AS Film Industry question from Great Baddow High School Media

Distribution- Task 10

Distributor's role:
They are responsible for marketing the film. The distribution company is usually different from the production company. Distribution deals are an important part of financing a film.

What's a distribution plan?
A distribution plan is created by the management of manufacturing business that specifies how the firm intends to transfer its products to intermediaries, retailers and end consumers. Larger companies involved in making products will usually also put together a detailed production distribution strategy to guide its entry into its intended market.


What's a P + A budget? (Print and Advertising)

What is the average distribution cost for a big six film? Between $3.5 billion and $4.0 billion a year in the United States alone.
What does the distribution budget include?
Advertisement, commercials, prints, press releases, online ads, radio, billboards.
What is a simultaneous release?

What is simultaneous release?

Simultaneous Release is the name given to an experimental new method of making movies available to consumers. The movie is released to cinemas and other channels such as DVD, internet and television, on or around the same date as cinemas.


What are some main distribution companies?
20th Century Fox Film Co. Ltd.
Aardman Animations
Artificial Eye
Axiom Films
Ayngaran International (Tamil films only)
Buena Vista International
Cinema International Corporation (CIC)
Columbia Pictures


Why is the release date crucial? As the target audiences need to be available so popular times like Christmas holidays and summer and good for blockbusters to come out.


What is self distribution?
People handing out leaflets or adverts promoting their film themselves. 

Another Sexuality Essay

How is the representation of sexuality constructed in this media video?

The clip has used a number of techniques by camera, mise en scene, editing and sound to create a representation of sexuality.

At the beginning of the clip the use of dialogue is interesting when the homosexual man is speaking to the woman. “You make a cosy couple” is suggested by the woman about the homosexual men, although, the homosexual man replies “I don’t think so”. The use of this dialogue is used to represent the contrast in feelings of sexuality between society (represented by the woman), and the homosexual man. The institution (ITV) ideology included the conversation context to show how homosexual men feel anxious and afraid to share their sexuality. However, ITV are suggesting that this is not against the stereotypical ‘norm’ as there is moral support of society comfort and understand.

Similarly, the use of non-diegetic music whilst the homosexual man is in his room is gloomy and sad. It emphasises the frustration and being ashamed of his own sexuality. This is further supported when the homosexual man is chucked out of the room and the non-diegetic music appears once again. It not only reinforces his frustration, but the representation of how homosexual men feel isolated in society.

Another use of sound is non diegetic music that builds up to show tension and the anger of the heterosexual man once been kissed. Again because of the era, the reaction represents the feelings towards homosexuals. It makes us aware of the apparent sexuality issue compared to the modern era where it is now seen by most people as acceptable.

The amount of screen time that the homosexual man receives in the clip actually subverts away from general stereotypes of their sexuality. We would expect the institution to put the homosexual man in a negative spotlight for the audience to feel empathy but this is actually a juxtaposition. It could be the institutional ideology that they fully support the sexuality and to inform viewers they should do as well.

Interestingly the order of narrative actually shows a clear representation of the homosexual sexuality. The fact that the homosexual characters switches between sad, happy and sad scenes connotes that whatever happens, he is always going to feel frustrated and upset with his own actions and thoughts. As an audience we wouldn’t attach these types of connotations around homosexual men which means the institution is informing us that sexuality doesn’t play a part in emotions.

When transitions speed up after the kiss it shows the disruption and the disjointedness of the continuity editing. When characters kiss as an audience we would expect the transitions (as well as pace) to slow down as this is what we are stereotypically associated with seeing. The fact that it does the opposite denotes the representation of some of society that are still against the sexuality and consider it to be a ‘disease’. It therefore brings us awareness of this type of attitude.

A wide angle, medium long shot is established by the director once the homosexual man has been shouted at and kicked out of the man’s room. The fact it shows all the surroundings and then just the homosexual man in the middle of the screen emphasises the feeling of isolation. The institution has incorporated the use of this shot to again feel empathy towards the homosexual man. Although, this could be debated, the fact that he is central of the shot applying the rule of thirds may still connote the importance homosexuals have in society. The fact that we as a society are not all identical brings difference and therefore this shot creates realisation of this.

The institutional ideology in this clip clearly conveys the anger and frustration of homosexual men as it is once again used by a mid-angle close up of the protagonists face. This is once he has gone up to his room and indicates the representation of homosexual male’s attitude towards societies opinions on same sex relationships. The influence this has on the audience is to inform that we should treat homosexual partnerships equally to heterosexual ones.

 The use of costume denotes the ‘smartness’ of the homosexual male character which in fact subverts away from the stereotypes of what homosexual men are typically portrayed to be wearing. As an audience we are used to the representation of what the sexuality to wear to be ‘revealing’ and ‘abstract’. This therefore connotes that how homosexual men are represented in the wrong way and are not dissimilar to the stereotypical ‘norm’ of how heterosexual males dress.

When the protagonist is in his room, the use of low key lighting is used to convey his mood which is clearly upset. The director has used this type of lighting to show the ‘shadow’ he and other homosexual men feel in society. The low key lighting also puts the mood of the audience dramatically down as we continue to feel sympathy for the man which is what the institution wants you to feel like.

