Sonia Media[1] Discuss the Ways in Which Media Products Are Produced and Distributed to Audiences
Part B
Great Directors - FIlm 4
http://www.film4.com/videos/article/great-directors-coming-soon
Next week Film 4 are playing tribute to some of the greates directors and the films they have produced e.g. Darren Aronofsky. I am really looking forward to watching this as it will give me a good idea of what movies were successful in the film industry and the reasons why. This will help as we are currently studying the film industry, therefore, I can compare these successful movies to films that have been unsuccessful in the British Film Industry.
S.O.P.A + PIPA
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-16628143http://www.film4.com/videos/article/great-directors-coming-soon
Next week Film 4 are playing tribute to some of the greates directors and the films they have produced e.g. Darren Aronofsky. I am really looking forward to watching this as it will give me a good idea of what movies were successful in the film industry and the reasons why. This will help as we are currently studying the film industry, therefore, I can compare these successful movies to films that have been unsuccessful in the British Film Industry.
S.O.P.A + PIPA
The S.O.P.A and PIPA are acts being introduced in the US, these are to stop and copyright material from coming in and out of the US. This could not only effect sites such as Pirate Bay but could go on to effect search engines such as Google, Wikipedia, Youtube and even Social Networking sites. Eventhough, this would greatly stop the piracy of films which would mean less money is lost in the film industry, it also extremely dissaproved by many people across the world as people think that this act will take away the idea of freedom. This cause a lot of websites to go into black out last week.
Cameron calls for tighter focus from UK's film industry funding
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/jan/10/cameron-uk-film-industry-lottery-funding?newsfeed=true
This article explains how the priminster David Cameron is urging the British Film Industry to create more mainstream films that appeal to a wider audience. David Cameron says that he will be meeting with Pinewood studios in London to discuss how films in the British Film Industry that have potential to appeal to a wide audience will get help with funding. From my reasearch I have found the biggest problems with the British Film Industry is that a lot are struggling for financial support, this is mainly due to the closure of the UK Film Council. As a result, this can help the British Film Industry massively.
MONDAY, 09 JANUARY 2012
What is Wrong With the British Film Industry
SUNDAY, 01 JANUARY 2012
Film Industry
MONDAY, 14 NOVEMBER 2011
What is wrong with the British Film Industry?
A big contributor to failure in the British film industry is the closure of the UK film Industry (UKFC); as this was one of the biggest ways for films to secure finance however due to the Government no longer supplying this, the film industry is beginning to decline. As the British Film Industry continues to lose money, movies can no longer be distributed by the UK instead many films are being distributed by countries such as America, therefore the industry is losing even more money.
Another reason British film industry is failing could be due to the Psychological aspect. This is the idea that from when we were children right to when we were adults we have enjoyed films that capture the American culture e.g. the younger generation generally enjoy Disney movies etc. In addition to this, many people agree with the idea that American films have more interesting and intriguing story lines as opposed to British films which focus to much on British history etc, therefore not appealing to a wide market. Therefore, many people would agree that the American film industry is taking over, even cinemas in the UK mainly show American based films so some could argue should UK cinemas be supporting British based films more?
Finally, piracy is becoming a big problem as many are ditching the idea of paying out to go to the cinema and seeing a movie instead they are able due to new technology, able to go online and watch movies from the comfort of their home. A lot of this could be due to the continuous rise in cinema prices.
WEDNESDAY, 09 NOVEMBER 2011
Film Industry welcomes extension of tax break until 2015
The Prime Minister David Cameron, has announced the extension of film tax relief, the government's tax break for the British film industry, until the end of December 2015.
My opinion: In my opinion I think the extension of the Film Tax Relief is a great idea as it is a has been a source of finance for British Films and is therefore helping to maintain the British Film industry - the use of the Film Tax Relief is evident in the films it has previously helped, which include; Clash of the Titans 3D, Streetdance 3D, and Harry Potter Deathly Hallows Part 1 & 2.
WEDNESDAY, 02 NOVEMBER 2011
Can the film industry learn something from Modern Warfare 3?
After shifting 6.5 million copies in 24 hours, Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 earned $400 million in sales, smashing records for a single day release of any entertainment product. The question is can the film industry learn from the success of the gaming industry?
My opinion: In my opinion I think the gaming industry could help the success of the film industry as the gaming industry is vastly growing as the idea of action pact games, and improvements in graphic quality is becoming greatly appealing to large audiences. Therefore, I think if movies were to be created including them certain aspects could create an interest for gamers globally.
WEDNESDAY, 26 OCTOBER 2011
Harry Potter and the case of the vanishing DVDs
Warner Bros has announced that it will withdraw all Harry Potter DVDs and Blu-rays from retailers to follow Disney's limited release model. But will this new strategy work its magic on Potter fans?
