Fish Tank and UK Film Industry Case Study

Both 12E (for Ms Rodden) and 12D (for Mr Bush) need to complete the following:

Research the following:

1. All the Institutions involved in the production of Fish Tank. List them with a summary of what their contribution to the film was.
2. Two other Independent British Film production companies – their “brand”, as well as current and previous productions.
3. Out of the three Production Companies you have researched, which do you see as most successful and why?
4. How much Fish Tank cost to produce (it’s budget)
5. Film budgets – find 5 films made for £5 million pounds or less – what types of films are feasible on this budget?
6. How was Fish Tank funded?
7. Research one other way that British films are funded. Are there any similarities or differences?
8. What is the target audience for Fish Tank?
9. Research the mainstream 16–25 youth cinema market and decide which 3 genres are most targeted at them and justify your decisions with your research.
10. Who is the main distributor of Fish Tank?
11. What is the role of a film distributor? Are there any differences between distribution in the US and UK?
12. How was Fish Tank promoted (when it was released in 2009)?
13. Compare this with a big budget blockbuster. What are the main similarities and differences?
14. How does the trailer for Fish Tank hook audiences into the narrative and pose questions that the film will answer? Identify 3 ways/techniques.
15. Analyse the trailers for 2 different films (from different genres). Are there any differences in the way they hook the audience into the narrative and pose questions that the film will answer? Identify at least 2 similarities and 2 differences.
16. How does the trailer for Fish Tank balance plot and spectacle?
17. How do the trailers for your other films balance plot and spectacle? Identify at least 2 similarities and 2 differences.
18. Think about the certificate of Fish Tank (15 certificate). Research film certification and outline what is deemed acceptable for this certificate. What is the difference between a 15 certificate and an 18 certificate?

Extension:

Come up with you own idea for a narrative for a film with a budget of £5m for a mainstream 16-25 youth audience. Write a short synopsis and decide who would star in your cast and why.