Blinded by the Light is an example of a US/UK co-production and distribution.
Its distributorNew Line Cinema is associated with ‘indie’ films although it is a subsidiary of Warner Brothers Pictures, part of the global conglomerate , WarnerMedia.
New Line Cinema – is an American Film production studio and a label of the Warner Bros.
WarnerMedia – is a Global Conglomerate of Warner Bros, Home Box Office, Turner Entertainment Networks, CNN Worldwide, etc
Blinded by the Light is a low-mid budget production ($15m) co-funded by New Line Cinema (an American production studio owned by Warner Brothers Pictures Group) and independent
Blinded by the light has a trailer on Youtube posted on the Kinocheck.com channel with 1.1 million views.
It has a twitter page called “Blinded by the light movie” which has 3,489 followers and following 6 people.
Distribution techniques – reliance on new technology; VOD, streaming.
New Line Productions, Inc., doing business as New Line Cinema, is an American film production studio and a label of the Warner Bros.
It was founded in 1967 by Robert Shaye as an independent film distribution company, later becoming a film studio. It was acquired by Turner Broadcasting System in 1994; Turner later merged with Time Warner (now Warner Media) in 1996, and New Line was merged with Warner Bros.
New Line Cinema was established in 1967 by the then 27-year-old Robert Shaye as a film distribution company, supplying foreign and art films for college campuses in the United States.
In 1976, New Line secured funding to produce its first full-length feature, Stunts (1977), directed by Mark Lester. Although not considered a critical success, the film performed well commercially on the international market and on television.
In 1980, Shaye’s law school classmate Michael Lynne became outside counsel and adviser to the company and renegotiated its debt. In November 1990, New Line purchased a 52% stake in the television production company RHI Entertainment (now Sonar Entertainment), which would later be sold to Hallmark Cards in 1994.
The studio is the flagship producer of live-action feature films within the Warner Bros.
Animated films produced by Warner Bros. Animation and the Warner Animation Group are also released under the studio banner.
Warner Bros. Pictures is currently one of five live-action film studios within the Warner Bros. Pictures Group, the others being New Line Cinema, DC Films, Castle Rock Entertainment, and the Spyglass Media Group. The final instalment of the Harry Potter film series is the studio’s highest-grossing film worldwide with $1.3 billion.
Founded in 1923 by brothers Harry Warner, Albert Warner, Sam Warner, and Jack L. Warner, in addition to producing its own films, it handles filmmaking operations, theatrical distribution, marketing and promotion for films produced and released by other Warner Bros.
Warner Media is a powerful portfolio of iconic entertainment, news and sports brands. We bring people, technology, and the world’s best storytellers together to drive culture and meaningful connection.
Blinded by the Light is a low-mid budget production ($15m) co-funded by New Line Cinema (an American production studio owned by Warner Brothers Pictures Group). It is an example of a US/UK co-production and distribution. Its distributor New Line Cinema is associated with ‘indie’ films although it is a subsidiary of Warner Brothers Pictures, part of the global conglomerate, WarnerMedia.
Use of traditional marketing and distribution techniques; trailers, posters, film festivals etc. The use of film festivals in finding distribution deals for films. Marketing techniques such as use of genre, nostalgia, identity, social consciousness. Distribution techniques – reliance on new technology; VOD, streaming.
It is based on the ‘true story’ of a Pakistani boy growing up in the UK in the 1980s. These links demonstrate how the historical context, nostalgia and British-Asian identity is used in the promotion of the film.
Blinded by the Light is an example of low-medium budget film making. production ($15m) co-funded by New Line Cinema (an American production studio owned by Warner Brothers Pictures Group) and independent
Its distributor New Line Cinema is associated with ‘indie’ films although it is a subsidiary of Warner Brothers Pictures, part of the global conglomerate, WarnerMedia. The role of the use of Bruce Springsteen’s music in getting the film financed and in the marketing of the film. Use of traditional marketing and distribution techniques; trailers, posters, film festivals etc.
Distribution techniques – reliance on new technology; VOD, streaming
Marketing techniques such as use of genre, nostalgia, identity, social consciousness
Blinded by the Light is a film produced in 2019 at a lower budget than most other films, meaning that the value of production, distribution and marketing was significantly lower and there were less resources for the directors and creators to use. Its distributor, New Line Cinema, is an American film production studio and a label of the Warner Bros. Pictures, usually associated with the “indie” film genre. The film is an example of a US/UK co-production and independent production companies including Levantine Films, Bend it Films and Ingenious Media helped to fund it.
Bruce Springsteen music is used and licenced within the film.
The film wasn’t a high budget film with only around $15 million to spend on the entire production.
