to produce takings at box offices across the world. Brigdet Jones, for example, is very well known in America as well as the UK. This may be because of the representation of the praised British humour and the realtic betrayl of British culture and daily life.


Sources:
http://www.imdb.com/company/co0057311/ 


http://blogs.warwick.ac.uk/michaelwalford/entry/working_title_history/

Thursday, 7 March 2013

Made In Dagenham Case Study Questions

http://www.filmeducation.org/madeindagenham/stephen_wooley.html
Project Development

 Identify three key elements of project development described by Stephen Woolley
- Producer, writers and research, in the case of this film

Finance

What factors do you think motivated the different organisations to contribute to the film’s financing?
- As it is similar to the successful film, 'Calander Girls', it could give hope to this film to follow in their footsteps, and therefore produce a reasonable income. Also, they may assume that audience would want to see a historical film, but with a humour as well which results in a 'heartwarming' feeling. 

Can you name the different funding bodies?
- BBC, Paramount (including Australian partners), Hanway (a sales company), The UK Film Council, Sony Pictures Classic (an America distribution company)

What impact does the fact that the film is set in the past have upon the cost of the film?
- The fact that the film was set in the 60's had a big financial effect on the film, as it means sets had to be created. This is because shooting on location would mean featuring modern cars, modern buses, modern road signs and modern features of a street, therefore meaning everything had to be created.

What other elements of film making impact on the budget?
- Having to use old footage of the time to save money hiring extras and sets

Casting

What qualities did the filmmakers want to highlight in the character of Rita?
- strong yet ordinary so the audience could emphasis with

How does Stephen Woolley describe Sally Hawkins’ star image as having an impact upon casting decisions?
- Her past role in 'Happy Go Lucky' showed Stephen Wolley how her warm hearted, generous personality shows through her roles, and therefore would help audiences warm and relate to Rita.

The Producer

Identify the key roles of a producer
- Find locations, find crew, find editor, find designer, director of photography, camera operators, contruction crew and work out the costs

What are the challenges faced by a producer?
- People are hesistant to make deals if the film has not began filming, so film making often satrts before deals are finalised

Tuesday, 5 March 2013

Distribution Notes

Distribution 

  • Distribution is about releasing and sustainable films in the market place
  • It is the third part of the film supply chain, and is often referred to as 'the invisible art' 
  • The process is only known to those within the industry 
  • Distribution is often considered the most important part of the film industry because it is the point when completed films are brought to life and connected with an audience. 
  • The phases of production, distribution, and exhibition operate most effectively when 'vertically integrated'
  • In the UK, distribution is very much focused on marketing and sustaining a global product in local markets
  • Distribution can be divided into three stages - licensing, marketing and logistics
  • Licensing is the process by which a distributor acquires the legal right to exploit a film
  • International distribution ensures that films find their way to the 90+ market 'territories' around the world
  • Independent producers have to sell their films to different distributors in each territory 
  • 'Local' distribution , involves the distributor acquiring the licence to release and exploit the film in a particular country
  • The distributor will usually pay the producer a minimum guarantee for the licence. This fee will vary depending on the status and perceived commercial potential of the film
  • The licence will stipulate that the distributor will also pay royalties to the producer, taken from the profits that the film generates
The launch of the film

  • In the UK, feature films are released initially theatrically (in cinemas) This is seen as the most effective way to create interest in a new film
  • The big screen is still the optimum setting for a film for both audiences and the filmmakers
  • Months after the theatrical release, a film will be packaged and released on DVD and VHS video, then on various forms of pay television, and after a couple of years of it being in the cinemas, on free-to-air TV
Marketing

  • In the UK, new films are released theatrically on Fridays
  • A further consideration for scheduling a release is the seasonality of the film
  • The distributor will try to position the film distinctively and avoid a release date occupied by other films with similar traits (story, subject, country of origin)
The Theatrical release

  • After setting a release date, the distributor works towards the theatrical release, investing in the materials and the marketing campaign to support it
  • The costs of theatrical distribution, met by local distributors, are often referred to as 'P&A' or prints and advertising. 
  • P&A also represent the bulk of the distributor's investment, after paying the initial fee for rights and can range from less the £1,000 to over £1 million for the release of a film in the UK
The Logistics of Distribution 

