Film Industry Research

To what extent does Hollywood dominate the UK film landscape? How has it managed to maintain such a stranglehold?

It can easily be said that Hollywood dominates the UK films scene. One is able to deduct this from statistics or even by standing in a cinema lobby.

The majority of films shown in British cinemas will be American Productions, and even if the film is shot and directed in England, by an English crew and funded by a British studio, it seems more and more likely that said studio would be owned by an American company.

Out of the 15 top grossing films in the UK currently, at least two thirds of the companies distributing them are American owned. The top 3 on this list alone are distributed by American owned companies.

A cause for high attendance and attraction to Hollywood Blockbusters is the fact that films produced in Hollywood tend to have larger budgets, allowing them high production values on sound and visuals, computer generated images and more widely known actors. The casting of a ‘big name’ actor alone can bring in large audiences.

Hollywood producers are effective in playing on what the audience is attracted to at the time by focusing on trends. As well as this, if a independent UK company is generating a large amount of attention then an American company will simply buy out its owners and absorb the smaller company. This is one of the reasons why Hollywood does not come under a lot of competition.

Audience and institution:The Film Industry

Q1:In the UK film market, an increase in the number of screens available to show films has not led to an increase in the number of films being shown. Why?

Although more resources may have been invested in building cinemas themselves (exhibition) this does not imply that the said resources have also been directed towards the production of films. A distinction must be made between these two 'spheres' of the film industry. As well as this, in a large cinema, the owners will be more inclined to repeat a popular film than give a wide range of films that may not bring in as great a revenue. This lessens the range of films that you may be able to view at, for instance, multiplex, despite the large number of screens.

Q2:In your opinion, what might account for the fact that cinema attendances have fluctuated between 139 million and 176 million between 1999 and 2008?

One of the key causes for the incline of cinema goers around 2002 in particular would be the large number of sequels coming out that season. Some of the films shaping these statistics are, most notably,  'Men in Black 2', 'Lord of the Rings: Two Towers', 'The Matrix Reloaded' and 'Shrek 2'. All of these films are sequels of successful films, this would provide said sequels with an already secured audience.

Following 2002 there is a slight decline in the number of film goers which trends gradually all the way to 2008. One might attribute this to the increasing versatility and use of the Internet for home entertainment, social networking and even researching. This would have a direct link to cinema attendance as it brings down people requirements in terms of 'entertainment'.

Q3:In 2011, UK film distributors invested £330 million in advertising their new releases and on 35mm film prints. If around 450 new films receive a theatrical release in the UK every year, how much, on average, do distributors spend distributing a film in the UK?

330000000 *divided by* 450 = £733333.33

Q4: This spending spending stirs up enormous demand - 171.5 million cinema tickets were bought in the UK in 2011. This is great news for cinemas - whats the downside of all this excitement generated and consumer demand for film PRODUCERS in the UK?

Such large demand for new releases puts great pressure on the producers to create new films and ones that will make back the money put into the advertising and distribution. If they fail to do so, it would cost them and many other involved people large sums of money.
It may become difficult for the film itself to live up to the 'hype' that has been generated around it.

Q5:In 2004, the average cost of releasing a US film domestically was $39 million, in addition to the average production cost of $63.8 million, making an overall average production/distribution cost per film of 102.8 million. What effect might this have on Hollywood production and distribution if these increases had continued?

An increase in the cost of production and distribution would have a knock on effect causing an increase in the cost for many more aspects of the film. This, admittedly, would eventually effect the consumer most.
As the production and distribution costs increased, the producers and distributors would have to charge more to make back the money they spent and a profit. They would charge more for cinemas and multiplex's to buy and show the film. These cinemas that paid extra for the film would then pass that cost onto the consumer, those who eventually came to watch the film.
This in turn could cause a decline in people who choose to go to the cinema, which would have a direct effect on the producers and distributors. For this reason it is in the best interest of aforementioned parties to keep the cost of film production and distribution at a steady rate, if not decrease it, because although it may cost more to create one film than another, it is not necessarily true that the price to see said film will be any higher than the next.

