Thursday, 7 March 2013
How does film classification affect film production and distribution?
When it comes to the BBFC classifying films, they have to consider how it is going to affect the making of the film. Moreover, they have to consider several factors such as violence, sex, drug use, swearing, nudity and horror etc and whether they have to protect and make sure that young people/children are unable to view them in the cinema, because what is shown is too inappropriate for young people and may cause several prolonged effects such as persistent nightmares and psychoilogical damage.
It can be seen that there are several people which are involved within the making of the film and the coordination, and to check that the film is being overviewed but also to check that there are people in charge of controlling all of the major aspects of the project. Moreover, there are several limitations when making films and if it is a children’s film then they have to remember not to include any themes of sex, violence, drug use, horror and foul language. This is because this could make the BBFC classify the film with a high age rating, which will affect the audience who can view the film. The actors that take part in a film, contributes towards the production of a film. The producers are in charge of what they do and how they do it. If the actors are behaving in a certain way, it can affect how high the film classification can be.
An example would be Taken, this is because it is an 18 certificated film and the film contains elements of strong violence, scenes of torture and prostitution etc. So when the writer was scripting the film he would have had to consider the classification of the film and what would be approraite for it. Furthermore, the writer would have to make sure he obeys the set regulations and that the film does not pass any boundaries set out by the BBFCFilm classification can also affect the distribution of the film. When a film gets released into a cinema, the film is automatically restricted on the age that it lets in. For example, if a film is classified as an 18, it means that nobody under the age of 18 will be allowed to view the film. This could probably convey that they are missing out on income due to the rating being quite high and people under that age may have wanted to go and see the film. However, on the positive side of film classification and the distribution of the film is that it attracts the appropriate and implied audience. In addition, this is how the media institutions know if they have targeted the correct audience or not. Nevertheless, after a period of 10 weeks after it has been shown in cinemas,it would be avaliable to purchase on DVD and online rental. This would mean that even though the DVD will still have a age certificate signposted on the DVD, it has made it a considerable lot easier to gain access to it because other people can buy the DVD for them eg. parents, other siblings, friends who are much older, meaning the instituion is contantly making money from the film. On the other hand, it can be established that this is a negative point because those of the younger age who shouldn’t be viewing the film at all, therefore they are able to access the material in a much easier and convenient way. It can be said once in domestic use that it is down to the parents to decide whether it is appropriate or not for their child to view it. Nevetheless, a lot of films are now widely distributed on the internet to stream (eg. pirate websites) or on websites such as ‘LoveFilm’ or ‘Netflix’ and they do not require proof of age unlike cinema’s do so it makes it much easier for the yoing children to access the material quicker and easier.
An example would be Taken, this is because it is an 18 certificated film and the film contains elements of strong violence, scenes of torture and prostitution etc. So when the writer was scripting the film he would have had to consider the classification of the film and what would be approraite for it. Furthermore, the writer would have to make sure he obeys the set regulations and that the film does not pass any boundaries set out by the BBFCFilm classification can also affect the distribution of the film. When a film gets released into a cinema, the film is automatically restricted on the age that it lets in. For example, if a film is classified as an 18, it means that nobody under the age of 18 will be allowed to view the film. This could probably convey that they are missing out on income due to the rating being quite high and people under that age may have wanted to go and see the film. However, on the positive side of film classification and the distribution of the film is that it attracts the appropriate and implied audience. In addition, this is how the media institutions know if they have targeted the correct audience or not. Nevertheless, after a period of 10 weeks after it has been shown in cinemas,it would be avaliable to purchase on DVD and online rental. This would mean that even though the DVD will still have a age certificate signposted on the DVD, it has made it a considerable lot easier to gain access to it because other people can buy the DVD for them eg. parents, other siblings, friends who are much older, meaning the instituion is contantly making money from the film. On the other hand, it can be established that this is a negative point because those of the younger age who shouldn’t be viewing the film at all, therefore they are able to access the material in a much easier and convenient way. It can be said once in domestic use that it is down to the parents to decide whether it is appropriate or not for their child to view it. Nevetheless, a lot of films are now widely distributed on the internet to stream (eg. pirate websites) or on websites such as ‘LoveFilm’ or ‘Netflix’ and they do not require proof of age unlike cinema’s do so it makes it much easier for the yoing children to access the material quicker and easier.
