Within the film industry there are many influencing factors determining
film distribution, remembering film distribution is everything from production
to exhibition. The main influences are; audience, film manufacturers, studios,
production companies, distribution companies, scrip writers, director & celebrity
star role and also little more close to home peers and reviews.
Individuals may think that the audience/consumer has the
most power because at the end of the day the ‘customer is always right’ and
they hold the money that pays for all that leads up to film release and beyond.
If no one goes to see a film the
companies make no money so by saying audiences are the biggest influence is I believe
is accurate but not as straight forward as that.
On the other hand peers and reviews may be a massive
contributing factor the world is alive with social media and it is very easy to
air your opinions than it has ever been before. If, for example, you may follow
a pacific reviewer on twitter and he makes a bad tweet about a film you may be debating
weather to see you or not and then that is it your mind may be made up. And that
pacific film will lose your custom.
Alternatively both of the above may be wrong and it may be
down to distribution if a film is not publicised or shown in the right way at
the right time people might a, not know it’s on and b, not show a keen interest
in the film. Following on from what I said above about film industry is sent to
be more viral now, this has opened many opportunities and many services such as
‘Netflix’ and ‘love film’ allow you to see movies online a few months earlier
than when they come out on DVD or blu ray. In addition to this there has been a
staggering rise in the amount of illegal downloads of movies online. Meaning the
film industries are losing vast amounts of money, but this could also be a cry
that people don’t want to pay £20 a head going to the cinema and would rather
watch from the comfort of their own homes.
Then again how many times have you been to see a film just
because it has a particular star in it or is directed by someone you have
enjoyed the work of previously? The stars can force companies to pay big bucks
to get them to feature in a film. Christian Bale got paid $15,000,000 for the
lead role in dark night and the dark night rises. But I know from personal reference
and the decisions from my friends we only went to see the film because he was
batman and we all liked him playing batman.
To conclude I think it is a bit of all round influences that
decide and people down have as much ‘free choice’ as maybe they think they do. Many
things influence decisions they are always happening. And I think it just
depends on the quality of all influences and material that makes up your mind
for you.
Some good initial thoughts on the issues around who controls what audiences see, backed up in some cases with specific examples. Do remember to use capital letters for actor's names, film names and company names. Aim to develop your ideas in more detail, using specific, recent examples and facts, figures and statistics. Consider how freely audiences make choices, given the huge advertising budgets of the media conglomerates. Consider the distribution deals discussed in class and how this affects the films that are available to view in cinemas. Consider other forms of promotion such as word of mouth, interviews with stars, and explore the 'star appeal' in more detail. A good start, but more research and more depth will get you the higher levels.
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