Exam Question: B3 Industry & Audience {June 2014}

B3: Explore the different ways audiences respond to your three main texts. (30)

In response to this question, I am going to talk about the different ways that audiences can respond to my three film media texts; Weekend (2011) directed by Andrew Haigh, Skyfall (2012) directed by Sam Mendes and Pride (2014) directed by Matthew Warchus. There are different ways that audiences can respond to these films, this includes theoretically (oppositional, negotiated and preffered reading - Stuart Hall)  and literal.  

Skyfall (which was produced by Barbara Broccoli and written by Neal Purvis) is part of the 007 franchise. The film alone has produced a colossal box office figure of $304,360,277, this differs majorly from Weekend which has only earned $469,947. In my opinion, I would say that Skyfall has earned high box office figures because the 007 franchise already has a fan base. The franchise includes films such as Casino Royale (2006), GoldenEye (1995) and Die Another Day (2002), this indicates that a large and stable fan base are very likely to follow on with the next 007 production and have gained a strong interest into the action/thriller films. Additionally, as the film has a large budget of $200,000,000, it has the opportunity to distribute their films on a global scale meaning the film and franchise as a whole is able to reach more audiences. On the other hand, Weekend (written by Andrew Haigh and produced by Tristan Goligher) is not part of a franchise and isn't easily distributed on a global scale as it has a smaller budget of $146,373 (£120,000).

In terms of awards, Skyfall has won two Oscars, one of them being 'Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (2013)' this differs from Weekend which hasn't won an oscar but has won the award for 'Best Achievement in Production' at the British Independent Film Award. The impact that Skyfall would've created after winning two oscars may have drawn new audiences in, this is because the achievements that they have had acts as a promotion of the film (this also includes the soundtrack performed by Adele). This would've increased DVD sales, whilst distributors would've increased the original price of the DVD/Blu-ray and changed the look of the DVD covers with an aim to advertise the achievement and hope of appealing to new audiences. 

Similarly with Weekend, Pride (produced by David Livingstone and written by Stephen Beresford) also won an award at the British Independent Film Awards 2014 for 'Best British Independent Film'. In comparison to Skyfall, this would've given both Pride and Weekend publicity as an award is a recognisable achievement which people who are interested in the romance and drama (Pride and Weekend are both hybrids - romance and drama) genres would've been drawn to.

need to finish.