IDB and Dr Strange Flashcards
GCSE Media Studies
What certifications did IDB receive and why?
The BBFC certified IDB as 15, due to multiple swear words and drug references. However, independent producer Ken Loach was likely to be more concerned about portraying an accurate image of living in hardship than achieving low certification.
How did Ken Loach influence the content of IDB?
Independent films are strongly influenced by the artistic style of the director. Ken Loach’s detached, minimally edited aesthetic
How was IDB marketed?
Because of I, Daniel Blake’s low budget, eOne was forced to use alternative marketing and exhibition techniques to share Loach’s messages with the British audience. Loach toured the country, and guerilla marketing and social media (Twitter and Facebook pages) were used.
What should I talk about when comparing ‘blockbusters’ and ‘independent cinema’? (3)
- Marketing.
- Distribution.
- Content and certification.
What production companies were involved in the making of Dr. Strange, and what was the production budget?
Dr Strange was produced by the major film studio Marvel, with a large budget of 165 million.
What production companies were involved in the making of IDB, and what was the production budget?
IDB is an independent film with a limited budget. It was funded by BBC Films, Wild Bunch and Why Not Production, and distributed by eOne.
Compare how independent and Hollywood films are distributed.
Independent films: sometimes controversial content, so shown at film festivals, outside mainstream theaters.
Hollywood: Mainstream theaters, low
How was IDB distributed?
IDB was not shown at multiplex theaters (controversial content), but eOne organised wide community screenings. The may have been more important than the box office success.
How successful were IDB and Dr. Strange in the box office?
Both films were very successful at the box office, with Dr Strange earning 677 million, and IDB earning 15.8 million.
How many countries were IDB and Dr. Strange distributed to? How does this help us understand globalisation?
- IDB distributed mainly in England in France, Dr. Strange world-wide.
- Shows there are less and less sources of independent film around the world, and that conglomerates like Disney and Comcast are dominating globally.
- Problematically, this global oligopoly of media outlets results in culture imperialism that only represents the ideology of a minority, a loss of local culture in represented in independent film.
Discuss the director power of Ken Loach and
star power of Benedict Cumberbatch.
IDB relied on the star power of social realist director Ken Loach to succeed. Like the Marvel franchise, Loach already had an established, if much smaller audience - supporters of his progressive ideals and distinct critical style. Toured the country.
Cumberbatch had audience recognition.
What certifications did Dr Strange receive and why?
Superhero movies try to keep certification low so not to diminish the potential audience, whilst also not sacrificing too much action or violence that appeals to the younger demographics. Dr Strange achieved 12A allowing it to be viewed by target audience of families and young people.
How was Dr Strange marketed?
Large budget allowed extensive marketing campaign. Traditional marketing techniques such as trailers and marketing, but a particular emphasis on social media, and cross-promotional advertising. Twitter pop -ups.This was of course targeting the young audience.
How was DR Strange distributed?
Producers of blockbusters aim to reach the largest audience possible. As it was distributed by Disney, Dr Strange achieved widespread exhibition at mainstream theaters.
What issues are raised by the distribution and exhibition of the two films?
Raises the question whether the controversial ideas are naturally muted by lack of access funding, and issues with distribution to a limited audience. Society encouraged to consume apolitical escapism, films that are unthreatening to the myths of the status quo.
IDB met with strong oppositional readings and fierce criticism from the largely Murdoch owned press.
There is the interesting case of the sci-fi genre, however, which in many cases appears to explore political and social messages under the guise imaginative entertainment .
