Case Study: Broken

March 27th - Producer Dixie Linders came in to talk to us about British Film Broken

Broken Overview:
Director: Rufus Norris
Producers: Dixie Linders, Tally Garner, Nick Marston, Bill Kenwright
Screenplay: Mark O'Rowe
Cast: 
Tim Roth
Eloise Laurence
Cillian Murphy
Roray Kinnear
Zana Marjanovic,
Robert Emms
Bill Milner
Media Ownership:
BBC Films, BFI, Lipsync, Tax Credit and Bill 

Cross Media Convergence and Synergy:
Soundtrack - Damon Albarn worked on the music and the lead actress Eloise sung most of the songs in the film as she wants to become more of a singer then actress and her singing them gave a more personal touch to her character in the film, which set a more intermit tone between the audience and the character.  

Technology: 
Broken was shot in 35mm and then was ran through DCP so can be distributed digitally. Because the budget was small they shot on dated film which was close to expire to save money and was then ran through a DCP.   

Proliferation of Hardware and Content:
Broken is a small film and it can't really compete with the big block busters as much. To be honest I have never heard on the film until we had the talk. To compete with other films it is given a short run in cinemas and then see if it is worth to keep running. Actors like Tim Roth, help bring in a target audience and money. 

Technological Convergence
Broken was publicised through social networking sites, mainly Twitter. Stephen Fry is the biggest UK follower and he mentioned the film Broken on Twitter which had a big impact for its marketing. Damon Albarn helped with the music and on a opening at the Cannes festival the lead actress Eloise and Damon performed it, which created quite a crowd. Also using Blur's name it attracted attention from their fan base.



Targeting of Local and Global Audiences:
The target audience ended up being women in their 30's, because Tim Roth had one of the lead star role and was the biggest actor in the film. To promote the film globally it was announced on the Jonathan Ross Show, which gets a range of people within the audience. Performing a song which is in the film at Cannes with Damon pulling in crowds with the main star Eloise made a spectacle and definitely had an impact on the audience awareness.

Analysing camera work in TV Documentary

Camera shots found:

- Mid Shot

- Extreme close up

- Wide

- Close up

- Wide

- Tracking

- Aerial 

- Panning

- Tilt

The wide shots are used to show the whole herd, suggesting a sense of togetherness and a community among the elephants. All of the interviewing sections are shot in mid shots. Extreme close ups of Echo the elephant near her eye shows the animal's emotion and the audience has empathy for her. The aerial shot sets the scene of the subject being documented and allows you to follow the elephants on their journey which sets up the story line of the documentary. Panning shots used to show a large amount of scenery and it also follows the action. Camera tilts upwards from Echo's feet to her head, this emphasised her size and how she is important to her family. 

Does the camera work add to the authenticity of the documentary?

The camera shot does enhance the documentary's authenticity, because you are able to see nature at different angles and interpret and receive them in a different way. It makes the documentary less tedious because it arranges and mixes up the footage of the animal and the interview. This creates more of a mood, because if the interviewer says something heart warming and then cuts to sad footage consisting of close ups it has more of a impact. 

Does the documentary draw your attention to the presence of the camera operator or does it attempt to conceal it?

The shots are smooth and you don't notice the camera man because you are fixated on the footage of the elephants and the music which sets the tone in turn. You are too focused on the documentary to notice the camera man, it is the last thing on your mind.  

Analysing camerawork in TV Drama

 

Merlin (BBC)

Different shots found in sequence:
- Close up
- Mid Shot
- Two Person Shot
- High Angle (half wide)
- Overshoulder
- Wide
- Tracking





How is the importance of the setting and action emphasised by the camera movement?

At the beginning we are shown the antagonist in a mid shot who then throws down the swords and the two male protagonists have to fight eachother. The two characters (Arthur and Qwaine) are shown in a two person shot which symbolises they are friends and are together. When they talk to eachother it cuts to close ups of them talking. This establishes who is who and what they feel about the situation just by their eye contact. Without using dialogue in that shot is very powerful, because it is all said by body language and the camera shot. 

