Blinded by the Light
Introduction
Set in a dreary and intolerant 1987, “Blinded by the Light” (2019) tells the story of Javed Khan who is inspired by the music and lyrics of Bruce Springsteen to discover his own voice and follow his dreams of becoming a writer. If you are preparing for the AQA A-Level Media Studies exam, you need to demonstrate your understanding of media industries by focusing on the production, distribution and marketing of the film.Contents
Production and Finance
Developed initially by Bend It Networks, “Blinded by the Light” is very typical of a low-budget release. The production company is headed by the director Gurinder Chadha OBE and the screenwriter Paul Mayeda Berges. They aim to deliver “moving, inspiring and commercial” films to a global audience and “invite them to see the world from a new perspective”, especially from those “characters who are normally on the margins”. “Blinded by the Light” certainly meets that ambition.
”At a time of such political and social instability in the world, this film provides us with a vital reminder of our shared humanity and the transformative power of music on both a personal and global scale.”
Gurinda Chadha
Films are incredibly expensive and risky so production costs are often spread across various companies, reducing the financial impact if the text fails to complete or reach an audience. The institutions can also combine their industry resources and expertise.
Working from London, Ingenious Media is “one of the largest independent investors in the UK’s creative sector” with an impressive record in financing critically and commercially successful films. Put simply, they secure the loans and provide the money.
The next partner in this co-production is Levantine Films. Based in America, they are an independent motion picture company which develops, produces, and finances projects. They aim to deliver “character-driven, socially relevant and commercially viable” projects. Cornerstone “provide the vital link between creative vision and global commercial success” and Rakija Films are also credited as producers.
This co-production of films and other media texts is known as media synergy.
Of course, the production involves lots of other companies who provide casting services, visual effects, costume design, video equipment, makeup, sound recording and even catering. In order to recreate the look of the 1980s, Dream Cars supplied the vintage vehicles you see on the screen.
Finally, Blinded by the Light was developed with the support of the BFI Film Fund. They use money from the National Lottery to support UK companies develop, produce and complete film productions. For instance, if you have wrapped up filming, the BFI can help you launch your project at major film festivals around the world.
https://www.benditnetworks.com/filmography/blindedbythelight/