Q6:Why are more 'middle aged' people going to the cinema and 2011? Who, in your opinion, are the current most bankable leading actors for the 'youth' market in the UK?

In 2011 two of the highest grossing films were 'The Kings Speech' and less notable 'The Hangover: Part 2'. It can be easily said that 'The Kings Speech' (which grossed second highest) was aimed at an audience of over 24 (essentially a 'middle aged' audience), with the main roll being played by Colin Firth, who is, admittedly, an actor more admired by the 'middle aged' audience.
According to the Forbes website, the 6 top current 'stars' of film are George Clooney, Leonardo DiCaprio, Johnny Depp, Brad Pitt, Will Smith and Tom Hanks. Although it is the case that all of these actors have appeal to the 'youth' market, some have more of such an appeal than others. This appeal is generated by the films that these actors may have been in, their aesthetic qualities and the persona that they present to the media. Out of these 6, i would nominate Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio as the two most bankable actors to the 'youth' market.

Q7:Which films made two and a half times their budget (a profit for their studios) last year in the US?

1. Transformers: Dark of the Moon
2. Twilight: Breaking Dawn
3. The Hangover: Part 2

Q8:Is Jerry Bruckheimer still a 'high concept' producer? Does Michael Bay deserve his title as the 'go to' man for event movies?

It is arguable that the films that Jerry Bruckheimer produces 'high concept' films as the majority of the films he produces ('Pirates of the Carribean', 'Bad Boys', 'Top Gun') all fulfil the criteria of 'the look' and 'the hook'. These films have been created with high production values, large budgets and simplistic narratives. Although all this can be said, the majority of the films he has been involved with are not based on already popular fiction ('the book'), which is seen as a key element of 'high concept' cinema.
Michael Bay is well known for high production values and admittedly simple narratives.
His most popular films ('Pearl Harbour', 'Transformers', 'Armageddon') all fulfil criteria of large scale 'event' films and further fulfil the requirements of a high concept films than some of those of Bruckheimer, especially 'Transformers', which is of course adapted from the original comic series. This obviously satisfies the 'book' criteria, although this film is a good example of filling all three criteria concerned with 'high concept' film.

Q9:

Fox Searchlight:

-The Tree of Life, 2011

-Margaret, 2011

-Shame, 2011

Paramount Vantage:

-Son of Rambow,2007

-Into the Wild,2007

-Like Crazy, 2011

Sony Pictures Classics:

-Rudo y Cursi, 2008

-Get Low, 2009

-In Darkness, 2011

Focus Features:

-A Serious Man, 2009

-One Day, 2011

-Pariah, 2011

This category of film highlighted is primarily aimed at young adults and above, roughly around the age group of 21-45.

Prop:Rifle

This is just a realistic toy gun of mine that will work well in the scene. It will only be in camera for around 3 seconds and not too much of it will be exposed. This will help keep a sense of integrity concerning its authenticity.

What I Have Learnt So Far

What I Have Learnt So Far

I have learnt to use a wide range of equipment, including the recording cameras, the SLR's, the tripods, stands, dolly wheels, light pack with battery's and the mains lights (I am also aware of how to use gels on these mics for colour and tone), the microphones and audio recorders and boom mic's and what different effects these different pieces of equipment create.

I have learnt to effectively plan my shooting schedule, prepare and research IDent, graphics and titles. I am now fully aware of the requirements to be filled by the music I am writing and how to combine it with my footage.

I am competent in editing and I have learnt the appropriate jargon and vocabulary (straight cut, fade in, sound match etc.)

My comprehension work has taught me a lot about films and the film industry, such as marketing, promotion, economics and synergy.