When they both pick up their swords and face eachother it cuts to a high angle shot, showing them in the 'arena' which highlights they are alone and must fight because there is no way out. High angle is very effective in making them look small and helpless, because you are positioned below you which emphasises they are at their last resort. Overshoulder shots and close ups flick back and forth in the fight scene. The overshoulder allows you to see more sword action and the opponents reaction. The tracking of the characters is hand held so the shot is shakey and sudden, this emphasises the situation and the fast pace action within it. The cuts between the shots are quick and keeps up with the speed of the fighting. 

Through camera movement you can establish the emotion the characters are feeling through the close up shots which make you intimite with the characters (there are no close ups of the antagonist because you are supposed to feel distant from them) and keeping in close to the action. The high angle and wide shots set the location and the situation of where the action sequence is taking place.      

What is the effect of the choice of camera shots?

The choice in camera shots are more effective then if you were to go with several mid, wide and extreme wide shots, because you wouldn't have the same reaction. You'd be far away from the action and it would be boring to watch. With the camera shots they have used you are close to the action and in some areas its hard to make out what happened which gives it that sense of mystery, but at the same time you get to see some action. If it was all in wide shots then the action would be slow and have no exciting edge, it would look fake and unrealistic.   

3D Films and High Frame Rate

3D

What are the benefits of 3D films for audiences and producers?

There have been more 3D screen instalments in theatres. In 2005 there was 98 and in 2012 there was 43,000. This means audiences have easier access to 3D theatres. Some of the highest grossing films of 2012 ("The Avengers", "The Hobbit", "The Amazing Spider-man") were all available in 3D. In 2012, 9/15 of the top films were in 3D, making the box office produce the biggest projection yet with $10.8 million earning worldwide. 3D films are making money and it attracts people because its a different format to experience films. When 3D first came out it was revolutionary.   

What are the negatives?
1) Prices of tickets have gone up - $8.12 to $18.50 for a 3D ticket. People are less likely to go see a 3D film if it is expensive. 
2) 3D earnings has been on a slow decline since 2010, despite the earnings, although 50% of the films earnings are made on the opening weekend. 
3) Some people just don't like the 3D experience and think it's just a fad and prefer 2D.





HFR

What are the benefits of HFR films for audiences and producers?

 3D HFR creates new possibilities in content creation, which is of interest to those who make/distribute content content. Individuals and companies wanting to create content in HFR will need specialised equipment, and this will result in a new market opportunities. Theatres committed to projecting HFR productions will attract audiences not simply because of novelty, but because HFR is the highest quality digital projection available. There are distinct benefits to consumers providing feedback on how they wish to view content, and researchers improving the variety of viewing methods available.

The Reception from audience members on early HFR content has been mixed. The introduction of a new standard often needs a period of acclimation. At first, curiosity about what HFR looks like will drive audience numbers. If indeed HFR creates a more comfortable viewing experience. The film is more realistic when it is shot in 48 frames (twice as many as normal). You can also see things in the background in more detail when panning then just a hazy blur.

What are the negatives?
1) It's like being on a film set in person and all the magic is lost.
2) It's like being on a 4D ride where everything is seemingly fake
3) It looks like you are watching a soap drama like Eastenders, which looses the films flare.


HFR  & 3D film according to Working title Films?
Working Title have set to produce a 3D or HFR film. The idea of both have mixed views because there is a clash between technology and the artistic drive of directors who like to keep things classic. Still now some of their films like Anna Karenina was shot on film, so they still have a long way to go although some have been done via digital.

Cinema Exhibtors' Association Report

Why have attendances increased in cinemas?