Lastly, the props used are significant to the opposing representation of homosexual men. This is because as an audience we are not likely to attach these connotations with the use of the prop. A cigarette in the 50/60’s era was seen as a very ‘manly’ and ‘social’ thing to do, which would not be associated with homosexual use. This therefore brings to the attention that the institutional ideology ITV are trying to create is that homosexual’s representation shouldn’t be different because of their sexuality. Therefore, justifying that as a society we are all equal.

Torchwood Sexuality Essay

In the Torchwood clip there is camera, editing, sound and mise en scene to show the representation of sexuality,

Firstly, it is interesting how the BBC has included a shot that breaks the 180 rule when the two homosexual men are elegantly dancing with each other. This could denote that the homosexual men are 'breaking the rules' as the era appears to be in the 50's which was seen as non-existent to see. 

The use of a mid angle, close-up is to show the two men's emotions whilst stargazing in each others eyes, from when they come together and when Jack has to leave. The emotions signify how they seem completely confident in each others arms and show to show the clear bond. Which in fact subverts away from stereotypes as homosexual's are viewed to be more reluctant about their sexuality. 

There is a very important shot which is a wide shot with a mid angle when they are holding each other. This could of been used to show the isolation of them away from the other characters in the ballroom, which could represent the face of society towards same sex partnerships. 

The pace of the clip is significant to the representation of sexuality when the homosexual men are dancing with each other. It is interesting how the pace slows down dramatically and could even suggest the use of slow motion is used to further emphasize the romance. I feel this connotes that homosexuals can have romance too. 

The two homosexual men in fact actually get more screen time than any other characters in the clip. Even though there are heterosexual couples there which are seen as the 'norm' it actually subverts away from this stereotypical engagement. The BBC could of done this to promote that being in a homosexual relationship is completely normal as it hits a huge target audience which the institution have.

The use of slow-mo which creates the clear chemistry between Jack and his partner is used to show that just because their homosexuals that they can have love too. The use of slow-mo is stereotypically used in a heterosexual love scene which is again reiterating how a homosexual partnership shouldn't be differing from the 'norm'.

The opening scene is between two males characters in which the dialogue shows their difference of personality. One of the men expresses his emotions by using explicit language to the other man, "part-time shag". Although this language is offensive, the institution (BBC) may have used this to show the feelings of members of society that are still against homosexual partnerships. It actually creates empathy towards homosexuals and brings awareness to the audience.

The non diegetic on screen music is used when the two homosexual men slowly dance with each other and the audience can sense the clear connection of the two. The music is calm and romantic which is stereotypically expected from a love scene which is done by the BBC to show their is no difference in sexuality.

Another use of dialogue that could be seen as the 'voice' of some in society is when the two homosexual men begin to dance with each other. A man who is in a smart 'Army' costume confusingly states- "what is he doing?", which in the era it is based (50's/60's), was seen as almost a 'crime' to commit.

The mise en scene throughout actually subverts away from all stereotypes of homosexual behaviour and costume. The homosexual man that confidently walks over to Jack is wearing a smart Army uniform which would not stereotypically be associated with homosexual men. As an audience we are used to the representation being 'revealing' and 'tight' as a costume, this therefore shows how homosexual men are represented the wrong way and the institution makes us aware of this. This also applies to the 'look' of the actors which both male characters have masculine features.

The use of high-key lighting in the scene where the two men are kissing actually connotes the way they feel about each other. In a way it puts a positive light on the two men as they are the main focus of the scene which is unusual for homosexual men to be due to the 'negative spotlight' or connotations around homosexuals.

Terminology- Task 9

Mainstream - safe genre films that are distributed to mass, national and often international audiences

Independent - films that have more localised appeal and niche audiences and that often utilise digital technologies to create 'brand awareness'. Independent films do not have access to extensive distribution networks.

Production - the physical film making process

Distribution - getting the films out to cinemas and paying for the advertising and marketing

Exchange - OCR's commonly used terminology

Multinational Conglomerate - large organisations whose business interests are global, utilising synergy and convergence and also cross media ownership.

Monopoly - where one company dominates the market

Oligopoly - where four or more companies dominate the market

The Big Six - the four international organisations that dominate film distribution and form the oligopoly of ownership (owned by multi national conglomerates

Globalisation  - where films are distributed around the work through elaborate cross media networks

Horizontal Integration - where one media company acquires another media company in the same sector eg Vue acquiring Warner Village Cinemas in 2003

Vertical Integration - where the means or production and distribution are controlled by one company

Digital technologies - primarily this refers to how the internet has changed the industry including advertising through and on websites, online distribution, streaming, legal and illegal downloading eg. through YouTube (file sharing)

Synergy - where two or more compatible products sell each other eg. a film and CD (8 Mile)

Merchandising - where the popularity of film are manipulated through the sales of spinoff goods eg. t-shirts and associated clothing, wristbands, stickers, badges and mugs

Cross media ownership - where companies have interest in a range of media eg Sony and Gaming, film Distribution, electronic (media related) devices

Convergence - where film is advertised using a range of media platforms but also becomes available on one platform - the internet.

