This document outlines the requirements for an essay on the statement "Neither audiences, nor producers need film stars anymore." It lists several areas that must be discussed in the essay, including star theory concepts, a case study of a specific film star, how stars create audience expectations through similar roles, franchises, and alternatives to cinema. The document provides guidance on an essay structure, requiring discussion of star qualities for a chosen star, analysis of film trailers, impacts of franchises and video games, and use of quotes from provided readings.

1. You MUST comment on ALL of the following
areas:
• Christine Gledhill
• Stars as Capital Value
• Stars as Constructs
• Stars as Deviant
• Stars as Cultural Value
• Star Qualities and how they create:
• Character ‘Types’
• Audience expectations
• What are the positives of stars playing
similar roles again and again? Think of
how this may benefit audiences and
producers. What are the potential
negatives of this?
• Ideological Perspectives – How can stars
reinforce this?
Essay plans
You MUST comment on ALL of the following
areas:
• Expanded Universes…
• How do Franchises offer a greater, more
demanding experience?
• Franchises
• Decline of Star Appeal
• Sleeper Curve Theory
• Greater number of alternatives to cinema
• Ideological elements?
• Are we looking for fantastical heroes
to escape from our own reality?
• Video Games
You must include case studies of film stars
You must also use quotes from the articles
you have read!
‘Neither audiences, nor producers need film stars anymore’
How far do you agree with this statement?

2. 1. Pick a Star to use as a case study
Parts 1 & 2
2. Using a film star of your
choice, research the four
points of Star Theory and
create a portfolio of their
work
Work through each slide
ensuring you have EXAMPLES
and evidence for every point
raised by Christine Gledhill

3. 3. Identify your chosen stars ‘STAR
QUALITIES’ and list them
Part 3 & 4
Analyse three of their film trailers and make a list
of the star qualities that are used in the marketing
of the films.
Then explain how these trailers create
EXPECTATIONS – what do they promise the
audience.
Discuss both the negative & positive aspects of the
trailers and the expectations they create.
Do they promise a new experience for the
audience?
Or do they promise the same things?
What are the pro’s and con’s of using stars this
way?
4. Franchises
Research a franchise and consider how the
franchise appeals to audiences.
Discuss the concept that films are becoming more
demanding, that audiences desire more complex
films and they are replacing stars as the main
appeal of a film.
During this section you must:
• Quote ‘Sleeper Curve’ hand out
• Discuss the impact of video games as an
alternative to cinema
• Discuss how games are creating a more
sophisticated audience – then link this to
franchise filmmaking
• Discuss the significance of ideologies – why are
we looking for films that offer escapism etc?