Our “global indicator” is the number of small budget film can go into the global market successfully. Moreover, we can further discuss how the changes in strategy of production, marketing and distribution can lead to success.
The film producer is involved in the creation and distribution of films as a product. This industry is a worldwide phenomenon, but some countries, like Hollywood in USA have a greater role in production than others. This industry generally employs a wide number of people directly through production and distribution process, and it also employs a large number of people indirectly because of the money spent to produce films. In most cases, the film industry is focused on films as a medium for entertainment, but in some situations, it may use film for educational purposes as well.
The people in charge of the film industry in the area of finance and marketing are generally the film producers. These people arrange funding to create the film and oversee the hiring of talent to create the product. Distribution and marketing are also important factors that determine the success of a film. Different producers have different levels of power. Some simply aid in financing and may have very little to do with the actual creation of a film, while others take a much more significant role in the process. Sometimes films have several different producers although usually only one or two will actually have any real involvement.
We chose film market as the “global indicator” because we found that the on-going technological convergence lead to the decreasing usage of cinemas. So the production companies and distributors both have to adapt the new concept and idea around the film market over the world. They changed to focus more on the scenario and the script to promote their local culture that may lead them to the global market.
"Box office miracle"－Infernal Affairs
We focus on one of the “small budget, big success” films from our local market - “Infernal Affairs (無間道)” as our example.
Infernal Affairs is a 2002 Hong Kong crime-thriller film directed by Andrew Lau and Alan Mak. It tells the story of a police officer who infiltrates the triads, and a police officer secretly working for the same gang. The English title is a word play combining the law enforcement term "internal affairs" with the adjective infernal. The box office is around 55millions HK dollar. Due to its commercial and critical success, Infernal Affairs was followed by a prequel, Infernal Affairs II, and a sequel, Infernal Affairs III, both released in 2003, as well as a 2006 American remake.
Pre-release publicity for Infernal Affairs focused on its star-studded cast (Andy Lau, Tony Leung, Anthony Wong, Eric Tsang, Kelly Chen and Sammi Cheng), but it later received critical acclaim for its original plot and its concise and swift storytelling style. The film did exceptionally well in Hong Kong, where it was considered "a box office miracle" and heralded as a revival of Hong Kong cinema.
Successful cases of '' small budget, big success'' films in past decade:
Film name
|
Actor
|
Box office (HKD)
|
Shaolin Soccer (2001)
|
Stephen Chow, Vicki Zhao
| 60 millions |
Kung Fu Hustle (2004)
|
Stephen Chow, Yuen Wah
| 59 millions |
Police Story 4 : First Strike
|
Jakie Chan
| 58 millions |
God of Gamblers Returns
|
Chow Yun-fat, Wu Chien-Lien
|
52 millions
|
CJ7 (2008)
|
Stephen Chow, Zhang Yuqi
| 51 millions |
| You Are The Apple of My Eye (2011) |
Ko Chen-tung, Michelle Chen
|
50 millions
|
Ip Man (2008)
|
Donnie Yen, Simon Yam
| 25 millions |
2.Changes in strategies－an overview
To make a successful film with limited budget, there are changes in production, distribution, and marketing strategies.
Production strategy changes:
For production strategies, it includes lots of elements like director who is responsible for managing the whole film production, casting selection, location for shooting, and last but not least the film scripts itself. (Filmmaking from wiki, n.d.)
In the past, film producers thought that in order to make their films successful in global market, visual effect is the most important as it can attract people at the first glance. As a result, film producers inclined to spend most of their budget in creating fantastic scene, like action scene, as their first priority. In the next place, they would select actors who are very well known even though with limited budget. Therefore, they would eventually forget the soul of a film, which is the movie script itself. However, they forgot that with the limited budget, it is difficult to make visual effect better than Hollywood’s film as they have huge capital. As a result, the films will be inferior if they only focus on visual effect and casting selection.
Fortunately, the local film producer finally realized that if they want to go into global market, they should make something different from the Hollywood’s instead of trying to copy what the Hollywood films are now doing. That is making a totally new and fresh film plot to inspire people all over the world. Creating a new and special film script is not so costly. The most essential thing you need is creativity.
To succeed, film producers try to create film script with local culture which is new and fresh to global audience. According to the a research paper (rethinking globalization,2009), in order to make globalization successful, sometimes, it is important to keep your own culture instead of having localization because whether having localization depends on competition, context, culture etc. (rethinking globalization, 2009)For film market, keeping own culture is essential because audiences like to see something different from them. That is why the martial art film is particular successful in global market as martial art is the unique culture of Chinese. Additionally, an entirely new idea can also get a competitive advantage because people have never seen similar films before and therefore they are curious about it.
Distribution strategy changes:For film distribution strategy, film used to first appear in local cinema and appeared in foreign countries’ cinema after a long period of time due to the geographical and communication barrier. At the time that the film could finally appear in global cinemas, people who originally want to watch the film might already loss the desire of watching it. Also, it is difficult to acquire the foreign film in audio shop. Nevertheless, thanks to the technology advances, the film producers can shorten the time it takes to bring their film to cinema worldwide by convenience communication and negotiation with the foreign countries’ cinema like having video conferencing. Besides, the channel to distribute film increases. They can make their film DVD available to global audience by purchasing online. Also, the technology advance reduces the cost to do distribution so it allows film producer to distribute their film in a larger scale compared with the past.
