AS Media Studies : Institutions & Audiences

Working Title Films Case Study

What is Working Title? Working title Films is a film company which was

founded by Tim Bevan and Sarah Radclyffe and is based in London.

The company mostly produces comedies such as Bridget Jones Diary and Johnny English with a mostly British cast such as Rowan Atkinson, Colin Firth, Kelly McDonald, etc…

The company’s biggest successes include Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill, Nanny McPhee and Billy Elliot to name a few.

How is Working Title Films structured?

According to Tim Bevan, himself, ‘Michael’ and Eric Felner worked out on paper on what they thought would make a production company.

The production company is split into two wings, one located in the UK, the other in the USA.

They rely a lot on films starring Rowan Atkinson and Serious Dramas such as Atonement or Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy as their main moneymakers.

How has Working Title survived in an industry dominated by American

Conglomerates?

Ever since 2000, NBC Universal Studios has been supporting the company and has served as it’s main backer.

Another reason for their survival is the success of their films , for example Notting Hill is the company’s most successful project which made over $370,000,000 on it’s theatrical release.

The company is allowed to produce films with a budget of up to $35 million and is based in London with a limited number of employees.

Tinker Tailor Solider Spy Production=

.Based on the novel of the same name by John Le Carre

.Working Title hired Peter Struaghan and his wife, Bridget O’ Conner to re-draft the script after the original writer Peter Morgan dropped out to serve as executive producer for personal reasons.

.O’ Conner died of cancer during production so the film was dedicated to her memory.

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy Distribution and Marketing Strategies=

. The film made it’s world premiere at the 68th Venice International Film Festival on 5th September 2011.

.The book was re-released with front cover art from the film.

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy Exhibition & consumption

.The film managed to top the British box office chart for three consecutive weeks.

.At the end of it’s run, it ended up grossing $80,135,388 making it a modest success.

.It ended up winning two BAFTAs for Best Adapted screenplay and Outstanding British Film.