"...first two months of the previous year had benefited 

from the extraordinary box office of Avatar, the increased level of cinema 

admissions during the same period in 2011 was all the more remarkable, 

with the UK film The King’s Speech enjoying exceptional success and going 

on to become the second largest film of the year. The months immediately 

following however saw a significant tailing off in audiences as they 

responded to good weather and a generally downbeat slate of films." - CEA Annual Report

The cinema attendance increased due to big blockbusters such as Avatar which was a new type of film of its kind, this boosted the admissions because it was unique and had such a good review and publicity. The Kings Speech also had the same affect, but it was because it was based on a true story and had a big impact on British people and their tradition. The quality has increased dramatically. The reason for attendances to go down it because of the spring and summer months where there is good weather and people decide to go outside instead. Even then, big blockbusters are released in the summer because children aren't at school.   

"Four of the top ten films at the UK box office were available in digital 3D, 

and while there were increasing signs during 2011 that audiences were 

becoming more discerning in which films they chose to see in that format, 

3D income still contributed almost a quarter of UK box office." - CEA Annual Report

The increase in audience is also affected by the definition. 3D has mixed views from audience goers but it still rakes in 1/4 of the box office. This suggests people want to see film in a different format, so HD, IMAX, HFR and 3D, because you can't get all these formats within your living room. Also screening TV shows like Strictly Come Dancing to make a event out of that.  

What is the DFP and the VPF?

 

DFP - Digital Funding Partnership

Established by the CEA to support small/medium sized cinema operators who wish to go digital and get off film. It costs 50k per screen to change it to DFP. Major distributors are unwilling to accept any lower standard, so the cinemas will lose the different types of films. There is no public support for them to help fund it. 

VPF - Virtual Print Fee

For the DFP to happen, you need to conclude a virtual print fee based funding agreement with XDC Digital Cinema. It is a sum of money paid to the cinema when a film is played on a VPF supported system on the release date of the film, (a 'tun'). The VPF is complex and it is very difficult to access for small, individual operators. So if a cinema plays enough first run films over the funding period, say 10 years, then it covers off about 75-80% of the equipment and finance costs. It is a good proposition for major, commercial operators e.g a national circuit. But what about second runs which are played in small cinemas? - they can't access it, so there are 'co-operative' of some 400 screens covering all types of independent owned cinemas. They are then collectively and in aggregate have sufficient first run programming (turns) to enter into the VPF deals on the same basis as major circuits. The DFP acts as a 'quasi circuit' and has fully financed deal with a third party whereby that party will receive sufficient VPFs to pay back all relevant costs. The strategic beauty is that all cinemas benefits no one loses. The scheme is supported and backed by all studios, major UK circuits, BFI and Minister of Culture.   

What may happen to those who don't use the DFP?

If a small cinema doesn't have the money to go digitally and if the plan is to go fully digitally by 2012, then those cinemas will not be able to get any of the new films, therefore loose money and eventually go bankrupt. You loose small independent cinemas who can't afford to get DFP, so you are left with the mainstream chain cinemas. 

Issues: 

- Competition for equipment and technical expertise for physical installations

- Space and facilities required in projection booth (e.g air con)

- Training and Mind set issues (I don't like digital)

- Loading and playing out content

- Security, unlock keys for encrypted content etc.

- Basically a complete new way of operating

What problems face 'alternative content'?

It would be expensive to rent screen rooms for other purposes and there would need to have forms filled in liability. I personally think the main problem would be that people/public would find it odd to adjust to the idea of using the cinema for more than just watching a film. I would assume that it wouldn't have that much of a impact straight away, because people are unaware you can do that and it hasn't been given it's own section in the cinema like films have. For example, we know what films are going on where but we don't know whether they are screenings of concerts, games or public work. One example which I have only now been aware of is Cinema City's renting of rooms for people to use to their own accord (This has been made free for BFI Academy members such as myself only recently, which is a rare opportunity). Any other content the BBFC must verify it so cinemas are reluctant to do it because of the cost. 

In the Flesh

Show Name: In the Flesh
Channel: BBC Three
Method of Watching: TV/BBC Iplayer
Season/Series: British TV Series

Genre: Zombie Drama

 

In the Flesh is a new 3 part BBC Supernatural drama series which began airing on BBC Three on 17 March 2013 at 10pm. The show was created and written by Dominic Mitchell. It is set after the zombie apocalypse and focuses on zombie teenager Kieren Walker as he reintegrates back into the local community.

