Exam Question

"Successful media products depend as much upon marketing and distribution to a specific audience as they do upon good production practices." -

My chosen two films are 'Real Steel' (2011) and 'Attack The Block' (2011) *I will be referring to the these films as 'RS' and 'ATB'* the budgets for these films differ massively and really demonstrates the difference between the Hollywood conglomerates and British film companies. RS had a huge marketing budget at an estimated $80,000,000 and as far as Hollywood marketing budgets go these kind of figures seem to appear on the majority of films that they release. These marketing budgets dwarf what British budgets which are usually around 5,000 - 10,000, however, For ATB They're may have been a slightly higher budget but the exact number is unknown. Nick Frost, the science fiction genre elements and ‘from the producers of Shaun of the Dead’ are all highlighted in much of the marketing.  But the distinctive British location, language and characters are also emphasised.  Film festivals are often essential for spreading word of mouth about smaller films. They can win competitions, awards and gain valuable attention from film fans and the press.

The director of RS wanted everyone to notice every aspect of his film as it fits in to many genres like: action, sports, drama and Sci-Fi. Therefor it has a broad target audience of 9-15 and then 18-30 as it has fighting robots for the younger audience and an uncomplicated plot for the adults to engage with. Although this film has a broad audience I believe the makers targeted mainly White Middle Class Boys as the main star vehicle is and independent white man who bonds with his son, which these kids can relate to and therefor get into.

ATB is a Sci-Fi Action film that i would say has a target audience of both ethnicities of a slightly lower social grade and male. Nick Frost, the science fiction genre elements and ‘from the producers of Shaun of the Dead’ are all highlighted in much of the marketing.  But the distinctive British location, language and characters are also emphasised.  Film festivals are often essential for spreading word of mouth about smaller films.  They can win competitions, awards and gain valuable attention from film fans and the press.