I am able to deduct a lot from watching a section of film or television, such as what techniques in editing and shooting they have used and what effect or representation of a character they are attempting to convey. I am able to identify stereotypes and archetypes within footage.

Location - AYC

The second location for my production is Aldeburgh Yacht Club in Suffolk. It looks sinister and almost derelict and so fits the mood of the second half of my introduction, as James' profession is revealed. It provides and excellent contrast to my house as a large, open space which is, obviously, far less developed than the streets of South London. There is a lot to capture within a shot and a very interesting buzz track of foley sound will be recorded as well. The weather will hopefully be mild, and i will make my best effort to capture some footage at sun set as the sky can become very colourful and so would act as a wonderful scene for my closing shot. The jetty shown in the last two pictures is the one that James' character will sit on in the last shot.

Location: House

The room has high ceilings, which give a very nice feel to the shot and a sense of freedom and comfort and hint at the characters wealth. There is a lot of colour in the room, some of which is very vivid, some quite calm. This puts a lot to see in the shot and makes it visually interesting. This can be enhanced through the use of gels or through editing.

The lighting in the room can be altered well, and the large windows can help to provide some natural light.

The room itself conveys economic comfort, taste and intelligence. The musical instruments highlight these points further. The character will also be seen as slightly 'old fashioned' or respecting of traditions. I had shot a video although Blogger is having trouble uploading it for some reason. 

Location - My Drive-Way

This location will serve its purpose effectively, drawing little attention away from the action within the shot. The mediocre car being used (Fiat Panda) will further mock the supposed pathos and banality within James' characters life.

Character

His sunken eyes with dark bags and generally sullen features fit well with the character he will be playing. His posture also feels appropriate, he seems almost to be anticipating something. He acts well and has the right gait, poise and stance. His dark hair and features will add to the image of mystery, disillusion and depression. 

Character

Ideas/Costume/Look

My character (James) will begin wearing slouch clothes, such as pyjamas of underwear and a loose jumper. He will then, before he leaves, put on his black suit, which he will wear almost begrudgingly. Although he will only seem as disgusted with his situation as before, he will begin to perk up once he has put on his suit, this will symbolise him changing his persona, as the light begins to change, and the pace of shot/angles.

What I have learnt

Practically

We have been taught how to use the cameras for filming, how to store the footage and transfer it onto the Macs. I am now capable in my understanding and use of Final Cut Pro in editing of music including the use of soundtrack. We have been taught a basic understanding of cameras, we are still yet to learn about lighting and sound.
We are taught how to create a story board and a shot-list, compile information concerning style and tone, colour, characters, actors, style and location.

Proposal

Style and Tone

The style aimed at is one of sophistication and a level of maturity and insight into and above the menial tasks of everyday life. Soft focus shots of colourful lights and a lot going on in the shot. A sense of euphoria and comfort, almost of intoxication with clear focalisation on the important elements of the scene. Reflection of image or light is a bonus. Distortion of light or illusions are good. A soft warm blur is what I would describe as something I aspire to produce as a backdrop for my scenes. Almost a resemblance of 'Starry Night' by Van Gogh.

Character

I would like my protagonist to appear detatched yet very aware of the world around him. They believe they are 'above it all' yet are distraught with the banality of their lives. A loner character who is clearly far more preoccupied with something far more importance than what is going on around them. They are to act with a deserved sense of arrogance, intelligence, maturity, awareness, virility, 'style and nihilism/cynicism.

Titles/Graphics

Plain, black and white. Perhaps floating or on a black drop. Nothing too 'fancy', fairly stark and straightforward approach which allows a nice segue into whatever shot I have, maybe with a visual match. I definitely want to start with a sound bridge. Reminiscent of 'Psycho' opening: 

Music

Probably tense, although an almost ironically relaxed song with a sinister tone could fit well. As my images develop I will be able to grasp an idea of sound easier.

Locations used:

My Living Room (21 College Road)

Camberwell Grove

Aldeburgh Yacht Club