Episode Summary:

Partially Deceased Syndrome sufferer Kieren Walker returns home to the cauldron of Roarton, but doesn't receive a warm welcome from all. His parents, Steve and Sue, are undoubtedly pleased to see him, but his sister, Jem, isn't so ready to pick up where they left off when Kieren died back in 2009. Meanwhile, the zombie-hating Human Volunteer Force, led by the violent Bill Macy, are ready to take action against any PDS sufferer reintegrated on their patch. A zombie like Kieren was found in Roarton and was shot by Bill Macy.
Was it conventional to it's genre? Yes, it was quite effective putting Zombies with modern day life without making it look cheesy or overall bad. I quite enjoyed it and the reactions of people is quite realistic.

OPEN OR CLOSED?

Open Narratives: Usually with soap operas
- No sense of a ending, could go on forever
- Many more characters, characters shift in and out
- More than one story line
- Time is more chronological  
- Different knowledge to characters then audience

Closed Narratives:
- Audience aware that they are watching a complete story, with a ending in mind.
- Small number of characters, so it goes into more in depth on them
- Characters have a hierarchy of importance
- Audience can make verdicts on the characters
- Time is compressed unlike Open Narratives
- Times and events are usually special to the story line, not linked with real world

Since its a 3 part drama it is a closed narrative because the storyline can only go on for so long and there has to be a resolution and conclusion.

 

Representation:

 

Age:

Teenager Jem came across as rebellious and moody when she made her first appearance, but throughout the episode she showed a softer side. Kieren on the other hand is quiet (mainly because of the change in situation), so is the contrast but he and his sister bond a little bit in the first episode.

Bill Macy was the dominant one in the HVF and comes across fierce and

violent. He is almost portrayed as a stereotypical general in the army like you see in films.

 

Status and Class:

The HVF and PDS are clashing. Human Voluntary Force don't like the Zombies (Partially Deceased Sydrome). They are two different sides, and one side wants to get on with life while the other wants them head. This dislike and hunting them down can be interpreted into serious real life scenarios. One example could be the genocide in Rwanda, but not as extreme.  

 

 

 

 

Case Study: Hollyoaks

 Hollyoaks Extract

Scene 1 - In the first scene a couple are sitting on the bed and the female character has to tell another character about their relationship. Within the scene the shots are close ups and two shots of the characters when they are in conversation. The speaker at the time is focused on and only in the two shot is the other characters reaction to what they are saying are shown. The room is that of a typical blue for boys which suggests they are in his bedroom. After the scene the male character sips his tea and it pan right to the female character looking away with concern before cutting to the opening on scene 2.

Scene 2 (2&3) - It opens with a environment/over shoulder shot, focusing on the character entering. The location is isolated with just those two characters conversing. They are both wearing similar overalls which suggest they work together. The location fits the mood of the conversation as it is isolated and derelict which has negative connotations which fits the topic of murder. As there is a serious confrontation the shots mainly consist of close up and mid shots to capture the characters emotion and the seriousness of the threat in the others. The weaker is focused on towards the end of the scene and their is a over shoulder close up of his face with the threatening character in shot, he looks away with a serious decision to decide upon. It then sharp cuts from him looking down to scene 3.

Scene 3 (4&5) - The previous serious scenario is then overlooked by the opening on scene 3, as the girl drinks her tea/coffee in a local cafe. The cafe is well lit and has many different produce with nice colours, a typical stereotypical coffee cafe. Each characters clothes say different things about them and suggests different social groups for example the girl in the tracksuits is grouped in to the hoodie section of adolescents. In between the beginning and the end their is a confrontation with 'past friends' and spiteful things are said, at the end the character watches one of the character who she was talking to leave and then look into the distance.