  • The distributor will enter into an agreement with the cinema to screen the film on certain 'play-dates'.
  • It is the responsibility of the distributor to arrange the transportation of the film to the cinema as part of its wider coordination 
  • Logistics represent the phase of distribution at its most basic - supplying and circulating copies of the film to theaters of tapes and DVDs to shops and video rental stores, and managing the effectiveness of the supply. 
Premier Satellite Event (Case Study)

  • The UK premier of 'Another Year' took place on Monday 18th October 2010, as the BFI London Film Festival's Mayor of London Gala Screening
  • The UK Film council made £150,000 P&A Award to Momentum Pictures for the wider distribution of the film.
  • A portion was allocated to expand the UK premiere from the London Film Festival's Mayor of London Gala. Footage from the premiere and the subsequent question and answer session was beamed to 33 sites in Greater London and across the UK, who also screened the film to paying audiences
  • Momentum pictures worked with ITV to deliver the event and it cost around £13,000
Momentum Pictures' reported: 
Overall the event went very well. There was an unfortunate technical glitch early on where we lost all power to broadcast at the very start but this was quickly resolved and we managed to get going again quickly. Aside from a handful of timing issues in individual locations most cinemas received the stage intro and following Q&A perfectly. 

The BFI London Film Festival Verdict:
One of the cornerstones of a successful festival is the bringing together of film-makers with audiences and providing some insight into the making of the film

Catfish 

  • Catfish is one of the most talked about titles at the London film festival in November 
  • Whilst the film has qualities, the rationale for P&A funding lay primarily in supporting Momentum's innovative release strategy and plans for finding an audience for specialised film, in this case specialised by virtue of being a documentary. 
  • The preview screening began simultaneously in all 29 cinemas, whilst 100 online winners - through a competition organised by lovefilm - simultaneously enjoyed a private online premeire of the film on their own computer  

Thursday, 28 February 2013

Bafta Research - Seven Psychopaths Case Study

Plot
The comedy Seven Psychopaths follows a struggling screenwriter ('Colin Farrell' ) who inadvertently becomes entangled in the Los Angeles criminal underworld after his oddball friends (Christopher Walken and Sam Rockwell) kidnap a gangster's (Woody Harrelson) beloved Shih Tzu.

Box office Success 
The budget for this movie was an estimated  $15,000,000 and it made $4,174,915 in the first weekend alone. 

The Appeal to the Audience 
The audience of this film may be familiar to the director, Martin Mcdonagh, as many of him films he writes himself and they all have similarities, including a certain type of humor  The film also comes across quite mysterious based apon advertisement and trailers, so some may go veiw it to understand the movie. 
Awards and Nominations 
Bafta 
  • Outstanding British Film
Independent Spirit Awards  
  • Best Screenplay - Martin McDonagh 
  • Best Supporting Male - Sam Rockwell 
In total, the film has won 3 awards and has had 9 nominations 

Bafta Research - Les Miserables Case Study

Plot 

In 19th-century France, Jean Valjean, known as Prisoner 24601, is released from prison and breaks parole to create a new life for himself while evading the grip of the persistent Inspector Javert. Set in post-revolutionary France, the story reaches resolution against the background of the June Rebellion.

Box Office Success 

The budget for the movie was an estimated $61,000,000 and ended up making $27,281,735 in its opening weekend alone. 

It's Appeal to it's Audience 
The movie is part of the musical genre, and therefore appeals to people interested in the art of production. The story was originally a west end show, so therefore making it into a movie makes it cheaper and more helpful as more people are more likely to go to their local cinema to see the movie rather than traveling all the to London to see the production.

Awards 
Oscars

  • Best Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling - Lisa Westcott, Julie Dartnell  
  • Best Achievement in Sound Mixing - Andy Nelson, Mark Paterson, Simon Hayes 
  • Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role - Anne Hathaway
Bafta 
  • Make Up & Hair - Lisa Westcott, Julie Dartnell  
  • Sound - Andy Nelson, Mark Paterson, Simon Hayes 
  • Supporting Actress - Anne Hathaway 

Bafta Research - The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel Case Study

Plot 

The film follows British retirees traveling to India to take up residence in what they believe is a newly restored hotel. Less luxurious than its advertisements, the Marigold Hotel nevertheless slowly begins to charm in unexpected ways.

Box Office Success 

The budget for the movie was an estimated $10,000,000 which resulted in the movie making $737,051 in it's opening weekend alone. 


