+*-Exam style questions-*+

 

a) What is meant by a mainstream film? [2]

A mainstream film tends to have generic themes such as making you laugh or cry, tends to have commercial success, and is escapist entertainment for the audience.

 b) Briefly explain what a media conglomerate is. [2]

A media conglomerate is a large scale company that owns multiple companies in relevant media sources such as film and music.

 c) Explain two features of independent film production. Refer briefly to me, Daniel Blake to support your points. [6]

One feature of independent film production is their focus on a particular social issue. An example of this can be seen in I, Daniel Blake, which focuses on the life of working-class individuals, poverty and the welfare state. The themes tend to be challenging or abstract. Another feature of independent film production is the effect of the film on the audience. For example, whilst mainstream film production tends to offer the audience the theme of escapism during watching, independent film production usually provides less escapist entertainment for the audience due to the more realistic themes in the film.

 d) Explain how economic contexts shape mainstream films. Refer to Black Panther to support your points. [15]

 Economic contexts shape mainstream films in many ways. One way in which economic contexts shape mainstream films is through their production. Mainstream films tend to have a larger budget meaning they can afford to produce through well-known companies in order to receive the most reception from the audience. This can be made evident in Black Panther, which was vertically integrated through Marvel Studios, a well-known brand and franchise of movies, meaning it would be viewed by a much larger audience. Similarly, economic contexts shape the mainstream film genre through the actors they are able to employ. Unlike most independent films, mainstream films use iconic characters and well-known actors who require more money to employ. They do this in order to create brand notability as well as making fans of those actors view the film they are acting in. Economic context also shape mainstream films through their means of financing. Unlike independently produced and distributed films, which may require various forms of funding, most mainstream films are funded by a particular company or conglomerate which usually distributes and produces internally. Black Panther was distributed by Walt Disney Studio Motion pictures who also owns the production company Marvel Studios. This means that they had a much larger budget from one source, enabling their success.