Cross media convergence – is the process by which a range of media platforms integrate within a single piece of media technology.

Multinational convergence – is the process whereby progressively individuals control increasing shares of mass media.

Technological convergence – is the tendency that as technology changes, different technological systems evolve towards performing similar tasks.

Consumption and media consumption – the stuff people buy, e.g cinema tickets, merchandise, drinks. Is the sum of information and entertainment media take in by a company.

Piracy – the unauthorised reproduction or use of a copyrighted tv programme, or film.

Tie – in – a media product, e.g book, that makes use of material presented in another, usually more well-known media product.

Ultraviolet – is a cloud based digital rights locker for movies and television.

Above, below, through the line – in organisational business and marketing communications, are advertising techniques, or strategies to sell products.

Above the line – use media that are broadcast and published to mass audiences, harder to measure.

Below the line – Use communication use media that are more niche focused. Use marketing the ability to tailor their messaging in a more personal manner to the audience. Highly measurable.

Merlin Exam Answer

In the Merlin clip shown, editing, camera, sound and mise en scene is used to create a clear divide in the representation of class difference.

The use of the close up camera shot is Merlin is to further emphasize the difference of class in the clip. It is used when Merlin is dropping some kind of small parcel off  to the room whereby the women we assume has greater power enters. The close up is to show the scared and shocked facial expressions of Merlin. Furthermore it is to show the divide in lower and upper class as, Merlin wouldn't react in this way if he was the same class as the lady.

It is interesting how the camera is mostly on Merlin throughout the clip. The reason this subverts away from stereotypes is that we would associate the upper class to have more of the power due to their class status. This also makes the audience certain that he is the protagonist and also that class shouldn't be a difference between humans.

Another shot used is a high angle point of view shot to show Arthur looking down on Merlin. This is used when Arthur has just beaten Merlin in a fight. The shot is used to show the 'power' Arthur has and how he represents the upper class compared to the lower-class. The lower class are therefore seen as 'vulnerable' and 'weak'.

The use of costume of the lower class in the village and also Merlin has a 'scruffy' look to it showing how they have little money to afford the clothes that the upper class have and gain sympathy towards them. This is comparable to the the woman in the very first part of the opening scene who wears a silk blue dress.  The lady looks extremely presentable in contrast to the lower class.

The setting is an important feature of the representation of the lower class. The 'scrappy' and 'dirty' conditions show how they live their lives and emphasise the difference compared to the 'cleanest' of the upper class. The fact that the lower class live in this way represents how they are treated in society compared to the 'snobby' upper class living conditions.

The order of narrative is very interesting as it shows how the lower class is seen as the 'failing' figure in society. From the beginning of the clip to the end we constantly see how lower class continues to fail in everything they do and are over ruled by other classes in society.

The dialogue by Merlin (the protagonist) shows the rebellious side of the lower class which we wouldn't expect when he speaks to Arthur. The fact Arthur is upper class he uses patronising language choices to show his authority of Merlin. However, this does not work and breaks the stereotypes we expect Merlin and the lower class to be like.

Task 7- Audience and Cinema Going

What days to audiences go to the cinema?

Audiences go at the weekend as this is when they have the most free time available. This tends to be Friday and Saturday, but Sunday not as much. Although, Sundays are still bigger audience than some weekdays.

What are the most popular genres? 

From 1995 to 2016 there has ben statistics about the most popular film genres. The most popular is  Comedy with 21.94% share of the market. Not far behind is Adventure with at 21.86% share, then Action and Drama with 16/17%.

What was the top film in each of these genres?

Comedy- Home Alone/ 1990/ Gross $285,761, 243.

Adventure- Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring/ 2001/ $36,116,967.

Action- Die Hard/ 1988/ $81,350,242

Drama- The Shawshank Redemption/ $58 million

How do audiences hear about films?

A lot of films are advertised via billboards, bus posters and trailers. It is a very effective way of advertising as it is very hard to miss at least one of these methods.

Do audiences prefer US, UK or other nationality films?

I prefer US films because the Media production companies love the use of SFX which makes the film more exhilarating in my opinion. Also I love US actors like Leonardo Di Caprio who appears mostly in US films.

Do audiences like 3D films?

The demand for 3D films since the arrival has increasingly slow down as viewers have referred to it as 'off putting' and 'gives me headaches'.

What other ways to audiences watch film aside from the cinema?

You have film platforms like Netflix and LoveFilm that you pay monthly to watch the films they have to offer. You can now also buy or rent films off the internet, an example is Amazon Prime.

Who do audiences go to the cinema with?

Depending on the film, it is very varied. For audience are more likely to see a comedy with friends and a Drama film with partner.

When and where are most audiences likely to go to the cinema?

Most audiences go to the cinema Friday and Saturday as this is when people have the most free time. Audiences generally go to mainstream cinemas like Odeon and Cineworld.