Peaky Blinders: Industry

Question 1

Production, distribution and circulation

Answer 1

• co-production between independent companies
• BBC vertically integrated but didn’t distribute globally
• creator, Steven Knight, grew up in the area: name was major draw for production companies and finance due to previous work
• rights sold to Netflix: wide global market
• Netflix commitment to “telling local stories on a global platform”

Question 2

Significance of economic factors

Answer 2

• BBC isn’t constrained by commercial model so can take risk as PSB, responsibility to develop fresh and unique content and diverse voices, not forced to target mass audience
• BBC has been shifting offices and studios from London to northern cities to invest in this area that’s neglected by TV
• BBC has global reputation as quality media brand meaning many production companies want to work with them
• stuck to a formula that’s worked: 6 series and a movie to come out (franchising)

Question 3

The relationship of recent technological change

Answer 3

• use of streaming services means viewing figures for scheduled broadcast no longer main indicator of shows success

Question 4

Impact of digital convergence

Answer 4

• fans around the world dress up as Peaky Blinders to then post on social media
• use social media to publicise the show: post sneak peaks and engage the audience

Question 5

Global industry

Answer 5

• reflect contexts: historical context of war, changing attitudes towards women
• BBC globally recognised company, easily distributed overseas
• repetition and difference: crime drama, difference in location and historical aspect
• globally known actors attract existing fanbases: Cillian Murphy, Sam Neill
• international fan audience interact online with #peakyblinders
• fans interact in person too with festivals e.g. Peaky Blinders Festival attended by 20,000
• toned down accents for global audience

Question 6

Influence of context on production

Answer 6

• modern day attitudes of women mean strong female characters
• Steven Knight attracted production companies and finance due to previous success on similar crime dramas
• success of first seasons attracted big names such as Tom Hardy and Adrien Brody
• Netflix bought rights meaning it was distributed worldwide: targeting global mass audience although representing niche audience in UK