SIMILARITY: ALL THREE SHOTS END WITH THE DISTRESSED CHARACTER LOOKING AWAY  

Scene 4 (6) - Scene 4 is then opened with a environment shot showing the location of another character and a new storyline. The location is nice which implies the character is well-off or stable financially and is well kept.

In each scene the sound focuses on the characters dialogue and any background sounds to enhance and allow the audience to relate and understand the environment.  



Hollywood Media Synergy

Hollywood has come up with several media synergy strategies, where different types of product are created and sold to promote the main text. Creating sequels to popular films is one form of media synergy that is repeatedly and commonly used by Hollywood. This is known as sequelization and is very important and effective. There are other convergent forms such as Attractions (theme park rides), soundtracks, novel tie-ins, video games and toys.

Hollywood are looking further and choosing to put more time, money and attention to developing and marketing the 'megafranchise' movies. This types of movies are big budget, with other conventions such as theme park rides, video games and toys. Individuals at the top of contemporary media are aware that every piece of media under the same brand name promotes every other piece of media under that same name (it's like a chain). This form of promotion can be described as constant media synergy where everything within the same franchise promotes everything else in that franchise.
 
These types of films rely on 4 elements (The four S's), Synergy, Sequelization, Story, Spectacle

Examples: 
Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Lord of the Rings, Jurassic Park, Shrek and Pirates of the Caribbean. All of these have 'megafranchise' features.

Representation of age in TV Drama

Children

Tracy Beaker
Most children in my generation grew up with Tracy Beaker. Tracy Beak represents the bossy, difficult, those 'little devils'. Tracy however lives in the "Dumping Ground" which also puts her possible behaviour into context. Within the program its got other examples of children, from the shy timid ones to the weird imaginative ones. This shot shoes Tracy pointing and shouting, showing her aggression towards us and other people. The pattern and background behind her shows us Tracy has a pleasant childish side with the bright colours and decoration.  


Outnumbered

The children in outnumbered are portrayed as irritating. They act their age. Karen plays with toys and has that innocence about her as she is the youngest and always has a chatty colourful personalty. Ben is the weirdest child out of the family and probably is the most understood one. In the image we see Ben being a issue and embarrassing causing his father to carry him out of a public place. This shows adolescence and a sense of rebellion, less 'little angels' more 'little horrors'.





Youth

Waterloo Road


Waterloo Road shows the stereotypes of youth very well, representing them as rebellious and attracting disapproval. The uniform symbolises their rebellious nature by not wearing it properly and not looking smart and sophisticated, quite the opposite in fact. They portray mixed cultures and the idea of male dominance between groups (which is shown in this scene). This could trigger anti-social behaviour within a plot line which has been covered in the program. Waterloo road does focus on teen-related issues and it is teen-related issues dominant with the occasional adult issue. The style of clothing does give you the impression if all the characters in the shot that there is sub-culture divide (hoodies etc). 

E20


The representation in E20 is similar to Waterloo Road. It focuses less on their school life and more on their home life. Each character portrayed shows a different type of ethnicity or sub-culture. The way they sit also gives you a idea about their character so 'fat boy' in the yellow hoodie is relaxed which suggests he is a relaxed chilled out person and doesn't show the fierce chav criteria waterloo road represents. The girls in the middle give off different signals about their personality. The one with blue hair is sat in a suggestive 'I don't care' manner which suggests she has more of a rebellious attitude and is more if a adolescent nature. The other girl on the other hand is keeping all to herself and shows a seriousness about her. This suggests she represents the good-girl hard working group of the youth population which is overlooked by stereotypes. The other male is sat on a perch and the way he dressed suggests he is a sporty and 'regular' person. The background shows a typical youth flat with the CD collection and posters. 

Elderly 


One foot in the grave
Victor Meldrew is perfect example of a grumpy old man. He is stubborn and his catch phrase "I don't believe it!" clarifies the his resistance to social change. The image also shows him to be a bit of a fool with pen over his face, so maybe age is catching up with him. Clothing and furniture is are typical and realistic to an older persons house. 





