The appeal of arthouse cinema

Final reading: Media Magazine - the appeal of arthouse cinema

Complete the following tasks to improve your understanding of arthouse film and the possible audience pleasures that the genre offers:

Read Beyond Hollywood: Reading Arthouse Cinema. This is in MM45 on page 24 - go to our Media Magazine archive to find the article. 

1) Summarise the article in 50 words.

Hollywood dominates to such an extent that American culture is the second culture of many Western countries. Art-house films are artistic rather than commercial in character. In other words, they are films that are purposely difficult to understand or read. People who are easily entertained by straightforward and easily understood films, are more likely not to enjoy Arthouse films.  The art cinema is less concerned with action than reaction; it is a cinema of psychological effects in search of their causes.

2) What are some of the suggested audience pleasures for arthouse film?

 The audience pleasures that the audience are most likely to receive are vicarious pleasure since art house movies are difficult to understand therefore being able to relate to the situation, your more likely to engage in the story line. Referring to User and Gratification, Surveillance may be adopted by the audience from art-house movies since the films are for educational purposes and therefore much harder to understand  
3) Why do some audiences struggle with arthouse film? Refer to some media theory here (there are some important media theories discussed in the article itself).

Referring to the article as evidence it says 'art-house is also characterised by ‘maximum ambiguity’, where a bizarre turn of events can only be ‘explained’ by characters’ subjectivity, rather than the world of the film'. This means that art house inhabit Prop's theory about certain characters in a story arc. Art house movies use characters to create the atmosphere rather than the props used or setting.

4) To what extent is arthouse film only for the middle classes and older audiences? Why might this be the case?

The younger generation are more engaged in movies that are straightforward and action packed. Whereas, the older generation are intrigued by movies that have deeper meaning to the narrative and films that have many plots. Normally posh and highly valued British movies that have a lot of dialogue in their movie, reinforce an arthouse film. Mostly middle class would enjoy an art-house movie because it includes highly sophisticated language which a working class person wouldn't be educated enough to understand.

5) What type of audience would be interested in Chicken?

The target audience that would be interested in watching chicken would 30 year old to people who have retired. Audience who have fully experienced the whole world and who are educated are most likely to be interested in watching the movie chicken.

An introduction to TV Drama: Blog task

An introduction to TV Drama: Blog task

1) What is serial television drama? Write your own definition.
 A serial is a television show which has a continuous plot that unfolds in sequential episode-by-episode fashion. Serials are, more often than not, shows that possess narrative complexity. They typically follow many story arcs.

2) List five of the TV dramas discussed in the history of the genre on page 1 of the factsheet. How has the genre evolved over time?
Doctor Who, The avengers (1961-1969), Danger Man (1962-1968), The Sweeney(1975-1978) and Minder(1979-1994), TV Dramas that are discussed. Genre has involved over time since TV dramas are starting a trend of featuring a cold opening. The is when the TV drama jumps directly into a story at the beginning of the show before the title sequence or opening credits are shown. This creates enigma codes for the audience and engages them into the show even more. This offers greater flexibility and provides easy to follow narratives, but at the cost of character progression and narrative complexity.

3) List the sub-genres of TV drama featured in the factsheet. Come up with your own example of an existing TV dramas to fit each category.
Police procedural(crime)- Luther , Medical- Holby City, Period(costume)- MadMen, Science-fiction/fantasy- The Flash , Family- Game Of Thrones, Teen- Riverdale
 
4) Why is setting so important for TV drama? 
dramas that tend to focus on a story of the week, invariably ‘cops and docs’, are generally based around a location. His allows the drama to develop over a long period of time, weathering the comings and goings of the cast member. Even heavily serialised dramas like Lost are defined by their location.



5) How do TV dramas typically use character? What audience pleasures can be linked to character in TV drama? (Hint: Uses & Gratifications theory!) 
As broadcasters seek to ensure that their most successful brands run for as long as possible it is necessary to populate them with a large cast of character. More often than not their presence in story of the week forces the guest characters to change and grow. This is especially true of medical dramas like House. Certain characters that fit the sub genre such as Teen Create vicarious pleasure, where the audience gain a emotional connection with the characters manly due to the characters scenario or favouritism. A typical user gratification for the sub genre teen is personal identity. Audience are able to relate to the character or its scenario.   


