2. Homework essay – due Thursday 3rd March
Research the production, distribution and exhibition of
two films (no more than 3 years old). DO NOT CHOOSE
ILL MANORS OR IRON MAN 3.
Pick one from Revolver Entertainment, and one from
Walt Disney.
Answer the following question:
In what ways does the production, distribution and
exhibition of a film impact / effect the film’s success?
1000-2000 words
3. Content
• What is ‘content’ in media?
• Write a definition in less than 15 words…
4. Proliferation in hardware and content
• We need to be able to define and
understand the terms:
• PROLIFERATION
• HARDWARE
• CONTENT
5. Proliferation in hardware and content
• CONTENT – information and experiences that provide value
for the end-user / audience
• E.g. internet, TV, CD, DVD, live event
• Content also refers to products/services designed to advertise
the film – trailers, posters, websites, merchandising, etc.
• PROLIFERATION – vast amount of products sold in different
mediums. These are produced by the industry for
consumption for audiences.
• This starts with the film itself – cinemas, streamed, DVD /
Blu-ray
6. High and low concept films
• HIGH CONCEPT – artistic work, easily pitched,
succinct premise. Usually a ‘what if?’ premise. Often
associated with summer blockbusters.
• LOW CONCEPT – concerned with character
development, subtle, not easily summarised. Most
indies.
7. Staggered release vs simultaneous release
• RELEASE WINDOWS – releasing films in different formats at
different times
• Cinema
• DVD / Blu-ray
• TV / VoD
• Designed to maximise profits made by film companies at
each stage
• SIMULTANEOUS – releasing films on a range of formats at the
same time
• Offer different benefits to viewing, e.g. satellite Q&A with
director/cast, extra features, intro and interviews
8. Research
• Research the films released by Film4 (who made Ex
Machina) and Village Roadshow Pictures (who co-
produced Mad Max: Fury Road)
• Are there any trends in what they produce?
• Genres / directors / franchises / target audience?
• Do they produce high / low concept films?
9. Case study research task
Start to research the film Ex_Machina and Mad Max: Fury Road.
Find out about the following:
• Producers/ Production companies
• Director
• Screen writer
• Actors
• Budget
• Screens shown on
• Box office figures
• Music (composer of score/ soundtrack)
• Marketing (teaser trailers, trailers, posters, websites etc)
• SFX (special effects - technology used)
• Any issues (do some research here!)
10. Case study research task
Licencing
Who licensed Ex Machina in the UK and how much did it cost?
Who licensed Ex Machina in the US and how much did it cost?
Was Ex Machina an example of vertical or horizontal integration?
Who licensed Mad Max Fury Road in the UK and how much did it cost?
Who licensed Mad Max Fury Road in the US and how much did it cost?
Was Kill List an example of vertical or horizontal integration?
Marketing
What was the release date for Ex Machina in the UK?
Which major films appear in its UK release window?
What was the release date for Ex Machina in the US?
Which major films appear in its US release window?
What was the release date for Mad Max Fury Road in the UK?
Which major films appear in its UK release window?
What was the release date for Mad Max Fury Road in the US?
Which major films appear in its US release window?
Distribution
How many screens was Ex Machina released on in the UK?
How many screens was Ex Machina released on in the US?
When did Ex Machina screen at your nearest cinema?
How long was its theatrical run in the UK?
How many screens was Mad Max Fury Road released on in the UK?
How many screens was Mad Max Fury Road released on in the US?
When did Mad Max Fury Road screen at your nearest cinema?
How long was its theatrical run in the UK?
