The document discusses the British film Kick Ass, including its production and promotion. It notes that after being rejected by studios, director Matthew Vaughn independently raised the budget and sold the film back to Universal for more than the original offer. While the film was considered a box office disappointment in the US, it was seen as a British film given its British director, writers, producer, actors and locations. The film references popular websites of the time and was screened at an annual film event in December 1999 to promote it.

1. What is Kick Ass about? LO: To explore Kick Ass as a British film and research the film’s production and promotion Released 26 March 2010

2. After being rejected by every studio they approached, Matthew Vaughn raised the budget at a dinner party and made the movie independently. Vaughn ultimately sold the movie to Universal for more than he had originally asked them for. TRUE OR FALSE?

3. After being rejected by every studio they approached, Matthew Vaughn raised the budget at a dinner party and made the movie independently. Vaughn ultimately sold the movie to Universal for more than he had originally asked them for. TRUE Production Budget $28 million Gross revenue: $56.3 million

4. So, Is Kick Ass a Brit flick?

5. Is Kick Ass a Brit flick? YES! British Director: Matthew Vaughn British writers: Jane Goldman, Matthew Vaughn British Producer: Matthew Vaughn (& Brad Pitt – co Producer) British actors: Aaron Johnson (lead), Mark Strong British locations: Various UK locations including Elstree Studios (& Canada locations) British content: X – comic book inspired fantasy set in USA

6. Kick-Ass extras Extended DVD version to be released – 18 mins extra Video game in production – iphone app and playstation Possibility of sequel

7. Orginally Kick-Ass was a 21 st Century Comic Book How would this help box office ratings?

8. Would you expect Kick Ass to do well globally? WHY???

9. Would you expect Kick Ass to do well globally? WHY??? FOR Famous British Director Comic book fans Mainstream genre: action/adventure/superheroes US stars attached e.g. Nicolas Cage, Brad Pitt Brad Pitt – co produced Distributed by Universal/Lionsgate Something new and extreme Appeal to the teenage audience AGAINST Unknown young actors Extreme violence and obscene language British writers Unknown male lead Title

10. Kick Ass reviews How has Kick Ass been received???

11. Kick Ass reviews How has Kick Ass been received???

12. Do you agree with this? Box office: Kick-Ass is considered a flop . The movie earned over $12 million internationally in advance of opening in the United States.[4][5] On its debut weekend in the United States, took in an $19.8 million in 3,065 theaters, averaging $6,444 per theater.[54] Kick-Ass was reported #1 only slightly ahead of How to Train Your Dragon in its Third week. The numbers included non-weekend preview earnings.[55] The opening week numbers were considered by analysts and the media to be a disappointment.[56][57]

13. Facts – What does this say about the film? Both the comic and the film reference popular contemporary web sites. Kick-Ass buys his costume on auction site eBay; the video of his fight is posted on YouTube; and he keeps in contact with his fans through social networking website MySpace.

14. Answer the following Q: 1. How do British films compete globally? Referencing a particular film you have studied, discuss stars, genre and anything else you feel is relevant.

15. Why has Hit-Girl been so controversial?

16. Kick Ass publicity – was screened at BNAT in Dec 1999 Butt-Numb-A-Thon (also known as BNAT) is an annual film marathon held every December since 1999. It is hosted by Harry Knowles of the Ain't it Cool News website in celebration of his birthday. This mini-festival shows 24 hours of vintage films as well as premieres.

17. HOMEWORK Find out how Kick Ass was marketed What mediums were used? How was it promoted, publicised and advertised? Anything unusual or interesting? DUE Thurs!