Successful media products depend on both good production and effective marketing and distribution. This document provides feedback and guidance to students on analyzing how production quality and distribution strategies contributed to the success of specific films like Mad Max and Ex Machina within their target audiences. Students are prompted to consider debates around these factors and how they relate to achieving financial, critical, or recognition-based success.

1. “Successful media products depend as much upon
marketing and distribution to a specific audience as they
do upon good production practices”.
To what extent would you agree with this statement,
within the media area you have studied?
Responding to feedback

2. Whole class feedback
We ALL need to be clearer on WHO would watch
the film (the audience) and WHY (what do they
enjoy – the stars, the stunts, the story, the
similarity)?
We ALL need to be clearer on HOW a film is
released and WHY?
We ALL need to provide more specific examples of
production (WHAT is in the film) and WHY this
appeals to the audience?

3. Whole class feedback
Make sure every section of your essay links back to
‘success’.
Remember success can be
• Financial (money earned – link to Mark Kermode’s
blockbuster rules)
• Critical (awards – link to high production values e.g.
SFX and costume)
• Critical (recognition for actors and/or directors rather
than financial recognition – link to future appearances
in Star Wars for Ex Machina stars)

4. Debates to consider
Did Mad Max’s issues in production mean that
producers had to spend more in marketing to
convince audiences that the film wouldn’t be
terrible?
Was Mad Max a typical blockbuster or did it
challenge the rules of action films (hero male,
weak female, simple plot, pg rating, family
friendly, romantic sub plot)?

5. Debates to consider
Is it worth making ‘British’ films?
Is action more important than plot?
Does more money equal a ‘better’ film?

6. Audience - use this slide to identify the audience for
Mad Max and Ex Machina
Mainstream: Unlikely ever to view anything other than
major Hollywood style blockbusters.
Mainstream plus: Generally mainstream but apt to see
less mainstream films on a few occasions.
Aficionados: Tend to view a mix of films including major
foreign language titles and can be encouraged to become
even more adventurous in their viewing choices.
Film buffs: Eschew mainstream films in favour of more
extreme, esoteric challenging and difficult subject
matter/ specialised films.

7. Distribution – use this slide to identify the release
patterns for Ex-Machina and Mad Max
Wide release - most common. Film is released
nationwide in all markets (US, EU, UK etc)
Modified wide release – film will open in a few
markets and will increase week by week to allow
positive word of mouth
Exclusive and limited run – Film will only run in
major cities
Territorial saturation – Releasing in one area
(nation) on as many screens as possible before
moving to the next territory.

8. Evidence
Use your 100 facts post (as well as my blog) to
find the evidence to back up every point you
make.