As far as marketing strategy is concerned, the old marketing strategy is totally different from the current one. In the past, film producer mainly marketed their film by promoting film on television. Now, again thanks to the technology development, film producers think of new way to promote their film.
With the convenience of internet, film producers could simply post their trailer online and make an official website for introducing their film in different languages so that different countries’ web users can approach to it. Also, film makers could make use of the power of the internet to promote their film since people who watched the film are willing to share their comment through discussing in web forum. Besides, technological advance, the trend of globalization encourages more international film festivals which provide opportunities for local film to participate in global market. Not saying having award, being nominated is already a good promotion.
3.Example－ Internal Affairs
After having a brief idea of the changes of strategies in production, distribution and marketing, we are going to use a successful film to illustrate the new kinds of strategies, which is Internal Affairs.
Production strategy－ Paying effort on film script:In terms of production, Internal Affairs has an attractive film script directed by Andrew Lau Wai Keung and Alan Mak Siu Fai. The story is about the local culture in Hong Kong. Being a pure local film, all the scenes are shot in Hong Kong including many local features like actors saying special local slang. Also, the story is based on Hong Kong current situation. In Hong Kong, it is common that there is undercover who lurk in gangland but secretly work for police to collect evidence to reduce crime.
Besides the local culture element, the directors made use of their imagination and creativity adding a new idea into the film. Besides polices pretend to be gang, the gangs lurk in police station too. Since we do not know who is the real police and who is the gang, there is suspense. This made the story become more complex but attractive. Additionally, the story is meaningful because it provides people room to have reflection. In the reality, there is no absolute black and white. There is always some grey area which means whether things are right or wrong depends on the angles we take. Therefore, it creates constructive controversy and makes the film become more popular. All these elements in the script can arouse audience interest. On one hand, the unique culture attracts people curiosity. On the other hand, the meaningful story allow audience to participate in the film in the sense of thinking about the meaning and guessing the development of the story. It could eliminate the disadvantages that people lack participation because they do not understand the unique culture.
With an excellent film script, the producers did not use some expensive visual effect like explosion or exaggerated action scene (Internal Affairs message: importance of film script, n.d), which is commonly used in Hollywood film, to attract global audiences. In short, all local movies succeeded in global market, film makers have put more effort on the film script (story plot) instead of spending money to play special visual effect and casting selection.
Distribution Strategy
Synchronizing released date:
One of the successful tools is to make the movie available to watch for the audiences around the world. As we know that the released date is an important strategy to promote the movie in order to make a profit. The first 'Infernal Affairs' was released in HK2002. With a good box office record, it had been distributed to a lot of countries within following 2 years. People around the world had a chance to watch this film, at the same time, more country distribution helped to enhance its popularity. There is the list of the released date in different countries:
One of the successful tools is to make the movie available to watch for the audiences around the world. As we know that the released date is an important strategy to promote the movie in order to make a profit. The first 'Infernal Affairs' was released in HK2002. With a good box office record, it had been distributed to a lot of countries within following 2 years. People around the world had a chance to watch this film, at the same time, more country distribution helped to enhance its popularity. There is the list of the released date in different countries:
Country
|
Date
|
Hong Kong
|
12 December 2002
|
Taiwan
|
13 December 2002
|
South Korea
|
21 February 2003
|
France
|
15 March 2003
|
Italy
|
24 April 2003
|
Philippines
|
12 August 2003
|
Greece
|
18 September 2003
|
Finland
|
10 October 2003
|
Japan
|
11 October 2003
|
Ireland
|
16 October 2003
|
Norway
|
16 October 2003
|
Sweden
|
November 2003
|
Australia
|
1 January 2004
|
Hungery
|
19 January 2004
|
Portugal
|
5 February 2004
|
Romania
|
20 February 2004
|
UK
|
27 February 2004
|
Denmark
|
29 March 2004
|
Estonia
|
21 May 2004
|
Germany
|
12 August 2004
|
Netherlands
|
9 September 2004
|
USA
|
24 september 2004
|
Belgium
|
8 December 2004
|
Online DVD rental service enhance globalization:
After an additional number of months, the movie was released to DAD, VCD and even online rental service. People can buy the videos and watch the film from the internet other than shopping in the VCD shops. The online DVD rental industry is driving movie rental services, with changing customer preferences, demand is shifting towards digital movie rental market. Meanwhile, online DVD rental service plays an important role to make the movie into global market as people around the world can shop on the online shops. There are a lot of internet shops which we can purchase 'Infernal Affairs' video:
easyCinema.com
blockbuster.com
SEVENTYMM.com
LOVEFiLM.com
BARNES&NOBLE.com
Dvd-subtitles.com
Netflix.com
Tesco Entertainment
Amazon.com
Marketing Strategy－Various Media Channels:
In the past, except Hollywood films, it is difficult to promote a movie in global market, let alone a small budget Hong Kong local film. However, in the 21st century, because of the technological advance, ‘Infernal Affairs’ was promoted in diversified ways.
