INDUSTRY CONTEXT- STRANGER THINGS (2016) Flashcards
When was the show released?
July 2016
Who were the key production figures behind the series?
- 21 Lapse Entertainment- partnered with Netflix to create the show (funding)
- Money Massacre Productions- ownded by the Duffer Brothers
- Duffer Brothers- Creators, writers, show runners, producers
- Netflix- financed, distributed and marketed the show.
Why was the partnership with Netflix so important? What did it allow?
- Flexibility with episode lengths- doesn’t have to follow traditional US TV 22 episode format. Gives the show a cinematic quality.
- Integrate series with product placements to generate extra funds vs ad breaks. Facilitates continuity,binge watching, extra profit
How long is episode 1?
50 minutes (cinematic quality/effect)
What are some key features of Netflix that enabled the series to maximise profit?
- Simultaneous release model.
- Serialised format.
- Subscription-based access.
- International availability.
- No schedules/ watershed.
What is a simutaenous-release model? and why does it help maximise profit?
- All episodes were released at the same time,
- Facilitates binge-watching, minimises risk of piracy.
What is subcription-based access? and how does it maximise profits?
- Only available to netflix subscribers.
- Flagship show-key for drawing and retaining subscribers.
Makes the show seem exclusive due to its limited availability on other streaming platforms
What is a serialised format? How does it maximise profit?
*The shows suspensful cliffhangers and interconnected episodes- made it ideal for streaming. (where audiences prefer continious watching)
* Also audiences are free to watch at their own pace.
* Appeals to different audiences
What is international availability? How does it maximise profit?
- Netflix’s global reach (190 countries) allowed ST to reach diverse, global audiences simutaneously upon release.
- Subtitles + dubbed versions make the show accessible to non-english speakers (broadens appeal)
How does a lack of schedules and watershed maximise profit?
- Anyone can watch the show at anytime of day- flexible
Who directed Stranger Things?
- The Duffer Brothers
How did the directors of the show’s personal context affect the directorial style of the show?
- They grew up in the 80s and took alot of inspiration from this decade.
- Inspired by directors such as Spielberg and M Night Shyamalan focused on sci-fi and paranormal activity.
- Inspired by authors such as Steven King. Actually used his iconic font in their pitching document to highlight intended style.
What vision did 21 Lapse Entertainment have for the show?
- Wanted to create most of the special effects ‘in camera’ to cultivate a vintage, exciting feel.
- Translated into a reliance on: Animatronics, SFX makeup, costumes.
What genre is the show? How does this minimise risks and maximise profits?
- Hybrid genre- combines sci-fi, horror, coming-of-age drama = ensures broad appeal.
- Sci-fi= low risk due to popularity.
- Genre based formating= pre-promise audience satisfaction.
What was the budget of the show?
*48 Million - season 1
What role did the high budget have on the show’s success?
- Facilitated big set pieces and diverse filming locations.
- Casting of famous actors, thus attracting their pre-sold audiences.
Does the show have star power?
- Casted famous actors, recognisable from their iconic films in the 80s like:
- Mathew Modine
- Winona Ryder
Attracts their presold fans helping the marketing of the show
How is Stranger Things regulated?
- Regulated internally by Netflix via age ratings and content warnings and parental controls
What does Netflix self-regulation enable the show-runners to do?
- Get away with using horror iconography, dark themes, whilst centering children in the narrative
What is Stranger Things rated on netflix and why?
- Age rating- 16
1. Violence
2. Language
3. Horror
4. Substance abuse
5. Mature themes