Eastenders
Dot Cotton is one of the most iconic representations on Eastenders of the elderly generation. She is shown with nice clothes (which suggests wealth) and her smoking habit which is well noted in the soap opera. Similar to Victor Meldrew she is also cynical and a bit of a grump at times. She also is a christian which is portrayed through her actions and weekly comings and goings in church. From my understanding most people who believe in God are of a mature age and the faith in youth is declining.     

Synergy and Star Wars

What is Synergy?

Synergy is the promotion and sale of a product in all its versions if they are available. 

Film: 
Star Wars is an American epic space opera franchise centred on a film series created by George Lucas. The film series has spawned a media franchise outside the film series called the Expanded Universe including books, television series, computer and video games, and comic books. Star Wars is one of the biggest film franchises and one of the most famous. The box office has been successful even when it reached the 8th one, despite has probably decreased in quality.  

Star Wars: Release date(s)	May 25, 1977
Running time	125 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Budget	$11 million
Box office	$775,398,007 (Worldwide)

Clone Wars:
Release date(s)	August 15, 2008
Running time	98 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Budget	$8.5 million
Box office	$68,282,844

Games:

Star Wars has a ridiculous amount of games within their franchise. One of the most well-known is Lego who have also done other films such as Harry Potter. The purpose of the game is to be like the film, so if it wasn't branded by the film I think customers will see it as nothing special as wouldn't be as popular as it is presently. Games are available on all different platforms, Gameboy, Mobile, Nintendo DS, Playstation, Windows PC, Mac, Wii, Xbox360 , iOS... the list is endless.

Attractions:

In Disneyland Paris there is a Star Tour simulator ride, but it closed in 2012. Tokyo Disneyland's Star Tours closed on April 2, 2012, to make way for Star Tours: The Adventures Continue which will open in Spring 2013.

Soundtracks:
The soundtrack of star wars is one of the most famous soundtracks, even if you haven't seen the films you recognise the classic soundtrack. Click Here for Soundtrack It is also worth mentioning many parodies such as the one in Family Guy use the soundtrack when making parody episodes.

Toys:

Star Wars has a infinite range of toys, from collectibles to soft toys to Lego star ships. The range of toys is unbelievable and now that Disney has owned the rights to it, Disney can produce and manufacture tonnes for merchandise and games alike to make even more money from obsessive star war fans.

Media Ownership

1. What is horizontal and vertical integration in the media industry and can you provide an example?
Horizontal integration is where an organization develops by buying up competitors in the same section of the market, it is the absorption into a single firm of several firms involved in the same level of production and sharing resources at that level and allows companies to reach a wider audience. For Example: Disney buying the rights to Star Wars.

Vertical integration describes a style of management control. Vertically integrated companies in a supply chain are united through a common owner. The combination in one company of two or more stages of production normally operated by separate companies. It allows media organizations to make profit at every stage. For Example: News Corp owns the forests from which their newspapers are printed. 

2. What does Melody (1978) believe happens to the 'media market'?

Melody made a statement of, only 37 cities out of 1519 in the USA had two or more daily newspapers. By 2000 the number had decreased and the one-newspaper town had become the national norm. Fewer owners have control over more newspapers and their circulation, and most of the media have been absorbed by chain families. 

3. What does Neuman (1991) believe happens to media content? Why is it a problem for the audience?

What most people hear and see in the mass media is remarkably uniform in content and worldview. The media have a double relation to democracy. On the other hand, the emergence of a global information society is a powerful democratizing force and yet television and the other media tend to destroy the very public. Gidden calls is the democratising of the democracy'. 

4. What does Sterling think about the level of research?

"Surprisingly little research has been done- only margining more than we could draw on two decades ago. Too much is assumed or anecdotal, merely suggesting results from ownership changes'.

5. What does the media reproduce according to Gomery (2000)?

Gomery believes the marxist argument that the capitalist society controls the media and tells people with less power what to do and where to stay.  It makes out that if you believe the message of keeping you in your place. Therefore people keep paying money to see their films. It persuades the people not to question or challenge the capitalist the society.  