6) What is a multi-strand narrative? Give an example of a TV drama that features a multi-strand narrative.
A multi-strand narrative is where there are more central characters and will have multiple plots. An example of a  TV show that has a multi strand narrative is Doctor Who.
 
7) What is a cold opening?
when the TV drama jumps directly into a story at the beginning of the show before the title sequence or opening credits are shown.
 
8) How can Todorov's theory of equilibrium be applied to TV drama serials?
In a linear narrative arc, the first episode may be the equilibrium( state of normality). As the season unravels more episodes, the narrative will be disrupted causing a disequilibrium in the story. This may be a kidnap or an introduction of a villain. Once the disequilibrium is solved, The next season will start of with a new equilibrium. Whereas in a multi-strand narrative, Todorov's Theory is inhabited in each episode. 

9) What is the typical form for TV dramas and how are the programmes typically distributed to an audience?

 TV shows are typically distributed in the length of a 'season'. In the UK, many serial dramas fill one-hour or a ‘commercial hour’ (about 50 minutes), with some dramas commissioned to span a two- hour slot. Sherlock was originally made as a 60-minute pilot but was later remounted as a 90-minute drama on the suggestion of the BBC in order to improve certain elements such as the look and pacing of the show.

10) How have subscription channels (such as HBO) and streaming services (such as Netflix and Amazon Prime) changed the form and content of TV dramas?
HBO, AMC and Showtime are not governed by the same considerations, hence their dramas allow for a lot more adult and challenging content. Netflix and Amazon Prime also often commission shorter runs (between six and thirteen episodes) and do not need to stick to rigid running times.


11) Choose a TV drama and do your own analysis of it using the SETTING / CHARACTERS / NARRATIVE / FORM headings as featured on page 3 of the factsheet.

 The TV show that i have chosen is The Flash 

Setting 
The Flash is set in a city called Central city where crime is dealt with every hour of the day. The setting is pretty much fixated in one area since its an enormous location. The flash also known as Barry explores the location with the audience while fighting crime. 
Character
The flash has an ensemble cast where there is many important main characters. The audience can create vicarious pleasure with numerous characters since they all have an important and  specific role in the show. However the main character who intrigues and engages the audience in the show is Barry Allen also known as the Flash.   
Narrative
The show follows a linear narrative arc where the disequilibrium is solved at the end of 23 episodes. The story arc is about a 24 year old man with supernatural powers who fights other evil supernatural people for the safety of the world and the people in it. With his speed and his team beside him, they fight crime that runs in the city mostly every hour of the day.


12) How might the TV drama genre evolve in future? 
Online programme makers are starting to create more short form content, leading to drama serials that run for much less than 60, or even, 30 minutes.  With BBC 3’s move to an online only platform, and the rise in the popularity of streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime, the form and content of the serial drama is likely to evolve further.

As Hollywood concentrates on superheroes, special effects and high octane action, many film actors are turning to television to play ‘difficult’, this trend is likely to continue.

Distribution

Distribution

1) Why did the film fail to secure a distribution deal when first made in 2014?

 Every funding body turned Chicken down at every stage, so Joe decided to become independent. The distributors believed that this movie wouldn't generate enough profit.

 

2) What film festivals did Chicken feature at between 2014-2016?
The film festivals Chicken featured at between 2014-2016 were Edinburgh, Busan, New Hampshire, Dublin, Palm Beach and Julian.   

3) Why are film festivals an effective way for a low-budget film to secure a distribution deal?

If you win an award in a film festival, its a great opportunity to gain interests from audiences and target a large audience even though its low-budget film. Also many films get critical acclaim which can be used for promotion.  

4) When was Chicken released in cinemas in the UK?

The film was released in UK cinemas in the year 2016 

5) Why do you think film subscription service MUBI chose the film to feature on the service?
The film Chicken started to gain alot of audience due to winning 5 awards in two festivals, Therefore, MUBI recognised the potential of this movie and believed featuring this n MUBI will raise more awareness for this amazing Film. 