Before promoting ‘Infernal Affairs’ to oversea market, it has already been realized as one of the most successful Asia films worldwide at that time. Why? Due to the technological development, it encourages the globalization of communication. (No author, 1998) John Chong Ching, who was the producer and marketing director of ‘Infernal Affairs’, shared his feeling on the CEBD, said ‘Different from ten years ago, thanks to the technological advance, after seizing the excellent box office on the premiere of “Infernal Affairs’ in Hong Kong, the universal recognized this movie right away. It helped the overseas promotion a lot.’ (Chong Ching, 2003) It reveals that the new information technologies help to reduce the cost of promotion and communication. The global communication facilities, especially the Internet, have the power to move low cost production film ‘Infernal Affairs’ visible from Hong Kong to the global arena and gather support for issue worldwide. (No author, 1998)
In fact, some of the social networking sites and tools were platforms of creating noise and discussions among ‘Infernal Affairs’, which was also one of the changes of marketing strategies. For example, some netizens share the movie trailers with different language versions on Youtube. People from all round the world could watch it and made comments to it. Besides, the MSN could be used as a tool for communicating about the film. Thus, those social networking tools caused the changes of market strategy and supported the low cost Hong Kong film ‘Infernal Affairs’ to gain high reputation worldwide.
(English Version)
(German Version)
Other than using the Internet as media of promotion, the marketing team still using traditional promotion campaigns to consolidate the marketing strategy. First, they produced posters with different languages, such as Korean, Italian, English, French and so on. Besides, the main actors and actress went overseas for instance, Korea and Japan to promote the movie. Thus, in the 21st century, it tends to have more diversified marketing strategies and channels for small budget film like ‘Infernal Affairs’ to move to global market place.
The Power of Word-of-Mouth:
Traditionally, many Hollywood movie distributors invest in expensive global marketing campaigns by placing ads on TV commercials, newspaper ads, theaters, and promotional tour to maximize film publicity and revenue early in the release cycle. The casts, director, visual effects and cinematography, are highlighted in the ads to generate noise and audience interest.
Word-of-mouth also plays a significant role in a movie’s success. Consumers may seek signals of quality in advance of watching, such as critic’s review, comments from online social communities, and word of mouth from friends. (Duan, Wenjing, Gu, Bin and Whinston, Andrew B., 2011)Online WOM in the movie industry takes many forms, including online reviews, discussion boards, and blogs. IMDB.com, and Yahoo! Movie discussion are popular online platforms for moviegoers to post reviews, online ratings and search for film showtime. It is reported by a survey in the Wall Street Journal that a third of moviegoers chose a film because of a favorable review (Simmons [1994]).
To put ‘Infernal Affairs’ to International Stages, it emphasizes on the extensive use of WOM marketing strategies. However, independent online user reviews are of uncertain quality. There is great variety among reviewer’s taste and independent judgment about the quality of the movie. Film critics, who have established high-quality reputations, to exert the most influence on audience decisions. ‘Infernal Affairs’ put its focus on using online film critics review in foreign markets. ‘Infernal Affairs’ was usually first shown in International Film festival in different countries like Milwaukee International Film Festival in USA and Deauville Asian Film Festival. These festivals invite lots of local film critics who write film review and film periodicals to participate. Fortunately, review of ‘Infernal Affairs’ has around 150 expert reviews in many popular printed and online media worldwide. (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0338564/externalreviews) For instance, the film reviews include Elvis Mitchell(2003), FILM FESTIVAL REVIEW: Loyalty and Betrayal, With Two Detectives Steeped in Corruption. The New York Times. Roger Ebert(2004), Infernal Affairs. Chicago Sun-Times. And G. Allen Johnson (2005) , Good guy, bad guy -- who's who? . San Francisco Chronicle. Their reviews serve as a consumer guide to movies. With their endorsement, ‘Infernal Affairs’ has already aroused the audience interest and favor before the release of the film. Hence, it finally achieves satisfactory box office revenue and was dominated in film awards in oversea countries.
Increasing realizations in International Film Festivals:
Apart from the promotion strategies above, anticipating in international film festivals is an important indicator of the marketing strategy change. It is hard to mention a small budget Hong Kong film that could get rewards o
r take part in the international film festival in the past. However, in the 21st century, much more Hong Kong films, such as ‘Echoes of the Rainbow’ (Echoes of the Rainbow from wiki, n.d.) and ‘A Simple Life’ (A Simple Life from wiki, n.d) are nominated or rewarded in international film festival.
‘Infernal Affairs’ won the Audience Award in 2003 Far East Film Festival, the Audience Award in 40th Annual Golden Horse Awards and the Best Foreign Language Film in 2004 Blue Ribbon Awards. Also, it was screened in competition at the Berlin Film Festival. No matter the film was just nominated or won a reward; it increases the reputation around the world. (Infernal Affairs from wikipedia, n.d) Due to the successful result overseas, the foreign distributors were more interested in buying ‘Infernal Affairs’. As a result, much more global citizen recognized and US buyer even remade this movie. (G. Allen Johnson, 2005) Therefore, the raise of realizations in international film festivals is a force pushing the ‘Infernal Affairs’, the small budget local firm to the international.