My opinion: In some ways this is a good idea as Warner Bros will make a substantial amount of money as Potter fans will rush to get their collection of DVDs due to them not possibly being available anymore - they also plan to do this near November/December making the demand of the DVDs to increase due to it being Christmas However, this could backfire as it could actually anger Potter fans as some may not get all the DVDs due to such a high demand e.g. they may sell out which will upset many fans of the movie franchise.
SUNDAY, 23 OCTOBER 2011
TinTin enters the third dimention
More than 80 years since TinTin first appeared in print in Belgium, the roving boy reporter has been transformed for the big screen by Steven Spielberg
My opinion: Personally, I think transforming this cartoon into 3D is a great idea as it will allow a new generation to view a much enjoyed cartoon for many adults when they were younger in a different way. Steven Spielberg has been greatly praised for the realism of the characters in the new 3D films therefore, I will find interesting to how these high quality graphics will be perceived by audiences across the world.
TUESDAY, 11 OCTOBER 2011
'3D is a 'gimmick', according to a new UK film poll'
British cinema goers have said 3D makes little difference to the quality of a movie, according to a new survey. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-15075014
My evaluation: I was very interested in this article as I to have thought before that the 3D aspect used in some films doesn't really make a difference in the quality (very rarely the use of 3D can be amazing e.g. Avatar), but instead it is used to simply gain more money from the audience and like the article said is a 'gimmick'.
FRIDAY, 7 OCTOBER 2011
'The Lion King 3D' claims box-office crown with $29.3 million
My evaluation: I am very much interested in how the 3D version of the Lion King is improved from the original Lion King - and how the 3D aspect could possibly make the original better.
FRIDAY, 29 SEPTEMBER 2011
The King's Speech leads winners at BIFAs
http://www.screendaily.com/awards/the-kings-speech-leads-winners-at-bifas/5021284.article
My Evaluation: This piece of research tells of how the film 'The King's Speech' scoops five BIFAs (British Independent Film Awards) - this interested me as these are not the only awards this film has won e.g. the film won 4 Oscars, including best picture. Overall I am very intrigued to how the film has become such a success by winning so many awards.
FRIDAY, 29 SEPTEMBER 2011
"Titanic" to be released in 3D in theaters worldwide
The acclaimed Hollywood epic "Titanic," will hit movie theaters worldwide in 3D version next year, Hollywood studios and its director James Cameron said on Thursday.
The commercial and critical success, originally released in 1997, will be re-released on April 6, 2012, in time to mark the 100th anniversary of the doomed passenger liner setting sail from England on April 10, 1912, said Paramount Pictures, Twentieth Century Fox and Lightstorm Entertainment.
"There's a whole generation that's never seen 'Titanic' as it was meant to be seen, on the big screen. And this will be 'Titanic' as you've never seen it before, digitally remastered at 4K (resolution) and painstakingly converted to 3D," Cameron said in a statement issued by the studios and distributors.
The director added: "With the emotional power intact and the images more powerful than ever, this will be an epic experience for fans and newcomers alike."
"Titanic," starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet won 11 Oscars, including best picture and best director for Cameron.
It grossed more than $1.8 billion worldwide and for years held the record as the most successful movie ever, before being overtaken by Cameron's 2009 3D blockbuster "Avatar" that has a lifetime gross of more than $2.7 billion.
My Evaluation: In my opinion Titanic was already successful in 2D this is evident in the 11 Oscars, 4 Golden Globes, 1 Grammy Award that the movie won, as result do not see any reason for why the movie should be remade into 3D - there is also the risk that the original 2D version maybe forgotten (which in my opinion will always be the better as it is the original one made by James Cameron) as a new generation will be able to view the movie, therefore this will be the version that they will remember. On the other hand I will be very interested in what comes of the remaking of the movie and to see how it will pan out to the audience.
The commercial and critical success, originally released in 1997, will be re-released on April 6, 2012, in time to mark the 100th anniversary of the doomed passenger liner setting sail from England on April 10, 1912, said Paramount Pictures, Twentieth Century Fox and Lightstorm Entertainment.
It grossed more than $1.8 billion worldwide and for years held the record as the most successful movie ever, before being overtaken by Cameron's 2009 3D blockbuster "Avatar" that has a lifetime gross of more than $2.7 billion.
TUESDAY, 20 SEPTEMBER 2011
James Cameron hopes to shoot the Avatar sequels at 60 frames per second
Earlier this year Peter Jackson made the decision to shoot The Hobbit movies at 48 frames per second, despite 24 fps being the film industry norm since the late 1920s. His reasoning was because at 48fps “the image has hugely enhanced clarity and smoothness” and “looks much more lifelike, and it is much easier to watch, especially in 3-D”.
This decision was a risk as there has never been a wide release feature film shot at this higher frame rate, so Warner Bros. and Jackson are “hopeful that there will be enough theaters capable of projecting 48 fps” by the time the first movie hits next December. Now James Cameron, who is familiar with technology-related risks, wants to go even higher by shooting the Avatar sequels at 60 fps.
Cameron told THR that he would “personally favor” 60 fps, but “other people may choose 48 for other reasons.”