6) Why was Film4 a good choice to give the film its UK television premiere?
Film4 is many known for streaming mainstream films therefore, giving chicken its UK televison premiere, has raised alot of recognition for this movie. 

7) When will the film be released on iTunes and other video-on-demand services in the USA and Canada?
Digital distribution in USA/Canada – January 2018. 
 

Production

Production

1) What difficulties did the film run into during production?

During the production work, They suffered alot of external shocks e.g. vulnerability to rain which increased the production time. They also had difficulties with lighting when filming in the dark. 

 2) How many days did the film take to shoot?

19 days 

3) What scenes were particularly difficult for Joe Stephenson to film?

Scott Chambers indicated that it was difficult controlling the chicken therefore, they used two for two different scenarios.  

Funding

Funding

1) What was the budget for Chicken?

Joe Stephenson said " when we say low budget, we’re talking micro. You wouldn’t make a film on this budget if you was sane (laughs)". The budget for the film was £110,000.

2) How did Joe Stephenson end up raising the money to make the film?

Joe Stephenson end up raising 110,000 pounds through family and friends. This is also known as external source of finance since raising funds through family/friends, doesn't normally require payment back.  

3) How does the Chicken budget compare to a Hollywood-funded British blockbuster such as Spectre or Paddington 2?

There is a huge difference between a British movie like Chicken and a Hollywood movie like Spectre. According to Joe Stephenson, the movie Chicken was created with a micro budget, Whereas the movie Spectre has a high budget due to its locations and mainly the actors. Joe believed that Chicken was made through compassion rather than dwelling on the budget. 

4) Joe Stephenson tried to secure funding from organisations that help low-budget filmmakers. What is the BFI Film Fund and how does it contribute to the British film industry?

 The BFI uses National Lottery funds to develop and support original UK filmmakers and films, and to increase the audiences who can enjoy them. The BFI Film Fund contributes to the british film industry by providing support for the production, development and completion of feature films and increasing film choice for audiences. 
5) Why do you think Chicken failed to secure funding from the BFI Film Fund?

 I believe chicken failed to secure funding from the BFI Film Fund because the film budget was too low also recognised as a micro budget therefore, the BFI Film Fund decided not to fund them since they thought this film wouldn't distribute in the market.  

Film regulation and the BBFC - blog tasks:

Film regulation and the BBFC - blog tasks: 

1) Research the BBFC in more detail: what is the institution responsible for? How is it funded? What link does it have to government? 

The BBFC is a non-governmental organisation; the BBFC keeps its classifications within bounds deemed acceptable to government. The institution is responsible for the national classification and censorship of films exhibited at cinemas and video works (such as television programmes and trailers) It is an independent, non-governmental body funded through charged fees. 
2) Read this BBFC guide to how films are rated. Summarise the process in 50 words.

BBFC has to make some very tricky judgement calls. In assessing the likelihood of ‘harm’, how does unreal violence compare with real violence? And with pleasant/unpleasant sex? And with bad language, generally reflecting reality?  The BBFC has been classifying films and giving them age ratings since it was established by the film industry in 1912.

3) Read this BBFC outline of the issues faced when classifying a film. Summarise the debate in 50 words. The debate is about how adults should be eligible to choose what they want to watch as long as it remains within the law and is not potentially harmful. The BBFC determines whether the material is may cause any harm at the age rating concerned. This includes not just any harm that may result from the behaviour of potential viewers, but also any ‘moral harm’. Also whether the context in which an issue (such as sex, language or violence) is presented is central to the question of its acceptability.

4) Read this BBFC section on controversial decisions. Why did The Dark Knight generate a large amount of media coverage regarding its certificate? Do you agree with the 12A certificate The Dark Knight was awarded?  

The audience believed that the material had violence which was too strong to be contained at that category. In my opinion, a 12A certificate movie doesn't include that much aggression neither any sex references therefore, for a movie to have a strong level of violence should be classified with a 15+ certificate.   

5) What are the guidelines for a 15 certificate?

