This document discusses the key elements that make an international blockbuster film successful. It argues that blockbusters rely on familiar franchises, stars with box office track records, directors and producers with reputations for big budget spectacles, globally accessible stories featuring universal themes like good vs evil, love interests, and saving the world from disaster, as well as simple characterizations and avoidance of offending cultural norms. Visual effects, big productions, and extensive branding and merchandising are also cited as important to blockbuster appeal and financial success on a global scale.

1. The Anatomy of a Blockbuster AS Film Studies

2. Blockbuster More than financial But it is key Profit Box office receipts

3. Blockbuster What makes a punter got to the cinema Discuss

4. Task 1 What are the elements which make an international blockbuster? Franchise Literature Other source

5. Stars Expensive Guarantee?

6. Producer/Director Reputation Style Guarantee?

7. Global appeal Main issue is accessible to all Weather Global warming Love story

8. Global Appeal Gay cowboys do not fill cinemas

9. Good v Evil

10. Good v Evil

11. Culture neutral Offends no body Assumes no cultural knowledge

12. Get it wrong? Eg Brassed off Kes Local Hero

13. Simple characterisations Easy to understand Straightforward Understandable Uses stereotypes Does not mess with stereotypes

14. Stereotypes

15. Save the world Universal interest Avert disaster Save mankind

16. Love interest Love universal Sex sells Romeo and Juliet Love against the odds

17. CGI,Big production, pyrotechnics

18. CGI,Big production, pyrotechnics

19. Visual vs dialogue

20. Branding Helps continuity Note

21. Merchandise Additional income