It's Appeal to the Audience 
Like many films such as One Day and Confessions of a Shopaholic, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel was originally a book which was adapted into a film. This was mostly aimed at readers who have read the book as it gives them a chance to see the visuals in the way the production company interpreted it. The amount of well known and praised actors within the movie also helped make it appealing as the have previously been in loved films, so it gives a chance that this film could also be loved. The fact it is set in India may appeal to audiences who are interesting in finding out about different cultures. 

Awards and Nominations
Bafta
  • Outstanding British Film - John Madden, Graham Broadbent, Peter Czernin, Ol Parker  
British Independent Film Awards  
  • Best Actress - Judi Dench 
  • Best British Independent Film
  • Best Director - John Madden  
  • Best Supporting Actor - Tom Wilkinson 
  • Best Supporting Actress - Maggie Smith  

Bafta Research - Anna Karenina Case Study

Plot

Set in late-19th-century Russia high-society, the aristocrat Anna Karenina enters into a life-changing affair with the affluent Count Vronsky.

Box Office Success
The budget for the movie was £31 million. The film made $53,681,081 at the box office 

It's Appeal to it's Audience


This movie was originally a book, which was very successful and well known. It was then adapted into a movie which was also successful. Poeple who are familair with the books are more likely to go and see if a movie of it if they have read to, as they are intrigued at how the characters, setting and plot devleops visually. When someone reads a book, they are left to imagine it themeselves in their minds, but now they can see how it was betrayed by a production company. Book adaptations are very successful, with the likes of The Hunger Games, The Twilight Saga, and Harry Potter becoming global boxoffice takers by signifacnts amounts.

Awards and Nominations

Oscars
  • Best Achievement in Costume Design - Jacqueline Durran  (won)
  • Best Acheivement in Music Written for a Montion Picture, Orginal Score - Dario Marianelli  (nominated)  
  • Best Achievement in Cinematography - Seamus McGarvey (nominated)
  • Best Achievement in Production Design - Sarah Greenwood (production designer) Katie Spencer (set decorator) (nominated)
Baftas 
  • Costume Design - Jacqueline Durran (won) 
  • Cinematography - Seamus McGarvey (nominated)
  • Make Up & Hair - Ivana Primorac (nominated)
  • Original Music - Dario Marianelli 
  • Outstanding British Film - Joe Wright, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Paul Webster, Tom Stoppard

Comparing and Contrasting the BAFTA and Oscar Winners. Analysis and Perspective on the 'Britishness' of the films

British Oscar Winners

Daniel Day-Lewis (actor in a leading role winner) -  Daniel Day-Lewis is an English actor. He is known for staring in films such as; There will be Blood, Gangs of New York, The last of the Mohicans, and Lincoln. He has won 88 awards in his career including 3 Oscars and 4 Baftas, as well as having 33 nominations.

Searching for Sugar Man (Documentary Feature Winner) - A Swedish/British documentarydirected by Malik Bendjelloul, which details the efforts of two Cape Town fans in the late nineteen-nineties, Stephen 'Sugar' Segerman and Craig Bartholomew Strydom, to find out if the rumoured death of American musician Sixto Rodriguez was true, and, if not, to discover what had become of him. Rodriguez's music, which never took off in the United States, had become wildly popular in South Africa, but little was known about him there. It also won a Bafta for best documentary in the same month.

Skyfall (Music) -  Skyfall is the featured song from the movie, Skyfall, which is part of the James Bond series. It is sung by British singer, Adele, who also wrote the song. Not only did the song win the oscar, but also the best British single at the Brits in the same month. Skyfall, the movie, also won an oscar for sound editing.


All together, there was around 4 British winners at the Oscars, whilst there was around 8 British winners at the Baftas. This may be because the Baftas is a British award ceremony, where as the Oscars in slightly more international based, despite the fact that it is held in America. However, the awards the Brits won at the Oscars are more main awards that more people follow, such as best actor or documentary, which honour the film more as a whole, rather than winning awards like best cinematography or best production design, which were won by Brits at the Baftas. This part of a movie, although important, do not make the movie as effective as the actor and are not noticed as much by a non media enthusiast. poeple consider the actor or director make the movie British rather than the production design for example.

Monday, 25 February 2013

Bafta Research - Skyfall Case Study

Plot
When Bond's latest assignment goes gravely wrong and agents around the world are exposed, MI6 is attacked forcing M to relocate the agency. These events cause her authority and position to be challenged by Gareth Mallory (Ralph Fiennes), the new Chairman of the Intelligence and Security Committee. With MI6 now compromised from both inside and out, M is left with one ally she can trust: Bond. 007 takes to the shadows - aided only by field agent, Eve (Naomie Harris) - following a trail to the mysterious Silva (Javier Bardem), whose lethal and hidden motives have yet to reveal themselves.

