Overview

• Hidden Figures is a co-production between independent production companies and a major Hollywood conglomerate through its film subdivision Fox 2000
• Case study of industry context would include Fox as a conglomerate with an exploration of the role of low budget film making in its wider strategy.
• With a budget of $25m Hidden Figures is a low to medium budget Hollywood film, an industry category which has recently been recognized for its profit potential.
• Distribution techniques – focus on traditional distribution and exhibition linked to targeted audience.
• The concept of “risk-taking” in terms of subject matter which might not be tackled by big budget productions.
• Regulation of conglomerates, debates about ownership and control

What is Hidden Figures?

• It is a 2016 American based biographical drama film.
• It is a hybridization of the history, drama and biography genre.
• It was directed by Theodore Melfi and was written by Melfi and Allison Schroeder and was later acquired film rights by Fox 2000 Pictures..
• It is loosely based on the non-fiction book “Hidden Figures” by Margot Lee Shetterley about dark skinned female mathematicians who worked at NASA during the Space Race
• The film stars Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae Kevin Costner, Kirsten Dunst, Jim Parsons, Glen Powell and Mahershala Ali.

Do people enjoy the film?

• It was rated 93% on Rotten Tomatoes.
• The New York Times says that “There is something to be said for a well-told tale with a clear moral and a satisfying emotional payoff“
• Simran Hans from The Guardian says that “This drama about a trio of African-American women doing maths wonders for NASA has few subtleties, but is done with such verve it’s hard to dislike“