PAPER 1 Section B exam questions
a) What is meant by a mainstream film? [2]
A mainstream film is usually a film with a big budget, produced by a well-known company such as Disney or Fox. It is produced for a mainstream audience and usually does will in box office. Films such as Black Panther and Avengers are examples of mainstream films.
b) Briefly explain what a media conglomerate is. [2]
A media conglomerate is a company that owns numerous other companies involved in mass media enterprises. An example of a media conglomerate is Disney.
c) Explain two features of independent film production. Refer briefly to I, Daniel Blake to support your points. [6]
Independent films are usually produced by independent companies that are on a low budget. They cast unknown actors/actresses because they don't have enough budget to afford a popular actor/actress. For example, I, Daniel Blake casted unknown actors/actresses. Independent films are usually funded by different companies because they need that investment for their film. For example, I, Daniel Blake was funded by numerous different companies such as BFI and BBC Films. Independent films are usually made to make the audience think about a certain topic or issue. They are made to be more realistic compared to mainstream 'studio' films. For example, I, Daniel Blake touches subjects such as life on benefits and the way poor people are neglected by the government.
d) Explain how economic contexts shape mainstream films. Refer to Black Panther to support your points. [15]
Mainstream films can be identified by their economic factors such as production company, distribution or their budget. For example, Black Panther can be identified as a mainstream film because it was produced by Disney, one of the 5 major studios and one of the big 3 media conglomerates. Black Panther had a budget of $200 million and a box office of $1.344 billion (as of May 2018). Due to the success of Black Panther as part of the Marvel franchise and the high profit number, Disney is releasing a sequel said to be released in July 2022.
Mainstream films have a big budget to work with and this helps them hire their cast. Most mainstream films have popular actors/actresses and this is good for the film as it brings the actors/actresses fandom to the audience. For example, Black Panther cast popular actors/actresses such as Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Letitia Wright, Lupita Nyong’o, etc. This helps the success of Black Panther as not only Marvel fans are watching it but also fans of the actors/actresses.
Mainstream films are known to attract a wide range of people. For example, Black Panther attracts the Marvel audience/fandom. They also attract people who are aware of The Black Panther Party. The Black Panther Party (founded in 1966, Oakland, California) were people who were disappointed in the failure of the civil rights movement to improve the condition of blacks outside the south and decided to focus on improving and helping their communities. Black Panther can be seen as in support of the Black Panther Party. This also inspires everyone, including black youth, who deserve to see superheroes like them, to show them that truly anyone can be a superhero. Black Panther’s role signals a black renaissance.
Mainstream films are also known to have big marketing campaigns. For example, Black Panther released the teaser trailer in June 2017 and within 24 hours it has been viewed 89 million times on YouTube. Just before release, Black Panther was the most tweeted about film of 2018 with more than 5 million tweets globally. In mid-March 2018, it became the most tweeted about film ever with 35 million tweets. Black Panther also released the movie poster that contained many different enigma codes from the movie.
In conclusion, there are many different economic contexts that help shape a mainstream movie and Black Panther is a successful example of that.
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