FILM INDUSTRY CONTEXT PART ONE: BRAVE (Disney/Pixar 2012)
1. What year was Disney established?
2. What year was Pixar established?
3. Who was Pixar established by?
4. Who founded Disney?
5. How many films has Pixar produced?
6. How many films has Disney produced?
7. Which number Pixar film is Brave?
8. In 1986 who invested $10 milion in Pixar?
9. What other establishments does Disney own?
10. In which year did the The Walt Disney company buy Pixar?
11. For how much?
12. How many Oscars have Pixar films been awarded?
13. Which film won an Oscar for Pixar in 2004?
14. What is the name of Pixar’s most recent release?
15. Name 5 Pixar films
16. Name 5 Disney Films
This industry contextual research can be used in your responses to show a deeper understanding of the film industry. In your introduction you could simply show this by saying “ Brave. Released in 2012 was Pixar’s 13th animated film.”
Simple facts to help support your answers are crucial to you gaining a good/excellent mark.
FILM INDUSTRY CONTEXT PART TWO: Justin Wyatt and High Concept
In the 1980’s, studios became more risk-averse, and began to produce more market-research lead films. High concept films can, according to Wyatt, be defined by the following criteria:
• A narrative that can be summarized in a single phrase
• An image or a song that audiences can associate with the film
• The ‘look’ of the style and cinematography, which is reflected in accompanying magazine articles and music videos
• The use of stars
• Using character archetypes rather than character exposition
• Merchandising tie-ins
• Marketed with a single phrase (Just when you thought it was safe to go in the water…)
This aggressive marketing style lead to the rise of the mega-blockbuster, where merchandising alone could gross millions!
1) To what extent is Brave a high concept film? Try to find an example for each of the above bullet points. Using solid examples in the exam will help you push your grade to a sophisticated level.
2) Apply High Concept to Skyfall, once more finding an example for each
3) Finally, apply high concept to The Selfish Giant. To what extent is this film an aggressively marketed Hollywood film (hint: it's not)?
Thanks to Nick and Amanda for this post!