3. 24/4/14 Section B Technique
1/5/14 Section A Revision
8/5/13 Section A Technique
Monday 12th of May – Exam Revision
4. http://nealewadefilmstudies.blogspot.co.uk/
Section A
Essay plan for each framework, including specific examples of the
use of technical elements.
Practice writing at least one full answer.
Section B
Rise of Blockbuster – write your answer to two topics.
21st Century Film – write your answer to two topics.
If you want me to look at any essays or essay plans give them to me or
email me jhibbert@neale-wade.org
REVISION
5. You must answer two questions in this section. Answer one
question from The Rise of the Blockbuster topic, and one
question from the 21st Century Cinema topic. You should
spend 1 hour 10 minutes on this section in the exam, roughly
35 minutes for each question in this section.
SECTION B
6. You must answer one question from this topic. You will be given
a choice of two questions from these three areas:
the emergence of the multiplex/megaplex cinemas in out-of-
town locations/shopping centres/retail parks in the UK and
the decline of city/town centre ‘fleapit’ cinemas*
the arrival of ‘blockbuster’ films and related sequels, e.g. The
Godfather (1972), Jaws (1975), Star Wars (1977), Superman
(1978) and the ensuing developments in production,
distribution and exhibition
the dawning of the home video age, format wars (VHS and
Betamax), the moral panic about uncensored and unregulated
content and the ensuing move to statutory regulation of film
in the home.*
THE RISE OF THE BLOCKBUSTER, FORMAT
WARS AND MULTIPLEXES (1972-84)
7. You must answer one question from this topic. You will be given
a choice of two questions from these three areas:
the roll out of the UK’s digital cinema network and the impact
for audiences and institutions*
the take up of broadband, internet piracy and the
opportunities and threats posed to institutions and audiences
from legal and illegal means of distribution and exhibition
the revival of 3D - the impact of films such as Avatar
(2009) in driving the ‘new’ 3D and consideration of the
possible longevity of 3D or other future developments.*
DEVELOPMENTS IN 21ST CENTURY
CINEMA AND FILM (2000-PRESENT)
8. Assessment Criteria Level 4 (23-30 marks)
Excellent knowledge and understanding of industrial and social
practice linked to audience behaviours.
Excellent application of historical, sociological, economic and
technological factors to the set question demonstrating insight
and depth.
Offers a full range of examples of industrial and social practice,
demonstrating excellent knowledge and understanding and a
confident ability to link examples to the demands of the set
question.
A clearly relevant, sustained and sophisticated response to the
set question.
Use of film terminology is confident, frequent and consistently
accurate
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
9. In your answers to Section B you need to consider the following three
areas:
Sociological context
The input and impact of regulators, pressure groups, government
bodies and departments, and social events and trends.
Economic context
Audience pressure evidenced by box office receipts, cinema
admission figures, viewing figures, government levies and subsidies.
Technological context
The state of technological development at that time in each topic area
and how the available technology has been improved through
innovation and development. The impact of technological innovation on
film production, distribution and exhibition.
10. the arrival of ‘blockbuster’ films and related sequels, e.g. The
Godfather (1972), Jaws (1975), Star Wars (1977), Superman
(1978) and the ensuing developments in production,
distribution and exhibition
What issues would you discuss in this question?
What factors led to the rise of blockbuster films in the late
1970s? [30]
11. Post-war decline of Hollywood
Movie Brats of 1970s
Jaws
Star Wars
Franchises – Indiana Jones
Sociological factors – decline of cinemagoing, audience
response to event cinema – franchises.
Economic factors – economic success of Jaws and Star Wars
influenced shift towards producing blockbuster films.
Technological factors – blockbusters increasingly reliant on
special effects – developments in special effects and later
CGI.
RISE OF THE BLOCKBUSTER
12. What factors led to the rise of blockbuster films in the late 1970s? [30]
Introduction – Emergence of blockbuster movie in the 1970s a result of a number
of sociological and economic factors, which had a lasting impact on the
production, marketing, and distribution of Hollywood films.
Context – Post-war decline, 1970s auteurs and movie brats.
Jaws – set template for classic summer blockbuster
• Pre-sold product
• Summer release
• Wide release
• Saturation marketing generating hype
• Merchandise, commercial tie-ins, ancillary revenue (synergy in the future).
• Hugely successful ($100 million US box office).
• Sequelization
Star Wars – replicated model and success of Jaws, event cinema, spectacle
(special effects).
Implications – shift to franchises, event cinema, pre-sold product, saturation
advertising, merchandising, synergy – model still used for major Hollywood
releases (e.g. Avengers – brief mention, focus of this essay is HISTORICAL).
Brief conclusion – economic factors, sociological factors, technological factors.
