Thursday, 17 November 2011

Attack the Block

Tuesday, 15 November 2011

How has technology impacted the film industry?

Production
Non-linear editing systems are now in widespread use in the film industry. Before, pieces of film had to be physically cut and pasted together using a splicer and viewing machine but now it is done in non-linear ways using computers where the editor can start editing from any frame in the footage. Files are mostly kept on hard disks and video servers unlike the reels and tapes used in the 20th century. Digital cameras are now used in the industry rather than 35mm cameras. A criticism for this is that films that are shot digitally do not have equal quality to actual film, but technology continues to improve.

Distribution
Probably the biggest change that technology has made in film distribution is the internet. Every film released now has an official website where the public can view the trailer and images from the film, play games amd read about the cast and crew. The film will also have an official facebook, twitter and youtube page. The facebook page will update people on the current status of the film, and the film stars themselves may write on their twitter accounts. Now that most people use smart phones, they can always be kept up to date with the film where ever they go such as when the trailer is released, when the film is coming out in their country and what cinemas it will be shown in. The internet is also used for pirated downloads which is greatly effecting the film industry. Some blockbuster summer films are released worldwide so that no one can send the pirated film to a country where it has not yet been released.

Exhibition
People have always predicted the demise of local cinemas since the increase in home video.

Wednesday, 2 November 2011

Big Talk Productions

The company was founded in 1995 by Nira Park. It has always been more involved with television but in recent years it has expanded to Big Talk Pictures. Kenton Allen is the CEO along with Park, and its Managing Director is Matthew Justice.
Big Talk Productions have so far made the following films:

  • "Shaun of the Dead" (2004)
    Directed by Edgar Wright
    Written by Simon Pegg & Edgar Wright
    Starring Simon Pegg & Nick Frost
    Produced by Nira Park
    Distributed by Universal Studios
    Budget: $5,000,000
    Gross Revenue: $30,039,392
  • "Hot Fuzz" (2007)
    Directed by Edgar Wright
    Written by Simon Pegg & Edgar Wright
    Starring Simon Pegg & Nick Frost
    Produced by Nira Park, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner 
    Distributed by Universal Studios
    Budget: £8,000,000
    Gross Revenue: $80,573,774
  • "Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World" (2010)
    Directed by Edgar Wright
    Written by Edgar Wright & Michael Bacall
    Starring Michael Crea & Mary Elisabeth Winstead
    Produced by Edgar Wright, Marc Platt, Eric Glitter, Nira Park
    Distributed by Universal Studios
    Budget: $85,000,000
    Gross Revenue: $47,664,559
  • "Paul" (2011)
    Directed by Greg Mottola
    Written by Simon Pegg & Nick Frost
    Starring Simon Pegg & Nick Frost
    Produced by Nira Park, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner
    Distributed by Universal Studios
    Budget: $40,000,000
    Gross Revenue: $97,591,665
  • "Attack the Block" (2011)
    Written and directed by Joe Conrish
    Starring Jodie Whittaker, John Boyega & Nick Frost
    Produced by Nira Park, James Wilson
    Distributed by Optimum Releasing
    Budget: £9,000,000
    Gross Revenue: £3,442,302

    Tuesday, 1 November 2011

    Life Cycle of a film

    Idea
    Films start with an idea, which may be an original idea or based on a book, true story etc. The writer will have to find a producer as he/she has connections with the studio. Usually the writer would have written out a synopsis of the film before starting on the script, describing the characters and story. The script could take several months as the writer may often try to improve it. When the script is ready, it will be pitched to financiers and if successful will be sent into pre production.

    Pre-Production
    A crew must be formed, usually by the producer. Unless the writer or producer will direct the film themselves, a director must be found, typically someone who has worked in the films genre before. The crew also includes a casting director, director of photography, location manager and production designer.

    Production
    The film will then begin shooting and cast and crew are brought together on set/location. Crew will prepre the scene while actors will attend to hair/make up and maybe discuss any script issues with the director.
    Once everything is ready the take will begin. The director will shout action and the camera and sound will start recording. The director may wish to do several takes. When shooting on that set is finished, it will be dismantled and the director approves the next shooting schedule.

    Post-production
    When shooting is complete the film will be edited and scored. The films advertising will be handled by the distributers which will include posters, trailers.

    Exhibiton
    The film is finally released and will have its premiere in several countries. If the film makes less money than its budget it is considered a flop and will be relaesed on DVD fairly quickly. If the film is successful then it will be a few months before it is released. Afterwards it will be on channels like Sky Box Office and will soon be on terristial TV.