Legal & Ethical report (taking The Force Awakens into consideration)

1. LEGAL & ETHICAL
REPORT
BY DARCY WARWICK

2. WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF THESE THEORIES ON
OUR AUDIENCE?
Theory/effect – Hypodermic needle theory
The hypodermic needle theory is a linear communication model which is designed to imply a direct message onto a passive audience’s mind. In response to this
the audience should receive the direct message from the communicator (or mass media) and accepts the message and ideas with which it presents. Throughout
the film; some direct messages may be noticed and supported by some audience members (some messages may include the typical story narrative of good fights
evil to triumph), however some messages might be missed or individual audiences may react differently to the message given by the media
Theory/effect – Two step flow
This next format of communication between mass media and potential audiences is that of the ‘two -step flow methodology’. This theory states/suggests that ideas generated by the mass
media transitions onto opinion leaders who then increase the awareness of the message by passing onto a wider population of audience. This could be used effectively by the Force
Awakens marketing or production team by allowing leaks and sponsored activity by cast and opinion leaders directly appealing to audiences prior to release which could aid the film
reviewing rate.

3. WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF THESE
THEORIES ON OUR AUDIENCE?
• Theory/effect – Uses and gratifications
This form of theory was created/founded in 1974 by Blumer Katz. They believed that there were 4 main features which persuaded potential target audiences to watch any form
of media:
• Surveillance – indicates that the audiences go to watch films as a way to gather information (in which they could possibly use in every day life). An example of this is weather
reports, news and other outlets of information.
• Diversion – The escape of every day. By soaking audiences into the characters and storyline you are guaranteed a higher appeal and audience range.
• Personal relationships – Using media for emotional and other interactions. Para-social is an example of this as it allows the audience to identify with the character on a
personal level.
• Personal identity – Discovering personal identity, style or self in reflected texts, imagery or sound within the mass media.
This theory is used throughout many of the Force Awakens outlets (such as marketing and final product). How it has met the surveillance criteria is by having an active social
media platform in which it is able to depict new news of the films production (both pre and post).
Diversion is played heavily within the films run by adding the sci-fi codes and conventions allows the audience to be taken from the everyday to the fabricated universe.
Personal relationships and personal identity are heavily relied upon in the Force Awakens. With the combination of inspiring character stories and life; the audience can reflect on
their own situation and draw personal discovery or perhaps a new awakening from the film.

4. WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF THESE
THEORIES ON OUR AUDIENCE?
Theory/effect – Desensitisation
This theory presents the idea that if an audience member is subjected to a constant stream of violence, sex or other mature themes which
would previously upset or disturb, could lead may becoming desensitised to this. This could affect (in particular) the younger audience as
they are more susceptible to mature themes such as fight scenes. However, what The Force Awakens has done in its mature scenes (Fight
scenes and other) is gloss over the gore and violence; so when it comes to the high budgeted fights scenes, it creates a more intense sense of
danger & violence (which creates a higher sense of excitement).
What are the positive effects of the force awakens on an audience?
One positive outcome/effect of the Force Awakens on the target audience is that it enables the audience to release from any troubles of day-to-day life and allows the audience to enjoy the
craft of film & its engaging storyline. In addition to the diversion effect (uses and gratification theory) the film creates the effect of placing the audience within the films storyline, scenery and
cast of characters (creating the effect of person-identity within the Force Awakens) this makes the audience feel apart of the story and allows them to feel acceptance when watching the film
(which is a good effect for the films success).
What are the negative effects of the force awakens on an audience?
With most films, they suffer from unrealistic realities which it presents to the audience and its viewers. This can be seen as both negative and positive effects, a positive effect being that it
allows for escapism to take place (or diversion) from life, however looking into this further if the viewer wishes to see this fabricated world (The Force Awakens universe) as a compromise to
a world of that of their own, it could darken the enjoyment of the film as the viewers desire for this to become reality is unrealistic and could emphasis that division (between reality and
fantasy) coursing the opposite of the diversion effect.

5. WHAT ISSUES OF REPRESENTATION MIGHT OCCUR?
Who/what is being represented Why has the institution represented them in that way Would this be considered a positive or negative
representation- explain
Race – variety of races within the film (Finn & Po) to show
an all-inclusive community/cast within the film.
The institution has created a diversity within the films
cast and has brought a modern take onto the mixture of
the cast. This could have been done due to the institution
wanting to involve other ethnicities, which creates the
sense of a collective/more involved film with its audience.
Looking at this I can infer that this would be a positive
outcome to the films popularity as it would show a more
collective community around the Star Wars franchise.
Gender – updated version of Princess Leia to show a
strong independent woman (and another version of this in
ray)
The film represents the ability of a strong female or male
to rise to equal standing, this is done to influence the
audience in understanding that reflects equal society.
This should be considered positive and is an important
message for both the younger and older demographic.
Age – old returning characters as well as new characters
(representing old & newer target audience)
Within the film there is considerable range of different ages
which are represented by the returning characters as well as
the newer characters to the storyline. The institution has
crafted this to extended the fan base to a younger crowd but
also bridge the gap between older and newer fans.
This is a positive as it extends the existing fanbase
(allowing the budget for the next films to be higher as
there will be a wider audience in the future).
Sexuality – LGBT In consideration to sexuality, the film has avoided this theme
and is clearly evident as none of the characters are of the
LGBT community/categories
This outcome leans more towards the negative effects as it
excludes a wide portion of the population making many feel
not wanted and excluded.

