OCR (As media)Unit G322: Section B

institutions and audiences: FILM

Lesson Objectives 06/05/14:• Finish research task from last lesson.• Consider Past Papers for Section B of the

exam and draft essay structures• Review Homework Task.

Why did we focus on Four Weddings (1994) and Working Title?

How is what we learnt relevant to the exam?

Starter Task: Which film did we consider last lesson?

• Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994) as a historic point in British cinema which fostered future collaborations between American studios and British production companies (process of production/distribution/marketing/exchange topic).

• Money from American studios/distributors to fund distribution of films made by British production companies, Polygram/Universal deal (Synergy and convergence topic) .

• Four Weddings formula has been replicated in recent years with Love Actually (2003) and About Time (2013) (the targeting of national and local audiences topic).

• You must comment on productions within the last 5 years for the exam including a study of a specific studio or production company that targets a British audience.

Task (30 mins of the lesson)1. Go on imdb or a search engine.

2. Pick 1-2 films made by either Working Title or Big Talk and research…How they were made, Who distributed? Did they make a profit? What technologies were used? (if you can find out/have seen the film).

3. After you have researched the films, create a response to one of the exam topics (on your tracker) as a case study- see which questions the films you have researched would cover.

Following on from last lesson:

4. Write a response/essay structure (approx 500 words).6. Type up and post to your blog.7. I will look through and review the best (give feedback on Thurs).

Example Response…The film: Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World (2010).Topic= the issues raised by media ownership in contemporary media practice. 1. Process of production and distribution• Film created by independent company Big Talk and produced by Working

Title (discuss role of producer).• Although Big Talk Productions still remains an independent film company,

and has managed to expand to converge with other companies, it has still had to rely on one of the bigger conglomerates….

• Distributed by Universal due to being produced by Working Title (Working Title are part owned by Universal).

• Discussion of the the relationship between independent production company and a studio distributor (British Talent Edgar Wright=Director with American distribution money= Universal).

1. Ctnd Discuss History of Working Title and Universal… Working Title developed a close working relationship with Polygram (a large media company that was mostly active in the music industry).

Although Working Title had a strong independent ethic, it had to seek financial support and investment from other media organisations. At that stage, Working Tim Bevan describes as:

“a company that’s independent in spirit but with studio backing”.

• Universal pictures bought Polygram in 1999 and therefore owns a majority stake in Working Title Films.

• Discuss the dominance of Hollywood studios (their financial power) and how they are necessary to the British Film Industry due to their power to fund distribution.

3. Relationship between Audiences and Institutions• Discussion of British made but an American cast (name actors).• Because of American financial backing, the film needed

American stars to be recognisable to an American audience

4. The above issue also covers Audience Consumption• Audiences are more likely to watch films with recognisable stars.• Discussion of Star theory (Richard Dyer) how stars are bankable

to films.

CONCLUSION:• Independent British production companies simply cannot sustain

themselves and grow without investment from major media organisations?

• Investment is necessary if production companies are not going to spend all their energy chasing funding. With the security of studio backing, they can devote their energies to the development of the film.

• It could be argued that Big Talk (through partnership with Working Title and Universal) have managed to retain their British identity and made resolutely British films despite American money. Interestingly, however, you could argue that due to audience consumption patterns the British identity is packaged in a certain way for American Audiences (use another contemporary case study here).

Past Papers for Section BReading and Discussion task (15 mins):1. Read through the three past paper exam questions.2. In the following groups, work out what the question is

basically asking you (look at your tracker) and write each question out in your own words.

3. How would you attempt to answer the questions? Which case studies might you use? Write notes on the hand outs and in your books.

4. Do you have any questions to pose to the class about the exam questions? Write on a post it note (max 3).

Groups:SaharBintuAnahita

NimoAndi-MaeLara

MelinaMayleen

MichelleLouiseNoreen

ZhaneDanikaMuna

HELP FOR ANALYSING ESSAY QUESTIONS Read the question (aloud if it helps!) several times. Underline the words that tell you what approach to take. (e.g. discuss, assess, compare – see list ,“Key Words in Essay Titles”, below) Highlight key words relating to the subject matter. Circle any other significant words that identify the scope of what you have to write about. (e.g. simply, fundamentally, only, merely, currently, respectively) Note any terms that you need to define. Write the question out in your own words. In your introduction say how you interpret the question (e.g. by rephrasing in your own words). In your conclusion, refer back to the question; show the reader that you’re still answering the set question. Write the question out in full on plans, notes and drafts to make sure you never lose sight of it.

Homework Review:Big Talk Article

• Who took a 25% stake in the production company?

• Which other production companies have been snapped up over the last 18 months?

• What will the money (generated by the 25% sale) be used for by Big Talk)?

• How does this benefit both parties (BBC Worldwide and Big Talk?

Homework for Thursday:On Thursday we will go through a mock (open book, in exam conditions).

• Homework: is to prepare an essay structure for Thurs to help yourself.

• Homework: Use a search engine to research and make brief notes on vertical and horizontal integration (in the Film Industry).

The mock on Thurs: We will be looking at the following question…‘Discuss the issues raised by media ownership in the production and exchange of Media text in your chosen media area (Film).

You will peer assess each others essays using a mark scheme.We will look at an exemplar essay.

ESSAY WRITING GUIDE – THE MAIN STAGES… 1. Analyse the question. 2. Make a rough outline plan. 3. Use plan to guide research. 4. Review, revise and refine the plan. 5. Write first draft. 6. Edit draft for structure and content. 7. Edit draft for style. 8. Check referencing. 9. Proof read for spelling/punctuation. 10. Produce final copy.

• Introduction• Paragraphs• Conclusion