Box Office Success 
The movie was the top grossing film of last year, making £102 million at the box office 

It's Appeal to the Audience 
James Bond is a global icon, with its movie series extremely well known and instantly recognisable. Any addition added to the series is an instant success, and leaves opportunities to leave cliffhangers, and therefore make audiences feel inclined to watch the squeal. Also, soundtrack is an important part of a bond movie, with big names recording the title song. For Skyfall, Adele recorded the bond song, which sold millions worldwide, which resulted in the movie being equally successful. 

Award Nominations

OSCAR's
Best Cinematography - Roger Deakins
Best Original Score - Thomas Newman 
Best Original Song - Paul Epworth and Adele's Skyfall
Best Sound Editing - Per Hallberg and Karen Baker Landers 
Best Song Mixing - Scott Millan, Greg P. Russell and Stuart Wilson 


BRIT Awards
Best British Single - Adele
British (Song) Producer of the Year - Paul Epworth


BAFTA's
Best British Film - Skyfall
Best Actor in a Supporting Role - Javier Bardem
Best Actress in a Supporting Role - Judi Dench
Best Editing - Stuart Baird
Best Cinematography - Roger Deakins
Best Production Design - Dennis Gassner
Best Original Music - Thomas Newman
Best Sound - Skyfall 



Friday, 22 February 2013

BAFTA Research - British Winners Information

Lisa Westcott - Make up and hair in 2013 Winner 
Lisa Westcott has done hair and make up in films such as; Captain America:the first avenger, Shakespeare in Love and From Hell. She won this award for her work seen in Les Miserables.   She has won 4 BAFTAs in total, and is also nominated for an Oscar this year. 

Jacqueline Durran - Costume Design in 2013 Winner
Jacqueline studied history of design at the Royal College of Art. She has worked on Atonement, Pride and Prejudice and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, but won the BAFTA for Great Expectations. She is nominated for an Oscar, and has previously won and been nominated for 4.

Bart Layton - Deubt for a British Director, Writer, or produce 2013 winner 
Bart Layton is a producer of documentaries such as; banged up abroad, The trouble with black men, and 16 for a day. He won the Bafta for the imposter. He was also nominated the same year for another award.

Juno Temple - EE Rising Star Winner 
Juno Temple is a British actress who was in films such as St Trinnians, Little Birds, The Dark Knight Rises, and Atonement. Her first acting role was in Virgo:Passion for Life. This was her first award. 

   

BAFTA Research - Tessa Ross

Tessa Ross CBE (born 1961), is a BAFTA award winning UK film executive who is the Controller of Film and Drama at Channel 4. She is also a director of the Royal National Theater and a governor of the National film and Television School. She is known for exclusivity producing films such as Billie Elliott, The Last King of Scotland, Slumdog Millionaire, The Iron Lady, and four Lions. She also received the award for the most outstanding British Contribution to cinema at the 2013 BAFTA awards. Ross is the controller of Film and Drama at film 4. 

5 Questions I would ask Tessa Ross

  • what is your favourite movie that you have worked on and why?
  • What skills did you need to get where you are now?
  • Why did you decide to work for a British company?
  • How did it feel winning a BAFTA?
  • Was it more rewarding that it was presented by Danny Boyle?

BAFTAS 2013 - Research


  • What is BAFTA? - The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) helps support and develop films, television and video games by rewarding achievements and efforts  
  • who won what? 
 Adapted Screenplay in 2013      Silver Linings Playbook, David O. Russell
Make-Up And Hair in 2013          Les Miserables, Lisa Westcott 
- Animated Film in 2013                 Brave, Mark Andrews, Brenda Chapman
Original Film Music in 2013         Skyfall, Thomas Newman 
Cinematography in 2013             Life of Pi, Claudio Miranda 
- Original Screenplay in 2013        Django Unchained, Quentin Tarantino
- Costume Design in 2013            Anna Karenina, Jacqueline Durran 
-Outstanding Contribution to Cinema        Tessa Ross
- Film Director in 2013                   Ben Affleck, Argo
- Outstanding British Film in 2013              Skyfall
- Documentary in 2013                   Searching for Sugar Man
Outstanding Debut in by a British Writer, Director or Producer Bart Layton, Dimitri Doganis,The Imposter
 This is only a selected few. Source: http://awards.bafta.org/award/2013/film




ESSAY-Who owns the most Power in Terms of What Films get Made and Seen?