4.Conclusion
‘Infernal Affairs’ is a good example to illustrate the changes of production, distribution and marketing strategies of small budget Hong Kong movie respectively. It proofs the strategy changes of small budget Hong Kong films leads to great success is a global indicators.
Extension section
It is an extension section to reply your comments. First of all, our team is very pleased that all of you leaf us meaningful comments. After reading all your comments, we would like to make further explanation.
Many of you mentioned that technology also brings disadvantages like illegal downloading which will negatively influence the whole film industry. Our team admits that there are disadvantages. However, we should not deny the advantages that technology brings to the small budget film. In reality, nothing is perfect. All the things have their own strengths and weaknesses. Our team think that even though disadvantages exist, there are more advantages than disadvantages and technology which does really contribute a lot on success of small budget films. As our team mentioned in the blog, the advantages, like allowing film advertisement to appear in all over the world, shortening time to let the films to be shown in global cinema etc, are really important for small budget film to go globally.
In addition, different parties are engaging in eliminating the illegal downloading problems. For example, WinMx used to be a famous sharing software allowing computer users to share and download songs, movies etc. To restrict illegal downloading, a USA company said they would sue WinMx unless the WinMx adds filter function into the software so that people cannot search products with patent and copy right or suit down. Finally, WinMx shut down their company. And Hong Kong government said after WinMix shut down, the illegal downloading reduced by 80%. (News DJ.com, 2005) It shows that the situation is getting improved even though it is slow. Also, our team think that in the future as the technology goes on improving, the problem will be relieved. For example, illegal downloading could be detected by software and blocked. From the above example, it evident that disadvantages of technology is smaller than advantages.
Regarding Hollywood films can show globalization better than small budget films, our team is not agree with it because small budget films can show greater power of globalization. For Hollywood films, they have put a lot of money and resources into the production, marketing and distribution. It is reasonable that they can get into the global market. Even though globalization is not so significant, Hollywood films still can get into global market easily. However, it is mainly due to their huge money and resources spent. On the contrary, using small budget films to be the indicator is more suitable because the small budget films would not have been so success if globalization is not significant. Imagine that one clever boy and stupid boy go to a tutorial school. If the clever boy gets good academic result, people will just think that it is because he is clever even though the tutorial school has helped too. However, if the stupid boy gets good academic result, people will think that it is mainly because the tutorial school is helpful. There is similar situation in film market. Small budget films can better show the powerfulness of globalization. That is why we choose to analyze small budget film but not Hollywood films.
In addition, we would also respond to the question that whether technology helps to promote film internationally or globalization opens up the world eyes and ears to be interested in the local films. Our team thinks that both of them are right. We believe that both emerged simultaneously. Instead of one leads to another one, we think that they are correlated but not in cause and effect relationship. Indeed, you could say that the promotion of film let the global audience to have a chance to try the local film. On the other hand, the higher level of interest in local film encourages the local film maker to produce more and promote more. They are influencing each other.
In conclusion, once again, we appreciate all of your critical and helpful comment. It is hoped that the above session can let you have more understanding about our blog.
References1. Filmmaking from Wiki, (n.d). Retrieved February 18, 2012 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filmmaking
2. Nigel Hollis (2009). Rethinking globalization P. 18
3. Internal Affairs message: importance of film script, (n.d). Retrieved February 18, 2012 Retrieved from http://blog.yahoo.com/_EODDNJJXBAX4WZP2XRIXXNAILY/articles/11334
4. No author. (1998). Globalization: A World-System Perspective. P. 3-4.Chong Ching. (2003). 莊澄回首無間道. Retrieved February 19, 2012 from http://www.iatopia.com/CEDB/magsearch.jsp?artid=11402
5. A Simple Life from Wikipedia. (n.d.). Retrieved February 19, 2012 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Simple_Life
6. Echoes of the Rainbow from Wikipedia. (n.d.). Retrieved February 19, 2012 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echoes_of_the_Rainbow
7. Infernal Affairs from Wikipedia. (n.d.). Retrieved from February 19, 2012 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infernal_Affairs
8. G. Allen Johnson. (2005). View Worldwide, Asian films are grossing millions. 9. Here, they’re either remade. Held hostage or released with little fanfare. Retrieved February 19, 2012 from http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/02/03/DDGHFB40EG1.DTL&ao=all
10. Duan, Wenjing, Gu, Bin and Whinston, Andrew B., (2011) The Dynamics of Online Word-of-Mouth and Product Sales: An Empirical Investigation of the Movie Industry. Journal of Retailing, Vol. 84, No. 2, pp. 233-242, 2008.