Companies that funded the film were New Line Cinema, Levantine Films, Ingenious Media and Bend It Films.
The film used the normal ideas of posters, adverts and bill boards to advertise the film.
The film wasn’t released on the typical DVD format after being released to cinemas, it was released to a streaming service after making $17.2 million in the box office.
Perfect example of what a low-budget American film can look likeIts distributor New Line Cinema is associated with ‘indie’ films although it is a subsidiary of Warner Brothers Pictures, part of the global conglomerate, WarnerMedia.
co-funded by New Line Cinema and independent production companies including Levantine Films, Bend it Films and Ingenious Media.
‘Bend It Films’ is a UK based, indie production company owned by major US conglomerate ‘Warner Brothers’. Linking to the fact that major companies need new ideas and concepts, provided by the independent companies they own whilst independent companies need major companies to fuel distribution and exhibition because these major companies have the right to use streaming platforms to display their productions.
As a low-mid budget film, it can be considered in its economic context having a mix of independent and major production and distribution contexts targeting a different audience to ‘indie’ and high budget films.
The production uses Bruce Springsteen’s music from his fame during the 1970-80’s. The use of his music is a clever way of not only globalizing exhibition to project to Springsteen fans worldwide and also playing to a older demographic through a sense of nostalgia and way of looking back to the past.
Some original songs were created for use with the film, this creates opportunity to mix these songs in with actual Springsteen albums and playlists to make money.
‘The movie musical seems to be thriving at the moment, and in these tumultuous political times, who is really going to complain about experiencing the escapism and joy that only a film of this genre can bring?’ – Sarah Buddery Review.
The film is similar to movies such as Rocketman and Bohemian Rhapsody yet the film is as much about music as it is told with music.
Inspired by an incredible true story, and based on the memoir ‘Greetings From Bury Park’ by Sarfraz Manzoor, the film tells the story of Javed Khan (Vivek Kalra), a Pakistani teenager who dreams of a life outside Luton, far away from his very traditional family and particularly his slightly overbearing Father (Kulvinder Ghir) who believes Javed can be anything he wants to be. As long as one of those things is a lawyer, an accountant or an estate agent! When his friend Roops (Aaron Phagura) introduces him to The Boss aka Bruce Springsteen, Javed’s world is turned upside down and through the lyrics of the legendary musician, he finds his voice.
Release of film: 2019
More than one poster design is made to involve all cultures, languages and to keep the advertising interesting.
• Blinded by the Light is a low-mid budget production ($15m) co-funded by New Line Cinema (an American production studio owned by Warner Brothers Pictures Group) and independent production companies including Levantine Films. Bend it Films and Ingenious Media. • Identification of how Blinded by the Light is characteristic of a low-mid budget release, considering production, distribution and circulation • The role of the use of Bruce Springsteen’s music in getting the film financed and in the marketing of the film • The use of film festivals in finding distribution deals for films • Use of traditional marketing and distribution techniques; trailers, posters, film festivals etc. • Marketing techniques such as use of genre, nostalgia, identity, social consciousness • Distribution techniques – reliance on new technology; VOD, streaming • Regulation of the industry through BBFC (British Board of Film Classification). • Regulation including Livingstone and Lunt
This is a Targeted Close Study product for which you will need to focus on the following areas ofthe Theoretical Framework: • Media Industries Students are not required to watch the film for the assessment.
TASK 1: Use this post (and the links provided) to build up your own post and notes in preparation for the unseen question that you will take in class. CATEGORIES: NEA, INSTITUTION & EXAM PREP
Blinded by the Light is an example of low-medium budget film making. Students do not need to watch the film but will need to be familiar with the production context and distribution materials including: • website (Bend it Networks) • website (Warners) • posters • trailer • social media presence (Twitter, Instagram, facebook etc). The film should only be studied in relation to Media Industries
Media Industries
Blinded by the Light is an example of a US/UK co-production and distribution. Its distributor New Line Cinema is associated with ‘indie’ films although it is a subsidiary of Warner Brothers Pictures, part of the global conglomerate, WarnerMedia.
• Blinded by the Light is a low-mid budget production ($15m) co-funded by New Line Cinema (an American production studio owned by Warner Brothers Pictures Group) and independent production companies including Levantine Films. Bend it Films and Ingenious Media. • Identification of how Blinded by the Light is characteristic of a low-mid budget release, considering production, distribution and circulation • The role of the use of Bruce Springsteen’s music in getting the film financed and in the marketing of the film • The use of film festivals in finding distribution deals for films • Use of traditional marketing and distribution techniques; trailers, posters, film festivals etc. • Marketing techniques such as use of genre, nostalgia, identity, social consciousness • Distribution techniques – reliance on new technology; VOD, streaming • Regulation of the industry through BBFC (British Board of Film Classification). • Regulation including Livingstone and Lunt
The Importance of Film Festivals
The following link discusses the use of a film festival to secure a distribution deal.