In all, there are many factors behind a film's success. this includes the audience/consumer, the studio or production, the writers, the star/director, and the companies behind the disruption. 

The audience is where the income comes from. If nobody goes to see it, the film will not be successful  and this is a main factor. However, many people now days are downloading films illegally at home and are not contributing to the film's income This is why target audience and special effects come into play. For example, documentary, Justin Bieber: Never Say Never, was made to meet the needs of Bieber's fans all over the world, therefore producing a big income. Producers knew that fans would pay for the full movie experience if it involved their idol. A back up plan was also made incase some fans where more likely to download it for free, and that was making the movie 3D, therefore improving the movie experience only available at the cinema. It worked as well, with the film making $30 million on its opening weekend in the US alone. This proves that target audience is very important.

Distribution companies are vitally important as without them, films will not be available for the audience to watch. They also consider target audience. If a British film is made, containing British humor, it may only be shown in the UK rather than worldwide.

A well known main actor or director may play another role. If someone is a fan of an actor/director, they will go see their knew movie to see their newest work. This is similar to the technique seen in Justin Bieber: Never Say Never. 

However, production companies, in my opinion, are the most vital stage in the success of a movie. This is because they are the ones that plan the movie and sort out things such as target audience, budget, actors, storyline, setting and plan the distribution of the movie. Most importantly, they invest in the movie itself and decide to make it. 

So in conclusion, I think production companies make the movie a success. The audience is also important, but with illegal ways of watching movies for free, they are avoiding contributing to the movie's income. 'Netflix' ,although gives some money to the production company, doesn't let them receive the full amount. Without the production company, there is no film.  

Tuesday, 29 January 2013

Case Study on a British Film - Slumdog Millionaire

Plot
Accused of cheating and desperate to prove his innocence, an eighteen-year-old orphan from the slums of Mumbai reflects back on his tumultuous life while competing to win 20 million rupees on India's Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. Throughout the film, life in an Indian slum is revealed and presented and the audience understands an idea of the feelings of the people who live in such poor conditions. 

What Makes this Film British? 
Although it is often mistaken for an Indian movie, Slumdog Millionaire is in fact a British production. Obviously, the film is not set in India, but the fact that the movie is spoken in English shows that it is aimed at a English speaking audience. The director, Danny Boyle, is obviously British and he is also well known for directing the British Olympic opening ceremony. One of the main production companies, Film 4, is also British. 

Box Office Success  
The budget for Slumdog Millionaire was an estimated £15,000,000 and in the opening weekend the movie brought in £1,827,457 in the UK alone

It's Appeal to the Audience
The film follows the classic rags to riches theme which many movies have tried yet failed to make a significant effect on the audience. However, being based on a real aspect of life such as the slums makes the audience feel much more aware of the real situation these people are in and how much more it would mean for them to win this amount of money. It also attracts people eager to learn about different cultures.

Reviews 
Peter Bradshaw, a reviewer for the guardian said "it's got punch and narrative pizzazz: a strong, clear, instantly graspable storyline that doesn't encumber itself with character complexity, and the cinematography by Anthony Dod Mantle is tremendous. It's definitely got that quirky-underdog twinkle and the silverware glint of awards can't be far away."
Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2009/jan/09/slumdog-millionaire-review-danny-boyle

Awards and Nominations 
Source: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1010048/awards

Oscars that were won: Best Achievement in Cinematography, Best Achievement in Directing, Best Achievement in Film Editing, Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Score, Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Song, Best Achievement in Sound Mixing, Best Motion Picture of the Year, Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay
Oscar nominations: Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Song, Best Achievement in Sound Editing
The movie was recongised for many other awards, but from the amount of oscars alone, there is a strong sense of the success of the film and production. 

Distributions and Marketing
Marketing: Logistics: An online marketing was used to build awareness with the public, this included a viral, a widget and a trailer.
Target Audience: The target audience was Indian movie goers, Danny Boyle enthusiasts
Strategy:They targeted their audience by developing a PPC campaign in the major UK search engines targeting searches interested in: Pathe, Bollywood, Danny Boyle, Slumdog and Indie movies. Tug launched targeted banners across the Google content Network to build awareness of the film on a 'cost per click' model.