Blinded By The Light Case Study

 

Blinded By The Light

Funding and industry contexts

1) What was the budget for Blinded By The Light?

The budget was around $15m.

2) What other films and projects has the company been involved with?

. Bend It Like Beckham

. Desi Rascals

. Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging

3) Summarise the history of New Line Cinema in a short paragraph.

In 1967, New Line Cinema was created. They produced the Oscar-winning film trilogy "The Lord of the Rings" which created a combined nearly $3 billion worldwide box office with an additional $3 billion in consumer goods and revenue from home entertainment. New Line, a pioneer of the horror genre, is best recognised for the classic franchises "Nightmare On Elm Street" "Final Destination" and "Blade".

4) What films have Levantine been involved in and what type of projects do they look to create?

Levantine has been involved with "The Fundamentals of Caring ".

5) How did she manage to get the film made and what attracted her to the project?

Due to the comparisons between the present and the 80s, where the 1987 setting of the film, overflowing with Paki-bashing and distrust of outsiders, makes an unmistakable connection to the turbulent times of today, Chadha chose to make the film at the time. Springsteen was on board with the idea so that his music could be included and anyone with the budget came to the table. Via his counsel, this was done.

Production and distribution

1) Which company won the distribution rights after the all-night auction and for how much?

Warner Bros acquired Blinded By The Light at $15 million for worldwide rights.

2) Which other companies were rumoured to be bidding for the distribution rights?

Lionsgate and Fox Searchlight.

3) According to the article, what was the 'allure' of Blinded By The Light?

The popular attraction of the coming-of-age tunes of Springsteen, which tell true stories about a hardscrabble childhood, determination and the struggle to break free of all shackles of one's life to achieve something worthwhile.

4) What does the article suggest about the significance of Bruce Springsteen's role in the production and promotion of the film?

The filmmakers approached and charmed Springsteen enough to bless the project to make it possible for his music to be included. The article notes that with the wide release of the film, the sponsorship of Springsteen would definitely benefit the picture.

5) UK distribution was secured by eOne Entertainment. What do they claim to offer under the heading 'Passion meets possibility?'

EOne allows material of the world class and creates it. From creation and production to promotion and delivery, eOne facilitates any step in the entertainment value chain.

Promotion and reception

1) What does the trailer suggest regarding genre and the potential audience pleasures of Blinded By The Light?

Th trailer suggests that the film is a musical. Personal identity and coming of age seem to be themes of the movie.

2) What did film posters for Blinded By The Light feature and where did they appear?

They featured the main character listening to music.

3) What TV shows and websites did interviews with writer, director and stars of Blinded By The Light?

. The One Show

. Fandago All Access

. Variety, Kinowetter

. CBS This Morning, 

4) Why are interviews with newspapers, TV shows and websites a good way to promote a new film release?

They are a good from of publicity and even more people would be exposed to the new movie.

5) How does the Blinded By The Light Twitter account create and maintain interest in the film?

It maintains interest by using Springsteen and the fans he has.

6) How does the Blinded By The Light Facebook page use images and video content to promote the film?

It promotes the film by including clips of the film to give a little insight on the film.

7) Why do you think the Blinded By The Light Facebook page contains posts supporting the Black Lives Matter movement?

To prove they care for the campaign and what it stands for, they did it. This makes you look moral and more compassionate behind the picture, which may give viewers a similarity to the film.

9) How does Gurinder Chadha introduce the channel?  What other content is on the Bend It Networks YouTube channel?

Video specials are shown on the channel, including sneak previews, behind the scenes footage, brief promotional videos of Chadha's and Bend It's ventures. She explains how she wants to make it a home for all, which helps the audience feel welcome.

10)  How much did it make at the box office and why do you think it was largely unsuccessful?

At the worldwide box office, the film made around $18 million. To generate viewer awareness and make it look exclusive, Warner Bros should have began with a limited release.