Discuss the ways in which media products are produced and distributed to audiences, within a media area you have studied.

      Media products such as film are usually advertised through a variety of forms used in media to attract more of the target audience also the use of contracts with other businesses such as fast food restaurants help advertise films e.g. collectable characters from a certain meal deal. With the release of ‘The Dark Knight’ Burger King released Batman related accessories with children’s meals this helped the spreading of word for the film, this idea also helped include the younger generation who could not see the film due to the age certificate.
     Another way to attract the audience to a film is the use of sell lines or quotes from the film which are meaningful such as the Joker in ‘The Dark Knight’ “let’s put a smile on that face” and the most recognisable “why so serious?” this helps relate the film to the audience as from a psychological point of view when the phrase “why so serious?” majority of the population would think of the Joker or think of the film.
     During the distribution of the film three trailers were released a teaser trailer which shows the build up to the main symbol for Batman with the most recognised voices from Bruse Wayne and Alfred, a main trailer which shows the confrontation between good and evil (Batman and Joker) by showing the audience the high technical gadgets at the hero's disposal improves the film and the development of the character from the previous film 'Batman Begins' which was a foundation to the franchise. During the trailers the audience are introduced to the most common villain from the comic book series, the Joker, he is described as only carrying lint and knives in his pockets and clothes being custom made showing he has no identity and this supports the theme of him being an outcast from society same with Batman. The film’s title doesn't include 'Batman' unlike the first film this shows how he is not the main focus but Harvey Dent being a white knight who has fallen to a dark knight. When releasing the full trailer distributors projected a large Batman symbol on a skyscraper, fans followed the sign just how Batman follows in the films with this a large crowd was gathered in time to witness the full trailer.
     The 'Dark Knight' made a profit of $67 million on the first premiere this over pasted the record set by 'Spiderman 3' with %59 million. However there was a debate on the age certificate for the film as reviews mentioned the film not suitable for children at the age of 12, parents also agreed this age should of been increased due to the psychotic nature of the Joker and his obsession with knives and terrorist schemes.

Media Mock Paper: Section B

Media Mock

Section B: Institutions & Audiences

     British film productions such as Pinewood Studios which opened their doors in 1936 Pinewood Studios was made to compete with Hollywood. This British film studio brought forth many memorable films such as ‘James Bond’ which are still being created today at the same studio. While such Hollywood films such as ‘Sherlock Holmes a Game of Shadows’ which has the support from large Hollywood producer Warner Brothers. Warner Brother’s studios was founded in 1918 and have produced such films as ‘Ocean’s Eleven’,’ Sherlock Holmes’ and ‘Harry Potter’.

     Patterns of production is crucial in the film industry production is the start producers think of an idea for a film this also includes the construction of a script and ways to fund the film, with American films e.g. ‘Sherlock Holmes’ the produces need to decide the best time to release the film this is broken down to holidays to which the public have more time off.

     Distribution focuses on the first moving image to which the public will see the distributor must use different forms of advertisement e.g. poster, trailers, billboards, radio, cinema or bus stops there will cover public areas which will heighten the attention of the public. The trailer is the strongest part as it is the first moving image to the public, there is a use of four types of trailers; a teaser trailer around a minute and a half it’s a short sample of an upcoming film would included the name of a recognisable actor/actress so the audience can be persuaded more to watch it. The main trailer uses more scenes of the key parts of a film there is a longer duration roughly around two-three minutes these would be shown in cinemas and be placed online. Short main trailer similar to the main trailer but there is a short duration usually for previews on television. Films in a foreign language films with subtitles are used as the distributor doesn’t want the audience to be put off. To create awareness of a certain film research is done by a group of participants around the age group of the target audience would be shown part of the film so the distributors would get feedback also this will allow the first word to be spread to the public this would add to the news of the film. In opening night the next three days are tracked to see where the film stands in comparison to other films on the market.

     Exhibition a survey showed that 2007 had the highest cinema figures in 40 years. This can be due to the location of the cinema and the service provided, a negative service can make the customer refuse to return to that cinema. Also most cinemas have adapted their facilities due to the rise of new technology such as 3D.

     However piracy is a large problem in the film industry. Around 77.75 million pirate DVDs are sold this takes money away from independent films however only slightly affects largely budgeted films.

     ‘Sherlock Holmes’ had a large budget some of that money was put towards posters and trailers which were effective in tempting the public. The many forms of media used to gain the publics interest the English character is mainly advertised at bus stops and on buses this adds to the films location and peaks the audiences interest as it is set in their location so the scenes are recognisable. This brings a positive effect on the distribution of the film however some methods of advertisement may be unnoticed such as advertising in newspapers, there is a significant increase to the public using internet rather than newspapers on the other hand it allows the producer to cover a large number of the population.

     Independent films such as ‘The King’s Speech’ are also successful in the film industry with a lower budget compared to ‘Sherlock Holmes a Game of Shadows’. ‘The Kings Speech’ won several awards this shows the strong point of independent films.