“The reason I went down that path is because I believe it makes for better 3D,” Cameron said of his advocacy of higher frame rates in a new interview. “There were lots of arguments for why 48 and why 60. My feeling is if it is a software upgrade (for digital cinema projectors), do both. It doesn’t change anything at the projector; you don’t have to change the lamp house or the lenses. If you are uploading software you can upload it for 48 and 60 and let the filmmakers decide.”
In terms of how he will decide at what rate to shoot the Avatar sequels, Cameron said, “If the exhibitors will adopt the idea of a dual standard, than I’ll probably want to shoot 60. If they don’t, then I will have to look very carefully at the pros and cons of 60 and 48.”
When Peter Jackson announced his 48 fps decision he said 24 fps was by no means the best film speed, and it has only been used for so long because “it was the cheapest speed to achieve basic acceptable results back in 1927″. I’m always up for technological advancements when it’s clear there’s room for improvement, so hopefully The Hobbit can be shown at 48 fps next year. As Avatar 2 isn’t hitting screens until December 2014 Cameron has plenty of time for exhibitors to adopt the higher frame rates.
My Evaluation: I think James Cameron's decision to shoot the Avatar Sequel in 60 frames per second is a great idea as it will add more interest for the audience when viewing the film - this is because Cameron states the it will make 3D viewing better. Therefore, as people are always waiting for the 'next best thing' this is very appealing for the audience.
“The reason I went down that path is because I believe it makes for better 3D,” Cameron said of his advocacy of higher frame rates in a new interview. “There were lots of arguments for why 48 and why 60. My feeling is if it is a software upgrade (for digital cinema projectors), do both. It doesn’t change anything at the projector; you don’t have to change the lamp house or the lenses. If you are uploading software you can upload it for 48 and 60 and let the filmmakers decide.”
In terms of how he will decide at what rate to shoot the Avatar sequels, Cameron said, “If the exhibitors will adopt the idea of a dual standard, than I’ll probably want to shoot 60. If they don’t, then I will have to look very carefully at the pros and cons of 60 and 48.”
When Peter Jackson announced his 48 fps decision he said 24 fps was by no means the best film speed, and it has only been used for so long because “it was the cheapest speed to achieve basic acceptable results back in 1927″. I’m always up for technological advancements when it’s clear there’s room for improvement, so hopefully The Hobbit can be shown at 48 fps next year. As Avatar 2 isn’t hitting screens until December 2014 Cameron has plenty of time for exhibitors to adopt the higher frame rates.
THURSDAY, 15 SEPTEMBER 2011
Illegal movie downloads 'threaten the future of British film market'
For most film fans, the choice between waiting months to pay or becoming a copyright pirate is not too appealing, so the entertainment business is trying to help. Bales's organisation, which was set up in 2004 to represent the film and television sector, launched a £5m campaign last month to help make their point. The campaign, called Moments Worth Paying For, is fronted by the comedian and writer Reece Shearsmith, ofThe League of Gentlemen, and was prompted by research that found that one in three users regularly visit illegal sites first. At the centre of the strategy is "findanyfilm.com", a site set up last year by the UK Film Council and funded by the National Lottery.
Illegal downloading is threatening the film industry's ability to operate in Britain, a leading expert in digital copyright has warned.
As watching illicit copies of new films becomes increasingly commonplace, Liz Bales, director-general of the Industry Trust for Intellectual Property Awareness, is pinning her hopes on new technology which will make legal viewing easier and help to stem commercial losses estimated to be running at about £500m a year.
"It is a global issue," said Bales. "In some countries it has reached the point where it is not possible to offer competitive legal services. In Spain, for example, the market has been decimated by digital infringement.
Research has shown that many copyright criminals go to illegal sites simply because they are easy to use, allowing films to be downloaded in high-quality formats and watched in widescreen on domestic television sets.
Supported by advertising revenue, it offers a free service that tells users where to find the film they want on TV, on DVD, on a download site, on Blu-ray and even in the cinema. It will be a hard battle to win, however, especially with users such as 25-year-old law student Steve, who has illegally downloaded films for a decade. "It has got much easier now," he admitted.
"You can download in less then 10 minutes now – in less than five minutes sometimes. Ninety per cent of my collection comes from my friends. You could call me a cheapskate, but I still go to the cinemas and I still buy DVDs."
When Steve wants to see a blockbuster – such as Inception, Toy Story 3or Avatar – he waits for the British cinema release, but he has recently downloaded The Social Network and The King's Speech.
"The King's Speech was poor quality and quite pixilated and a banner kept coming up saying the film was intended for review purposes only. Most of the stuff is good quality now and if you wait till it has actually come out on DVD, then you know the copy you download will be good quality."
Last month the culture secretary, Jeremy Hunt, asked industry regulator Ofcom to develop techniques for blocking websites that infringe copyright law. The minister said he had "no problem" with blocking access to websites, despite online censorship concerns from critics, but he added: "Before we consider introducing site-blocking, we need to know whether these measures are possible."
