Working Titles is a British independent film production company that often works with public broadcasters like Film4 and the BBC to help secure funding for their films and guarantee distribution. As an independent company, Working Titles faces difficulties getting support from large media conglomerates for things like advertising and distribution. However, Working Titles tries to benefit from synergies by partnering with conglomerates for promotion, like showing their films on other channels. They have also adapted to new technologies like 3D films and online distribution to broaden their audiences and revenues.

1. INDEPENDENT FILM
COMPANY: WORKING TITLES

2. Media Ownership
Normally British productions are made by smaller
companies like Working titles, and work with Film 4 or the
BBC to try to secure extra funding and try to guarantee
them distribution to the audience.
Usually independent companies have difficulties with media
conglomerate due to many different factors. For example
money for advertising and distribution.
• An example is working titles spent for Bridget Jones Diary
was

3. Synergy & Cross Media Convergence
Working titles sometimes join with other media aspects to
promotion a production. By working with conglomerates it
benefits both companies, for example Bridget Jones’ diary is
shown constantly on ITV 3 or channel 4. This allows both parties
to benefit from this and gives the indie film more publicity.
However it is harder for independent film companies as they
have less money than the conglomerates. Conglomerates have
a higher budget which means they can advertising their products
on a bigger scale.
Another example is in the film Shaun of the Dead, in the credits
‘Universal’ is shown which is an example of synergy.

4. New Media Technologies
Working titles have used new media technologies in many
different ways. Firstly they have changed the amount of 3D
film is being made. This allows all the film producers to
make more money from a film in 3D and also that more
people will want to see it in cinema because is not the
same level in home viewing.
In 2010, 28 3D films were realised, which generated £241.8
million in the UK. This shows that the film producers are
adapting to change technology to suit the audience.

5. The Spread Of Technology
The spread of technology has increased over the last few
years. On the internet there are many websites that
independent films or trailers are posted for different
reasons. Either what to know the audiences’ comments or
cheaper marketing. Mainly to catch trailers individuals with
use YouTube as it is free and easy to use. This can also be
linked to social networking or blogging sites. The company
may want the audience to view their work, they can do this
by posting a link/tweeting so they can have the latest news.

6. Technological Convergence
For Working Titles, technological convergence have helped
them largely. This is the process where new technology is
moving towards single platforms. Most of working titles
films can be watched online websites and can be
downloaded on different types of devices e.g.
smartphone/iPod/PSP. On the website MP3.com
individuals can watch the films online which makes it easier
for the audience, this is also free publication.

7. Big Industries targeting British Audiences
Since the conglomerate target audience is on a bigger
platform it generates more money for them as it is targeted
at more than one type of audience. Independent budget is
much lower than one of the Big 6 for production. The focus
for an indie film is at an specific audience, which means
they would have to count on similar people and hoping they
draw in more audiences. An example is Shaun of the Dead
in the cinemas was a 15 to watch whereas Disney films are
usually 12A or parental guidance so anyone can watch
since there isn’t a limit.