11. David A. Reinstein and Christopher M. Snyder(2005), The Influence of Expert Reviews on Consumer Demand for Experience Goods: A Case Study of Novie Critics. The Journal of Industrial Economics, VolumeLIII, No. 1
12. News DJ.com, (2005) Pressured from RIAA, WinMx and eDonkey will shut down, Retrieved from 7 May 2012 from http://newsdj.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=3121
References1. Filmmaking from Wiki, (n.d). Retrieved February 18, 2012 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filmmaking
2. Nigel Hollis (2009). Rethinking globalization P. 18
3. Internal Affairs message: importance of film script, (n.d). Retrieved February 18, 2012 Retrieved from http://blog.yahoo.com/_EODDNJJXBAX4WZP2XRIXXNAILY/articles/11334
4. No author. (1998). Globalization: A World-System Perspective. P. 3-4.Chong Ching. (2003). 莊澄回首無間道. Retrieved February 19, 2012 from http://www.iatopia.com/CEDB/magsearch.jsp?artid=11402
5. A Simple Life from Wikipedia. (n.d.). Retrieved February 19, 2012 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Simple_Life
6. Echoes of the Rainbow from Wikipedia. (n.d.). Retrieved February 19, 2012 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echoes_of_the_Rainbow
7. Infernal Affairs from Wikipedia. (n.d.). Retrieved from February 19, 2012 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infernal_Affairs
8. G. Allen Johnson. (2005). View Worldwide, Asian films are grossing millions. 9. Here, they’re either remade. Held hostage or released with little fanfare. Retrieved February 19, 2012 from http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/02/03/DDGHFB40EG1.DTL&ao=all
10. Duan, Wenjing, Gu, Bin and Whinston, Andrew B., (2011) The Dynamics of Online Word-of-Mouth and Product Sales: An Empirical Investigation of the Movie Industry. Journal of Retailing, Vol. 84, No. 2, pp. 233-242, 2008.
11. David A. Reinstein and Christopher M. Snyder(2005), The Influence of Expert Reviews on Consumer Demand for Experience Goods: A Case Study of Novie Critics. The Journal of Industrial Economics, VolumeLIII, No. 1
12. News DJ.com, (2005) Pressured from RIAA, WinMx and eDonkey will shut down, Retrieved from 7 May 2012 from http://newsdj.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=3121
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ReplyDeleteI have learned a lot from your blog because the information are really clear and detail enough to let me get the main idea of this blog. Moreover, I think this topic is really interesting and persuasive because you give lots of edvidence ,such as some videos and pictures. Also, I appreciate that you have choosen a proper example , Infernal Affairs, as it is very famous not only in Hong Kong ,but also all over the world. And your blod can really remind me some management strategies for doing business!
I agree with you that technology helps promoting film a lot because the accessibility of a film is increased. As you mentioned, pepople can buy it online. Also, it helps to boost the publicity and reputation of a film. However, I think this also bring some disadvantages because people can illegally download it easily from Internet and this harms the industry. Also, if the quality of a film is not really good, people can share some negative film review globally and it may eventually damage the demand of a film.
Thank you for the inspiring global indicator. As a Hong Kong resident, I am so proud of our local film industry's achievement in the international film market.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Hong Kong's unique culture attracts people's curiosity. As mentioned, this film put a lot of emphasis on the script. I think audiences from other culture background such as Western culture may not fully understand the underlining meaning of the script. For instance, "3 years and 3 years, 3 years and 3 years, 10 years is coming". However, it provides a chance to attract other cultures to know or understand our culture.
Referring back to the previous comment, I agree that technology brings two sides, advantage and disadvantage. When asking someone if he/she has ever downloaded any films online illegally, I believe most of them will say "yes". This will seriously harm the film industry and reduce the passion in film production. It is sad but true. Is there anything to do with the legislation? For example, New Zealand government has prohibited the illegal download of videos, film and all those with copy right last year. The penalty is very serious. Also, Hong Kong has banned the BT since a few years ago. Can these really protect the copy right of films?
I really enjoyed reading your blog, because I like the movie Infernal Affairs and it was one of my favourites. I agree with you that it is important to have a good strategy in order for a local film to be a success internationally. However, what is the link of this to international management? Do you think different countries need different strategies in making their local film a success internationally, or can the same strategy apply for other local film producers outside of Hong Kong as well when promoting their own local films?
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that audiences will be more attracted to Hollywood movies compared to Hong Kong movies due to the large production costs spent on it, but do you think there is a positive relationship between production costs and the quality of the movie? I believe the increased production costs in the US can be linked to the higher average salary there, which explains why US films might have a much higher production cost due to higher salary to the casts and production crews compared to Hong Kong. Also, in Hong Kong, people have a tendency of working a lot of overtime that might not be paid or paid very little. If we compare “Infernal Affairs” with its American remake “The Departed,” Infernal Affairs has a budget of only 2.5 million USD while The Departed has 90 million USD. Personally, I find Internal Affairs to be much better and more dramatic than the US remake, but I think that non-Chinese audience will prefer the US remake due to the language differences as subtitles sometimes cannot translate all the dialogue exactly, especially if Cantonese slang is used.