A 15 certificate contains 9 guidelines which are: Dangerous behaviour, Discrimination, Drugs, Language, Nudity, Sex, sexual violence, Threat/horror and violence.

6) The BBFC website offers an explanation of every classification it makes and detailed case studies on selected titles. Look at the rating for Chicken and explain why it was given a 15 certificate.

The movie chicken is classfied with a 15 certificate because it has very strong language, strong violence and many sex references.  

British Film Industry Factsheets

 British Film

1) Write a one-sentence definition of what makes a film British
What makes a film British is the people making the film who are British, it is funded within Britain and the subject of the film is British culture related.

2) What is the difference between a Hollywood production context and production context of a British film?
The Hollywood production context means that most films made by Hollywood studios have high budgets, a heavy reliance on celebrities both in the cast and crew. Whereas, production context of a British film is defined as to having low budgets, character rather than spectacle driven stories and a heavier reliance on word of mouth and viral advertising. The British film production context does not have as many clearly defined characteristics.

3) When did the James Bond franchise start?
The 1960s brought about the start of the James Bond franchise.

4) In terms of film censorship and graphic content, what began to change in British film in the 1970s and 1980s?
The 1970s sees a rise in British Films of sexual content, both the act of sex and sex linked to violence with films like A Clockwork Orange. The 1980s see the rise of videos and the ‘video nasty’s scare where film-making was becoming more accessible and more extreme content. This shows that alot of things as revolutionized since the 1980s. 

5) What groups are often represented in British film? Give examples of films these groups feature in. 
Groups such as class, politics, social change and education are some of the many issues that British film has explored throughout its history.

6) What does the Factsheet suggest might be the audience appeal of British film? 

Actors, British actors tend to be clearly identifiable as British and will often be associated with a particular genre of British film. British locations tend to be a heavily used feature of the film, with London being the most popular, however the overwhelming characteristics that will most appeal to a British audience is the social theme that provides the through line for many British film narratives. 

 British film industry

1) What is the 'cultural test' to see if a film counts as British?  

The Cultural Test is divided into four sections and a film must score at least 16 out of a possible 31 points to be classified as British. These four sections are: Cultural Context, Cultural Contribution, Cultural Hubs, Cultural Practitioners.

 

2) Complete the task on the Factsheet, researching the films listed and finding out what they score on the cultural test: Sweeney, Attack The Block, The King's Speech, We Need To Talk About Kevin and Skyfall.

Sweeney-Budget:£3,000,000: The cultural test score got 16/31

Attack The Block: Budget: 13,000,000: The lead characters are from Britain and represents British culture therefore, earned 16/31

The King's Speech: Budget: 15,000,000: The culture test score is 16/31 

We Need To Talk About Kelvin: Budget: 7,000,000:  This movie did not pas the cultural test since some of the lead characters were not all from Britain.  
Skyfall: Budget: 200,000,000: The location is filmed in London, The lead characters are all from Britain therefore, represents British culture. This scored got 16/31 in the culture test.

3) What is the main problem for the British film industry?

the British film industry has been production led rather than distribution led.This means that many UK films are made but, in order to get the film exhibited, the filmmakers have to sacrifice the distribution rights by selling the film to a distribution company. Another problem that the BFI faces is often described as a ‘cottage industry’. This suggests it is small-scale therefore, can never truly compete with the ‘factory industries’ of the Hollywood-based studios.

4) What are three of the strengths of the British film industry?

Britain has had a film industry since well before World War I and several important film studios are British, such as Ealing Studios. Also British films take 5% of world box-office takings, which is extraordinary for such a small nation. Sir Alan Parker believes the british film industry is strong for the following reason:
• outstanding creative skills of practitioners
• outstanding facilities

5) What are the two options for the future of the British film industry?

British filmmakers could choose to rely upon co-productions with American studios to keep the industry afloat.

The UK film industry’s second option is to attempt to make low budget films targeted at a niche, British audience.

6) In your opinion, which of these two options would best safeguard the future of the British film industry? 

In my opinion, The British industry should team up with the American Film industry. This will allow the film industry to gain more recognition around the world, not just in Britain. Their revenue for each movie will increase due to the increase in audience.