Tick Tock: Researching the Film Industry

Researching the Film Industry

The Film Industry is a very general term, however there are many stages within the film industry that help to create a successful film.

Production companies read the scripts sent in to them and if they like it they will completely change it so it is more commercial, and so that it will sell. The production companies main objective is to make the film generate as much money as it can by making it appealing to the audience.
The production companies also raise money to make the film if they don't have enough finance to fund it themselves. They would do this by approaching other production companys and ask them for money so that they can have a slice of the profit.

Also:

The production company provides the director who directs the actors and film crew in film making. They also provide the director of photography is the chief over the camera and lighting crews working on a film, and responsible for achieving artistic and technical decisions related to the film.
They do the casting of the film, find locations suitable, provide equipment props and costumes. All together the Production companies are the most important part of the 3 stages, as without them there would be no film.
There are many production companies but I have chosen two to research.

British animation studio based in Bristol
The studio is known for films made using stop-motion clay animation techniques, particularly those featuring Plasticine
It is famous for films such as 'Wallace and Gromit' and 'Flushed Away'
Shows that British products can do well, although obviously not suitable for our film

As the film producers of our film we would have to raise money to create our film to the best that it would be, so it would make as much profit as possible. We would also have to conduct research into what people like to watch in thrillers to make it for the audience, also to increase the revenue.

A distribution company responsible for marketing the film. They deal with when people see it, how it is seen and who it is seen by.
Distribution companies decide the release date of the film, whether it is in the cinema or on the internet. They decide what websites it is promoted or shown on and what cinemas it will be shown if for how much and for how long.
They also decide the DVD or Blu-ray release dates and are also in charge if the films accumulate and they decide to make a box set.
Distribution companies deal with getting the film out to people to make it a worldwide film.
I researched two distribution companies that highlighted these factors best.

Distributor of classic, horror, and cult films
One of the UK's leading distributors of world cinema
Distribute films to small target audience, they specialise in films that are for one group of people.

When we distribute our film after its theatrical release it would be on DVD/Blu Ray as they are the current most profitable things to present our film on. Also many people still buy DVDs. DVDS are giving way to online storage and distribution, but many people still like to own a film and will buy the hard copy, especially if you make sure there are lots of extras and special features that would not be available online.

Marketing companies are responsible for all merchandise and advertising to do with the film. Their aim is to create an image to connect with the audience.
Trailers, posters and other merchandise are essential to a marketing companies success as it creates a artificial link to the audience and also creates a profit, especially if the film is well known.
They are responsible for the film promotion, and viral campaigns such as interviews with the actors/stars, premiers anything that boosts the films audience and makes people anticipate the film.
A film that used extensive marketing was the 'Harry Potter' saga. The film was made into a brand that everyone knows of. Merchandise was created to capture and amaze the audience and it did successfully which is why I believe that the film has achieved so much.
Posters were created leading up to the films, creating anticipation and alerting people that the film was coming out. The trailers that were created captivated the audience and made them restless to see it.
'Harry Potter World' was created in Orlando, and the studio tour was built at Leavesden studios attracting fans from all around the world.

I would hope that we would market our film, however not to the extent as 'Harry Potter' as thriller films tend to not have a large marketing potential. However I do believe that marketing advertises the film, and makes it look more attractive. Therefore some marketing will be done to attract people's attention and to get them to watch the film.