It can be said that the classification can affect the production in several ways. For example, when producing a film, if inapproraite scenes which displayed sexual content or nudity then the producers would firstly have to find actors/actresses that would be completely happy to displaying and exposing their bodies to the rest of the world but also to show themselves having sex with another person. The actors would have to be aware of this because the film could possibly be distributed to the cinemas or later be put on a DVD worldwide. Furthermore, when producing a film, the producer needs to have considered a target audience in mind, in order to produce the film and make it suitable for them and age appropraite. This can affect the actors, the language used, whether violence, sex, drug use etc. is included. This is important to consider because if the film overstepped the age boundaries set out by the BBFC, so it may have to be raised and then would not fit their orginal target audience they had in mind.
In conclusion, it can be established that film classification has a big effect on the production and distribution of a film, however, for films that get shown at the cinema it can have a considerable effect however, in comparison to viewing it on the Internet and via DVD’s it has allowed youngsters to gain access to the films, without needing proof of age, but when shown at the cinema, the age restriction is monitored and controlled for the right reasons to prevent prolonged harm in which the material may have on the young generation.
Made in Dagenham Case Study Questions
Project Development
Identify three key elements of project development described by Stephen Woolley
The key elements of project development is producer, writers and research, in the case of this film.
Finance
What factors do you think motivated the different organisations to contribute to the film’s financing?
He goes on to describe the film to be similar to the successful film, 'Calander Girls', he believes it could give hope to this film to follow in their footsteps, and therefore produce a reasonable returns. Also, they may assume that audience would want to see a historical film, but with a humour as well which results in a 'heartwarming' feeling.
Can you name the different funding bodies?
BBC, Paramount (including Australian partners), Hanway (a sales company), The UK Film Council, Sony Pictures Classic (an America distribution company)
What impact does the fact that the film is set in the past have upon the cost of the film?
The fact that the film was set in the 60's had a big financial effect on the film, due to the sets which had to be created. This is because shooting on location would mean featuring modern cars, modern buses, modern road signs and modern features of a street, therefore meaning everything had to be created.
What other elements of film making impact on the budget?
Other elements which had an impact upon the films budget was having to use old footage of the time to save money hiring extras and sets.
Casting
What qualities did the filmmakers want to highlight in the character of Rita?
strong yet ordinary so the audience could emphasis with her.
How does Stephen Woolley describe Sally Hawkins’ star image as having an impact upon casting decisions?
Her past role in 'Happy Go Lucky' showed Stephen Wolley how her warm hearted, generous personality shows through her roles, and therefore would help audiences warm and relate to Rita.
The Producer
Identify the key roles of a producer
The key role of a producer is to find locations, find crew, find editor, find designer, director of photography, camera operators, contruction crew and work out the costs
What are the challenges faced by a producer?
Challenges which face the producer is people are hesistant to make deals if the film has not began filming, so film making often satrts before deals are finalised
Identify three key elements of project development described by Stephen Woolley
The key elements of project development is producer, writers and research, in the case of this film.
Finance
What factors do you think motivated the different organisations to contribute to the film’s financing?
He goes on to describe the film to be similar to the successful film, 'Calander Girls', he believes it could give hope to this film to follow in their footsteps, and therefore produce a reasonable returns. Also, they may assume that audience would want to see a historical film, but with a humour as well which results in a 'heartwarming' feeling.
Can you name the different funding bodies?
BBC, Paramount (including Australian partners), Hanway (a sales company), The UK Film Council, Sony Pictures Classic (an America distribution company)
What impact does the fact that the film is set in the past have upon the cost of the film?
The fact that the film was set in the 60's had a big financial effect on the film, due to the sets which had to be created. This is because shooting on location would mean featuring modern cars, modern buses, modern road signs and modern features of a street, therefore meaning everything had to be created.
What other elements of film making impact on the budget?