6. The media industry and corporate power form a powerful cartel. What does it do to local cultures (Mier)?

Corporate power creates a powerful cartel which in turn encourages the spread of certain values. There are strong incentives for the displacement of the public with commercial infotainment. This strengthens a conservative 'common sense' view of th eworld eroding local cultures.

7. How have media corporations influenced the law? What impact does this have on new businesses entering the market?

The largest media giants have achieved alarming success in writing the media laws and regulations to favor the interests of their corporation rather than the interests of the general public. They are more selfish when it comes to marketing, they market their needs before the publics needs. 

8. What issue does convergence pose for media ownership?
In Europe and the USA, many cross-media ownership rules have been relaxed or have gone completely. Convergence widen the audience range and could possible have positive impacts towards the owners of the modal product. Media owners are keen to advertise the advantages of horizontal, vertical, diagonal and international concentration. 


9. What does the FCC believe about program diversity?
The Federal Communications Commission once believed that programming diversification was necessary to maximize public service. It was argued that the number of independent broadcasters, the greater the chances for achieving the desired diversity.  

Crowd Funding

Crowd Funding is the contribution of individualls who network and give money, usually through the Internet, to support efforts initiated by other people/organisations in this case independent film makers. 

How might crowd funding affect the 'big six'?

Crowd funding for independent film makers through sites like Indiegogo and Kickstarter is a cheaper way to get funding which is donated by the public and those looking to invest a small amount of money. For just $25, investors can score a spot within the opening credits of a film and behind the scenes access. Where as bigger films which you'd get from the 'big six' would need to raise $400,000 just for a story reel. Both types are contradictory but it doesn't really affect the big six badly because they have a big section of funding and to the majority of the public independent film makers are practically invisible. 

Do you think this method of film financing will allow creativity to flourish or will it reduce the overall quality of film making as an art form?

I don't think it will ruin creativity at all. Film making is about the story idea and how you can interpret and bring the story to life. Money only restricts you to things such as special effects, CGI and really expensive props which you might/won't have the funds for. If a film doesn't get enough funding in this way then it can't get certain resources, but that shouldn't matter as long as the story is well research, thought out and worthy enough to be put in screen. A bad film usually is a bad film because of the bad story line, sometimes its not about the special effects or CGI. Some of the best films which people still love today and errors in them, but we don't care about those because the creativity is enticing. Any reasonably old film in the 1900's can show that as some old films are the classics. 

How can a crowdfunded film appeal to global and local audiences?

Crowd funding is mostly over the Internet, everyone lives on the Internet and we are all technology dependent. It is easier to fund a film and cheaper because you can do it online. You can easily view a Canadian film from you laptop as you can a Japanese one. Films can be shared online so others can see what they are funding and if a local film is advertised in this way then it could bring local businesses as investors and improve community spirit.  

Example:

The BackSeat Driver project is on Indiegogo and it is crowd funded. 

What is the story? (Taken from the link)

A frantic phone call...

...wakens Mickey Mueller.  Through tears, her little sister chokes out "the wedding planners skipped town... nothings set up for this weekend... the rehearsal dinner's tonight... HELP ME!"
Mickey springs into action.  She calls a cab, and quickly sets up a command post from the back seat as she heads for the airport -- stopping along the way to pick up wedding essentials her ever-present "playbook" reminds her she needs.  Can she pull it off with the help of her office staff, her dad, and her cabdriver Munir, who's got a lot more to offer than he lets on? Will the motorcycle patrolman that pulls them over cite them, or let them off with a warning? Will she keep cancelling flights until she runs out of planes?
It's a road picture in one city, with stops and star cameos along the way.

The film hasn't met its donation target. This only help prove that Crowd funding isn't a threat to the Big Six. It is in the early stages of development and is only a new idea which no one really knows about or understands yet. It could take off but there isn't any publicity or awareness of crowd funding. It is a crowd funded and people will be reluctant to give money to films which might be like other films.  