The Importance of recognisable Generic Conventions (and the use of familiar music)
Blinded by the Light has been described as a feelgood jukebox musical film using the music of Bruce Springsteen. This link offers ideas about the importance of genre and this link about the use of recognisable music in the marketing of the film, It was directed by Gurinder Chada, a British director known for Bend it Like Beckham
Social, economic and cultural contexts
Blinded by the Light is characteristic of contemporary cultural production in its use of new technology at production and distribution stages, reflecting shifting patterns of audience consumption. As a low-mid budget film, it can be considered in its economic context having a mix of independent and major production and distribution contexts targeting a different audience to ‘indie’ and high budget films.
These videos show how directors, their past work and the ideas they aim to communicate can be important in film marketing.
It is based on the ‘true story’ of a Pakistani boy growing up in the UK in the 1980s. These links demonstrate how the historical context, nostalgia and British-Asian identity is used in the promotion of the film.
Cultural Industries– refers to various businesses that produce, distribute, market or sell products that belong categorically in creative arts. Includingclothing, decorative material for homes, books, movies, television programs, or music.
Production- the action of making or manufacturing from components or raw materials, or the process of being so manufactured.
Distribution- Distribution means to spread the product throughout the marketplace such that a large number of people can buy it. The methods by which media products are delivered to audiences, including the marketing campaign.
Exhibition/Consumption- the sum of information and entertainment media taken in by an individual or group.
Media Concentration- in which decreasing numbers of individuals and organizations own media outlets, effectively concentrating the ownership of multiple organizations into the control of very few entities.
Conglomerates- a company that owns numerous companies involved in mass media enterprises.
Globalisation- The production, distribution, and consumption of media products on a global scale, facilitating the exchange and diffusion of ideas cross-culturally.
Cultural Imperialism- Cultural Imperialism Theory states that Western nations dominate the media around the world which in return has a powerful effect on Third World Cultures by imposing n them Western views and therefore destroying their native cultures
Vertical Integration- refers to the merger of companies that are in the same business but in different stages of production or distribution.
Horizontal Integration- is the merger of two or more companies that occupy similar levels in the production supply chain.
Mergers- an acquisition in which one or more of the undertakings involved carries on a media business.
Monopolies- concentrated control of major mass communications within a society.
Gate Keepers- is a process by which information is filtered to the public by the media.
Regulation-a rule or directive made and maintained by an authority.
Deregulation-the removal of regulations or restrictions, especially in a particular industry.
Free Market- an economic system in which prices are determined by unrestricted competition between privately owned businesses.
Commodification- the act or fact of turning something into an item that can be bought and sold.
Convergence- a phenomenon involving the interconnection of information and communications technologies, computer networks, and media content.
Diversity- it means understanding that each individual is unique, and recognizing our individual differences
Innovation- the process of not just an “invention” of a new value for journalism, but also the process of implementing this new value in a market or a social setting to make it sustainable.
Businesses included in creating, distributing and exhibiting creative productions.
Production
The making of a product (eg. the people involved in creating a film).
Distribution
The marketing/ advertisement of a product (eg. how a film is made public).
Exhibition or Consumption
The ‘showing’ of a product and the effect it has on the consumer (eg. a cinema, its workers and an audience).
Media concentration
The ownership of many creative organisations is limited to very few people and parent companies.
Conglomerates
A company owns numerous sub-companies involved in mass media enterprises.
Globalisation (in terms of media ownership)
A company operates globally, across continents.
Cultural imperialism
The idea that certain cultures dominate worldwide media productions, therefore, these cultural views begin to dominate.
Vertical Integration
A company owns different businesses in the same chain of production and distribution.
Horizontal Integration
When a company has many branches including other companies even though they are owned and controlled by one.
Mergers
The joining together of creative companies.
Monopolies
Large organisations who take ownership of all stages of production. They have control over production, distribution and consumption (or exhibition) rather than dividing out to other companies.
Gatekeepers
Large companies control our consumption and guide us towards their recommendations so that they can make profit.
Regulation
Companies are monitored by the governments restrictions.
Deregulation
When government laws become less strict.
Free market
The price for services or products is regulated internally, by the company, not the government.
Commodification
Process by which things, services, ideas, and people relations are transformed into objects for sale.
Convergence
The joining together of distinct media types to create new media forms.
Diversification
A corporate strategy to enter into a new market or industry in which the business doesn’t currently operate.