Other elements which had an impact upon the films budget was having to use old footage of the time to save money hiring extras and sets.
Casting
What qualities did the filmmakers want to highlight in the character of Rita?
strong yet ordinary so the audience could emphasis with her.
How does Stephen Woolley describe Sally Hawkins’ star image as having an impact upon casting decisions?
Her past role in 'Happy Go Lucky' showed Stephen Wolley how her warm hearted, generous personality shows through her roles, and therefore would help audiences warm and relate to Rita.
The Producer
Identify the key roles of a producer
The key role of a producer is to find locations, find crew, find editor, find designer, director of photography, camera operators, contruction crew and work out the costs
What are the challenges faced by a producer?
Challenges which face the producer is people are hesistant to make deals if the film has not began filming, so film making often satrts before deals are finalised
Distribution Notes
Distribution is about releasing and sustainable films in the market place
It is the third part of the film supply chain, and is often referred to as 'the invisible art'
The process is only known to those within the industry.
Distribution is often considered the most important part of the film industry because it is the point when completed films are brought to life and connected with an audience.
The phases of production, distribution, and exhibition operate most effectively when 'vertically integrated' In the UK, distribution is very much focused on marketing and sustaining a global product in local markets. Distribution can be divided into three stages - licensing, marketing and logistics. Licensing is the process by which a distributor acquires the legal right to exploit a film International distribution ensures that films find their way to the 90+ market 'territories' around the world Independent producers have to sell their films to different distributors in each territory. 'Local' distribution , involves the distributor acquiring the licence to release and exploit the film in a particular country The distributor will usually pay the producer a minimum guarantee for the licence. This fee will vary depending on the status and perceived commercial potential of the film The licence will stipulate that the distributor will also pay royalties to the producer, taken from the profits that the film generates.
The launch of the film-
In the UK, feature films are released initially theatrically (in cinemas) This is seen as the most effective way to create interest in a new film. The big screen is still the optimum setting for a film for both audiences and the filmmakers. Months following the theatrical release, a film will be packaged and released on DVD and VHS video, then on various forms of pay television, and after a couple of years of it being in the cinemas, on free-to-air TV. The key is to invest as much as needed into promoting the film to draw out the maximum returns.
Marketing-
In the UK, new films are released theatrically on Fridays.A further consideration for scheduling a release is the seasonality of the film. The distributor will try to position the film distinctively and avoid a release date occupied by other films with similartraits (story, subject, country of origin).The distributor would look for a light week. Usually ten new releases in a week.
The Theatrical release-
After setting a release date, the distributor works towards the theatrical release, investing in the materials and the marketing campaign to support it . The costs of theatrical distribution, met by local distributors, are often referred to as 'P&A' or prints and advertising. P&A also represent the bulk of the distributor's investment, after paying the initial fee for rights and can range from less the £1,000 to over £1 million for the release of a film in the UK.
The Logistics of Distribution-
The distributor will enter into an agreement with the cinema to screen the film on certain 'play-dates'. It is the responsibility of the distributor to arrange the transportation of the film to the cinema as part of its wider coordination. Logistics represent the phase of distribution at its most basic - supplying and circulating copies of the film to theaters of tapes and DVDs to shops and video rental stores, and managing the effectiveness of the supply. Typically for UK exhibition, the distributor handles 35mm film prints. Each print is hired and then used for repeat use.
Premier Satellite Event (Case Study)
Overall the event went very well. There was an unfortunate technical glitch early on where we lost all power to broadcast at the very start but this was quickly resolved and we managed to get going again quickly. Aside from a handful of timing issues in individual locations most cinemas received the stage intro and following Q&A perfectly. The film took nearly £12,000 of box office on the night, representing about 1,700 people.
The BFI London Film Festival Verdict:
One of the cornerstones of a successful festival is the bringing together of film-makers with audiences and providing some insight into the making of the film. It was clear the public enjoyed it and able to enjoy the experience outside Odeon Leicester Square.
Catfish
It is the third part of the film supply chain, and is often referred to as 'the invisible art'
The process is only known to those within the industry.