Working Title Visit

On Thursday 28th February Reepham College had a great opportunity to visit Working Title and have a talk with some people who work in the industry.

Charlotte, Tilly and Tristan - Internship
Tilly was on the program Action! which is a one year program. They choose 3 people one goes to developing, runner and production. They also talked about their own personal roles in Working Title and processes which they knew about.  
Tristan had worked on Skyfall and went to another country to film the beginning sequence on the train. It was very different because it was in a different language and there were 1000's of extras. He also spent 5 months working on Batman: The Dark Knight Rises. 

Development:
In development it is the whole process from the original idea to the screening. The Development process varies depending on what film it is. Anna Karenina took a very short time into comparison to other films like Les Miserables.  Marketing had its own department next to development, they aren't they same department. Development needs to have loads of conversations between colleagues because their will be constant difficulties. 
Amelia Granger is in film development. To come up with ideas for a film you use resources to such as magazines, books, thinking process and meetings with writers and directors

Assistant Director:
The Assistant Director is there from production to on set and the communication between each individual group is handled by them. They get to see everything on set. Things will nearly always go wrong so contingency plans are needed and you need to think on your feet. 

Adaption:
Adaption is hard and takes a long time if you are going from book straight to film. With Anna Karenina it wasn't the case because they used a fair bit of the screen play. Twilight was a surprise to have taken off, but it is thought it has because of the actors chosen. Anna Karenina was out of copyright and Working Title knew previous adaptions could be improved. Tom Stoppard is a screen writer who did Warhorse and Shakespeare in love, worked on Anna Karenina. In the adaption they focused on Anna Karenina's story and Leverd's, so they removed a lot of the content and put more in.     

Tristan suggested The Knowledge if looking for places to go and get experience.

Production and Anna Karenina:
Production focuses on schedule and budget. For Anna Karenina Universal gave a certain amount of money. The money they were given wasn't enough for the original plan. To film in Russia like they originally wanted to was too expensive. When they came up with the idea of filming it all in a theatre it saved a lot of money. They filmed in one place in Russia, Kizzy. It was -40 and many of the crew got frost bite and equipment broke. Offices are given scripts to breakdown and analyse the script to be able to identify the locations and actors needed to then work out rough budget for filming. When the set was built they would have a portable office built nearby. Anna Karenina was expensive in the Mise en Scene, because it is a period piece. So props, costume and makeup had to be considered. One of the visual effect techniques was to put a Dior stocking over the lens for a soft effect focus and it was shot on film. They used as many resources as possible. 1 million feet worth of film was used on Les Miserables.

Audience for Anna Karenina:
The target audience was aimed at those in the upmarket class with a literature background. The audience is similar to Pride and Prejudice.

Investors: 
Investors have little input to be honest. They are sent a casting list, concept designs and given a general overview, they don't have full control. The studio focus more behind the decisions. Other production companies working with Working Title compromise and it is generally a satisfying process with very little disagreements.

Special Effects:
Visual effects crashed and businesses are shutting down or reducing their employee numbers. It is described as a famine or feast situation, whereby either all films want a lot of visual effects or not. It took off around when Avatar was out causing businesses to expand but now the demand isn't keeping isn't as high. Businesses are downscaling and freelances are being made. It is hard to predict what will happen as it fluctuates. The prices were sky high but now dropping, it is incredibly competitive.

Editing:
The editor puts in a rough cut with every scene in it and everyone watches a screening of it. Les Mis when first screened was 4 hours long at first. Afterwards they would talk about it and visual effects come in and decisions are made. Once the director has delievered his cut it is a lock cut and no more is done.

Film and Digitial:
Film was still being used until 4-5 years ago when Avatar was released. Film doesn't wear well and now doing it digitially is much easier. Now on a hard drive the cost savings have been huge. The digitial age is cheaper and easier.

Advice:
Always take creative risks. If you don't take risks your not doing your job properely, because all films have taken creative risks. A big actor = a big bullseye but it's nice to level it out and have a mix of new actors aswell.