I believe that technological convergence and the advances in technology are more negative rather than positive to the movie industry? Generally speaking, it would be bad as less people are going to the cinemas which means revenues are decreasing, although you mentioned that it helps with communication internationally such as online discussion in networking sites and it can provide online shopping to customers. However, advances in technology have also made it more common for people to illegally download movies online. The recent shutdown of the site Megaupload by the US government is a good example. The online file-sharing site was accused of worldwide piracy of many copyrighted movies, books and music (Lee, 2012). Nowadays, many people are downloading movies instead of watching it them in the cinema or renting/buying the DVDs. This makes it important to have the local films released in international markets as soon as possible, as people will likely have downloaded the movie online if the release date in their country is a year or two after the film was released in the local market.
Thank you very much for your story. I found it very well written, clear and comprehensive for the reader. The topic was not only surprising but also very interesting and I learned a lot of things about the cinema industry. I also liked the way you illustrated your theoretical ideas with the film “Infernal Affairs”. Moreover, as I normally watch other types of films, it was nice to learn more about this film, its script and its marketing and distribution strategies.
ReplyDeleteAfter some researches on low budget films, I learned that we are provided with plenty of examples, which show us three evidences. First of all, a film does not need to have a big budget to have success. Then there are a lot of old films in those rankings and finally, the majority of these films are Americans (http://blog.koldcast.tv/2010/koldcast-news/the-15-cheapest-movies-that-went-on-to-become-cult-classics/). These facts and mainly the one that there are some old films, make me wonder whether the argument of the new cheaper way to communicate and to distribute low budget films, which is mainly through internet, that can lead to success is that relevant or whether this success has been enabled only because they are American productions and it wouldn’t have been possible in other countries.
Hello ELITE,
ReplyDeleteI have to say that I was very surprised by the topic of your second blog! I really enjoyed reading it because I’m very curious about the HK movies industry in general. The information given by your team is formative and the structure is well organized.
To start, I agree on the fact that the production team should keep the local culture as the framework for the movie. I think that thanks to the process of globalization and the mass social media platform, the issues of cultural differences are somehow minimized. Therefore, the world audience can easily enjoy and understand several types of movies. For example, western jokes and eastern jokes are sometimes very different but the audience can still accept and understand it. With the example of Internal Affairs, you mentioned that it is important for small budget film to have good film scrip in order secure its success. However, I think regardless of the size and the origin of a movie, it is crucial for all type of movies to have a good script; especially under globalization because there are more competition in the industry and the audience has much more choice compared to a decade ago.
I agree with ELITE point of views about the distribution and marketing strategies that has been changed under globalization in this particular sector. One factor that could also increase the number of low-budget films and its success is the government support. According to Film Business Asia, the Hong Kong's Film Development Council has a fund, since 3 years, that is intended to help low-budget film and news talents. Moreover, in Canada, there is the Low Budget Independent Feature Film Assistance Program that supports low-budget feature films in its post-productions process. In conclusion, I also think that small and low budget films are not only a medium of entertaining but also a way to promote culture diversity in today globalized world.
As something of a cinephile, I was greatly interested in the topic you have chosen to cover. First I would like to address the topic of piracy that has come up in the comments. A recent study (http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1986299) suggests that the rise of online piracy has not affected box office receipts, but may harm international returns if there is a significant delay in foreign release dates. The study was done on Hollywood films and so may not entirely hold true on global scale, but the implication is that the money lost due to piracy is only significant when there is no clear legal way of seeing the film soon after release, and this is something this blog has indicated will be helped by new technologies (i.e. having films available internationally, quickly).
ReplyDeleteMoving on, I would argue that perhaps some of the other films on your 'successes' list would help illustrate some of your points. While 'Infernal Affairs' is an exceptional feature I would argue that it is shot in a more traditionally western, 'Hollywood' style than some others, and the (also very worthwhile) remake's transplantation from Hong Kong to Boston would suggest to me there isn't a huge amount that is culturally uniquely to do with Hong Kong. Whereas Stephen Chow's films (Shaolin Soccer, Kung Fu Hustle) do feel uniquely Hong Kong-ian to me. The idiosyncratic, mad-cap style and the cultural references used in these films reveal something that could never have been produced by the Hollywood system. Moreover, while I feel they embrace their cultural roots they also riff on traditionally western tropes and genres (I.e. for 'Shaolin Soccer'- the underdog sports movie) and show specific western influences, perhaps to better appeal on a global scale, helping them feel intimate but not insular. I am basically suggesting that other examples may fit the some of the points you are trying to make better. (I would also point out that 20-30million would only be considered small budgets in Hollywood in recent times, and I suspect many bloated budgets in Hollywood will be reduced over the next decade as studios come to terms with the new landscape. Going off topic I'll just point out that we still also see many low-budget successes from the U.S. e.g. Robert Rodrigez's debut 'El Mariachi' was famously made for $7000, 'paranormal activity' cost only $15000 etc.)
As a final question I would like to hear some thoughts on some international successes prior to new technologies and increasing globalisation. For example how did pre-hollywood Bruce Lee movies (The Big Boss, Fist of Fury) achieve their success? or going back further how were Asian filmmakers, such as Kurosawa, so influential before there was such access to films on a worldwide scale?
Hello ELITE,
ReplyDeleteI have to say that I was very surprised by the topic of your second blog! I really enjoyed reading it because I’m very curious about the HK movies industry in general. The information given by your team is formative and the structure is well organized.