Distribution is often considered the most important part of the film industry because it is the point when completed films are brought to life and connected with an audience.
The phases of production, distribution, and exhibition operate most effectively when 'vertically integrated' In the UK, distribution is very much focused on marketing and sustaining a global product in local markets. Distribution can be divided into three stages - licensing, marketing and logistics. Licensing is the process by which a distributor acquires the legal right to exploit a film International distribution ensures that films find their way to the 90+ market 'territories' around the world Independent producers have to sell their films to different distributors in each territory. 'Local' distribution , involves the distributor acquiring the licence to release and exploit the film in a particular country The distributor will usually pay the producer a minimum guarantee for the licence. This fee will vary depending on the status and perceived commercial potential of the film The licence will stipulate that the distributor will also pay royalties to the producer, taken from the profits that the film generates.
The launch of the film-
In the UK, feature films are released initially theatrically (in cinemas) This is seen as the most effective way to create interest in a new film. The big screen is still the optimum setting for a film for both audiences and the filmmakers. Months following the theatrical release, a film will be packaged and released on DVD and VHS video, then on various forms of pay television, and after a couple of years of it being in the cinemas, on free-to-air TV. The key is to invest as much as needed into promoting the film to draw out the maximum returns.
Marketing-
In the UK, new films are released theatrically on Fridays.A further consideration for scheduling a release is the seasonality of the film. The distributor will try to position the film distinctively and avoid a release date occupied by other films with similartraits (story, subject, country of origin).The distributor would look for a light week. Usually ten new releases in a week.
The Theatrical release-
After setting a release date, the distributor works towards the theatrical release, investing in the materials and the marketing campaign to support it . The costs of theatrical distribution, met by local distributors, are often referred to as 'P&A' or prints and advertising. P&A also represent the bulk of the distributor's investment, after paying the initial fee for rights and can range from less the £1,000 to over £1 million for the release of a film in the UK.
The Logistics of Distribution-
The distributor will enter into an agreement with the cinema to screen the film on certain 'play-dates'. It is the responsibility of the distributor to arrange the transportation of the film to the cinema as part of its wider coordination. Logistics represent the phase of distribution at its most basic - supplying and circulating copies of the film to theaters of tapes and DVDs to shops and video rental stores, and managing the effectiveness of the supply. Typically for UK exhibition, the distributor handles 35mm film prints. Each print is hired and then used for repeat use.
Premier Satellite Event (Case Study)
- The UK premier of 'Another Year' took place on Monday 18th October 2010, as the BFI London Film Festival's Mayor of London Gala Screening
- The UK Film council made £150,000 P&A Award to Momentum Pictures for the wider distribution of the film.
- A portion was allocated to expand the UK premiere from the London Film Festival's Mayor of London Gala. Footage from the premiere and the subsequent question and answer session was beamed to 33 sites in Greater London and across the UK, who also screened the film to paying audiences
- Momentum pictures worked with ITV to deliver the event and it cost around £13,000
Overall the event went very well. There was an unfortunate technical glitch early on where we lost all power to broadcast at the very start but this was quickly resolved and we managed to get going again quickly. Aside from a handful of timing issues in individual locations most cinemas received the stage intro and following Q&A perfectly. The film took nearly £12,000 of box office on the night, representing about 1,700 people.
The BFI London Film Festival Verdict:
One of the cornerstones of a successful festival is the bringing together of film-makers with audiences and providing some insight into the making of the film. It was clear the public enjoyed it and able to enjoy the experience outside Odeon Leicester Square.
Catfish
- Catfish is one of the most talked about titles at the London film festival in November
- Momentum pictures, picked up the film expecting smart urbanite audiences to be intrigued and the film has become a cultural discussion point.
- Whilst the film has qualities, the rationale for P&A funding lay primarily in supporting Momentum's innovative release strategy and plans for finding an audience for specialised film.
- In this case specialised by virtue of being a documentary.
- The preview screening began simultaneously in all 29 cinemas, whilst 100 online winners - through a competition organised by lovefilm - simultaneously enjoyed a private online premeire of the film on their own computer
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