6. DOES THE FILM PROVIDE TYPICAL MAINSTREAM
REPRESENTATIONS OR DOES IT OFFER SOMETHING THAT
CHALLENGES SOCIETY?
Controversy over the race of one of the lead actors (Finn) caused a lot of interesting
discussion among critics, one of which being that Finn doesn’t fit in with the
stereotypical image of previous Stormtroopers. Whilst many fans believe it
demonstrates more equality among the films, others disagree and believe that there
was no need for change as it did not fit in with the plotline and no need for hassle.
Another display of conflicting views is the opinion that the lead actor should be male,
this was primarily raised by original fans as they believed a male should be
dominate in the film rather than a female (Rey).

7. WHAT ARE THE CURRENT DEBATES IN SOCIETY REGARDING
REPRESENTATION THAT COULD BE RELATED TO THE FILM?
One debate which has been raised about is that of the exclusion of the LGBT
community and its participation within the Star Wars universe and films. This is
an important part of society and due to the lack of seeing this within the films
created by Disney shows the lack of evolution. This has led to many discussions in
the view of how society has changed.

8. LEGAL & ETHICAL ISSUES
Legal Explain the issue: Example in relation to THE FORCE AWAKENS
Discrimination: The unjust or prejudicial treatment of different
classification of people, especially on the ground of race,
age and sex.
The Force Awakens has made effort to show no
discrimination within its scripting as it has included Finn’s
diverse ethnic background and Ray’s independent
characteristics.
Copyright: Copyright is “the exclusive and assignable legal right”,
given to the original creator for a fixed number of years, to
use at extent of print, publish, perform, film, record literary,
artistic or musical material. If this rule/contract is breached
then it could lead to possible law suits.
Things that are typically associated with the Star Wars
Franchise/universe (such as merchandise of lightsabres &
stormtroopers) are protected by the copyright laws, so
that these elements cannot be used in any other film or
other type of media, apart from that of the Star Wars
franchise.
ETHICAL –Offensive material Explain the issue: Example in relation to THE FORCE AWAKENS
Violence/sex/language: Mature or offensive material incorporates “any publication
or broadcast content (articles, photographs, films or
websites) which may cause an upsetting, insulted or
intolerable effect to some or most people. Again, this
could incorporate a variety of language (suited unpleasant
or upsetting), nudity or violent images.
With the number of fight scenes within the Force
Awakens, it is key that not too much gore is displayed on
cameras/screens as to maintain that high percentage of
younger audience members (yet still be entertaining to the
older audience)
Children: As the most impressionable members of the Star Wars
community/society they are needed to have that extra
protection form mature themes such as nudity, foul
language and violence. This is prevented by the age
rating of the film as it helps guides children and parents
what they should be watching
As Star Wars is collectively owned by Disney, they need
to consider that most of their target audience percentage
is young children and need to insure to they do not include
too much offensive material (as they are more susceptible
to these types of images)

9. HOW DO THE LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS HAVE AN EFFECT
UPON THE MAKING OF THE FORCE AWAKENS?
A number of considerations needed to be looked out before scripting and
editing. One of which was not to include any elements (music, props or
symbols) which may breach the copyright regulations (unless given written
permission of the original creator or company). The Force Awakens was
copyrighted before its release so no one could infringe/steal ideas from the
storyline (protecting hard work form director, editors and production team).
Another legal consideration which needed to be reviewed before the films
release is the exclusion of discrimination, how this is executed is by
adding/including a number of ethnicities, genders, sexualities and other
communities which are displayed within our society. They have mostly
achieved this by casting the main male lead as black and the other main lead
as female (Finn & Rey).

10. REGULATORY BODIES
• Who are the BBFC? And what role do they play?
• The British Board of Film Classification, is a non-governmental organization, created/founded by the film industry in 1912 and responsible
for the general classification & censorship of films, television, programmes and other video/media format. They provide an age rating system
which allows audience to identify easily with what they or their children could watch (This is commonly seen in the rating of U, PG, etc).
• Why does the BBFC exist?
• The purpose of the BBFC organization was to standardise the ratings and give uniform film classification to all films in the UK. And any
film within the UK must have an age rating (By Law) for it to be released to viewers, by trying to sell videos and DVDs without an age
rating is against the law (so age rating needs to be displayed with any fil/media work, hence why age ratings are shown before films).
• What rules does the BBFC set that have to be followed by film makers and companies?
• After film makers or companies have finished the final film product, they must then have their film, video or other media format
confirmed/rated by the BBFC for it to be then reviewed in cinemas (this is generally to protect the audience from any subjects that they may
find upsetting).
• How do these rules have a direct effect on how a film is made?
• If a particular scene within a film (a fighting scene/mature scene) is noticeable it could raise the age rating to a higher position such as a 15
or higher. If the production team wishes for a wider audience they would want to consider editing/cutting this scene out as to decrease the
age rating position to a possible “U” rating.
• One guideline from the BBFC which states that “It is illegal to distribute, show or play to the public a recording of visual images or sounds
which are threatening, abusive or insulting if the intention is to stir up racial hatred or hatred on the grounds of sexual orientation, or if
racial hatred or hatred on the grounds of sexual orientation is likely to be stirred up” if the film is seen as unfair in excluding these different
communities within the film, it could be seen as a slight breach to this guideline as well as a negative impact to the film industry.