To start, I agree on the fact that the production team should keep the local culture as the framework for the movie. I think that thanks to the process of globalization and the mass social media platform, the issues of cultural differences are somehow minimized. Therefore, the world audience can easily enjoy and understand several types of movies. For example, western jokes and eastern jokes are sometimes very different but the audience can still accept and understand it. With the example of Internal Affairs, you mentioned that it is important for small budget film to have good film scrip in order secure its success. However, I think regardless of the size and the origin of a movie, it is crucial for all type of movies to have a good script; especially under globalization because there are more competition in the industry and the audience has much more choice compared to a decade ago.
I agree with ELITE point of views about the distribution and marketing strategies that has been changed under globalization in this particular sector. One factor that could also increase the number of low-budget films and its success is the government support. According to Film Business Asia, the Hong Kong's Film Development Council has a fund, since 3 years, that is intended to help low-budget film and news talents. Moreover, in Canada, there is the Low Budget Independent Feature Film Assistance Program that supports low-budget feature films in its post-productions process. In conclusion, I also think that small and low budget films are not only a medium of entertaining but also a way to promote culture diversity in today globalized world.
Hi !
ReplyDeleteYour article is really interesting and I have learnt a lot about cinema industry ! I did not know about all these changes in production, distribution, and marketing strategy.
It is really fascinating to see how internet can contribute in the film promotion. Last semester I did an internship as a Community Manager. I had to manage the company promotion on social media (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn,…) and I could notice that nowadays, internet is the most important tool to promote something !
On 2011, internet was used by almost 2.1 billion internet user ie 33% of the world population and this number is in perpetual increase.
Nevertheless, it would have been very interesting to talk about the limit of the internet use. In fact, the electronic piracy is a serious problem nowadays since almost everyone had already illegally uploaded a movie… Thus, the production can not collect the money it really deserves.
For example, while some movies like Mr & Mrs Smith, were not yet available in the cinema, we could already upload them on internet… !
Also, the US economy loses $20.5bn (£11bn) a year as a direct result of film piracy, an American study has claimed and at least 25 million Americans pirate movies !
The different governments around the world try to impose rules and laws to ban the illegal upload but it is very difficult since we talk about internet, a virtual interface…
Then, even if internet could be a film promotion best friend, it also is his most dangerous problem !
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_population
http://www.internetworldstats.com/stats.htm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/5395218.stm
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=7&ved=0CGkQFjAG&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.slashdot.org%2Fstory%2F07%2F01%2F25%2F236224%2Fat-least-25-million-americans-pirate-movies&ei=u4NMT7-lO4eQiAfKp-By&usg=AFQjCNEMVAjz9hinXqnICZoYyxIgyV-qDw&sig2=NCWpEpByC6vUb3Arsss7jg
Hi Elite,
ReplyDeleteAbove all, I really appreciate your efforts in illustrating this interesting topic with detailed examples. I'm a big fan of movies and I also agree with your argument that globalization can be expressed by successful movies. You elaborated your argument using the example of "Infernal Affairs". Yes, "Infernal Affairs" is definitely a successful Hong Kong film, but just as the other guy mentioned, I'm afraid it isn't the best example to support your argument for its too western style. Both "Shaolin Soccer" and " McDull" could be best examples to express traditional Chinese culture or Modern Hong Kong local spirit.
Besides, actually from my point of view, those "Hollywood films" would be better examples to illustrate the concept of "globalization". For instance, "Kung Fu Panda"is a 2008 American computer-animated action comedy film produced by DreamWorks Animation and distributed by Paramount Pictures. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kungfu_Panda). It is an typical American DreamWorks movie however, the major content is about traditional Chinese Kung Fu and animals. One of the two directors is John Wayne Stevenson, from United Kingdom and the other director Mark Osbborne is from America. Its major dubbing speakers are from America, Canada as well as Hong Kong. The total production cycle last for more than five years, and there were almost 448 staff working for this film. According to the data, the production staff were from US, China, Canada, France, Italy, Spain, Ireland, UK, Mexico, the Philippines , Japan, Sweden, Belgium and Israel.Instead of saying "Kung Fu Panda" is an American film, I would regard it as a "global film" since the production of this movie generated collaboration of elite from all over the world.
To sum up, globalization does influence the production, distribution and marketing. The
scriptwriter, director, actor, investors may come from different countries which drive the film industry more and more global.
Hey ELITE,
ReplyDeletealso from my side, I have to admit that your blog is very detailed.
Here is what I like:
Your argument that the film industry is making some efforts to globally present their movies due to the "on-going technological convergence" makes very much sense. As I understood it, it is the technology and internet which allows the movie industry to actively approach multiple countries to sell the movie. Without going into too much detail, your supporting arguments of how the industry is doing it, does indeed make sense.
Here is another perspective:
One question I ask myself is: "Who was first: The chicken or the egg?" Let me clarify what I mean with this. Is it the technology which is helping to internationally promote movies OR is it globalization which opens up the worlds eyes and ears to actually be interested in local movies from different countries?
Certainly, not only HK movies enjoy more global awareness. Bollywood is another example which enjoys more and more fans around the world, French classic movies all of a sudden enjoy quite some awareness and recently I watched a movie from South America called: "The Motorcycle Diaries" - it was in Spanish with subtitles but I loved the movie anyways!
So I am wondering if it is a demand driven need or a supply driven industry which opens up the possibility for small local movies to gain popularity?! My opinion is: A little bit of both and certainly a big contribution of Youtube and www.imdb.com (a movie rating site). Of course those pages represent the internet.
As far as your reasoning goes, I would say that your argument is in the following order: The internet opens up thousands of chances for globalization -> local movies can be promoted easier -> global awareness and acceptance of local movies increase -> success of local movies increases (Hence, your indicator shoots up!). So in your blog we are actually having a perfect example of how the internet helped to open up a cultural good to the world.
Tips on writing the blog:
As a reader I actually just scanned through your text and tried to find your arguments. I wasn't really interested in the plot of the movie so I skipped it. It doesn't add any value to your assignment (of course this is up to Frank to decide but eventually he agrees with me here). Hence I suggest that next time you may want to focus your thought more on your main points whilst cutting the unnecessary gap fillers. It will certainly help your blog, which is lready very good, to be superb.
Thank you and greetings,
Patrick
Thanks for your great job!
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, I think you can tell us some background information at the very beginning in the blog, such as how much the producer need to spend in making a film, how much is the average amount, etc. It is because you tell us that Infernal Affairs is a small budget movie, however I don’t know how much budget should be stated as high budget or small budget. If you can add this to your blog, I believe that reader can understand the blog more easily.
It is true that technology helps globalization. It facilitates lower promotion cost, more ways to do the promotion and lower production cost in movie industry. However, it still makes some disadvantages to it, such as people can download movie from the internet, buy an illegal copy of movie from hawker, etc. These actions hurt movie industry a lot. To my opinion, it is not only hurt box office, it also hurts the revenue which is from sponsors. One of the major revenue of making movie is from sponsorship. Without sponsorship, it is hard to make a movie or it will be out of sources to do the promotion.
Advanced technology can let people watch the movie online. Many people love to watch movie online, they like to use the platform from mainland China, such as PPTV, Tudou, etc. In the past, we can watch movie from these platforms easily. However these platforms are blocked to Hong Kong users now. It is because Hong Kong government has blocked the movie which is made by Hong Kong from these platforms. Therefore, I believe that government should try their efforts to protect their movie industry.
It was really enjoyable to read your blog since I am a huge movie-lover! Personally, I LOVE the Infernal Affair! I watched all the series with my American friends and they loved it! I think it is pretty good example of how a film from Hong Kong could shake the rest of the world. Kung Fu Hustle was another good exmaple that I enjoyed so much.
ReplyDeleteWhen we were assigned to do assignment with global indicator, I actually thought abbout movie industry. The change in movie trend is very interesting topic to see and feel it.
I would definately agree with you about how small budget films are focused more on something "different" from hollywood. In fact, people are getting sick and tired of common hollywood "fantastic" movie. In Korea, many fancy hollywood action movies are pushed away by low budget films that contains more stories. It is pretty clear to see what you pointed on marketing stratgegy. I would say it is obviously easy for distributers to promote their productions due to innovation in technologies. Internet is great method since almost everyone has access to it through computer and smartphone. Also, I have experienced that a lot of movie companies are using social network to contact with audience and future audience. As you say, MSN was pretty good medium to promote back then. Now, twitter is one of the good ways to attract people or get feedback from audience.
Hey Elite! It’s enjoyable to read your blog because the global indicator --movies is very familiar for us since we often go to cinema to take it as one of the entertainment. Moreover, as the blog focuses on Hong Kong small budget movie production, it is easier for me to catch up with the content.
ReplyDeleteIt is undeniable that there are more and more Asian movies got the attention of westerners in the international movie market over the past ten years. For example, the film Isabella got the award Silver Bear, Film Music in 2006 Berlin International Film Festival while the actress in the movie A Simple Life won the Best Actress Award in 68th Venice International Film Festival. All of these award somehow reflects that the world is getting more global because people do not just watch the local movies but also overseas ones.
But I want to raise a counter view here against this blog is that actually the exchange between western and Asian movies are due to the progress of technology but not the globalization itself. As your group mentioned, thanks for technology, the ways of handling production, distribution and marketing of local movies has changed. Yet, it doesn’t mean that the world is more global. That’s technology makes the Asian or even Hong Kong movies enter the global film market more easily only. For example, film producers can make use of the internet to disseminate their movies through the trailers or videos on YouTube. It can help the movies to get more attention from all over the world and thus easier to sell the DVD or be on screen in cinemas to the foreign movie market.
Honestly, to see deeper in the movie industry, it is still dominated by the Hollywood movies or western movies. All reputed international film awards like Oscar Award and Venice International Film Festival are held by the western countries. Nominated films in Asian film festival like Golden Horse Film Festival and Awards are not really popular in the world. I think the success of Infernal Affairs was an exceptional case that a local movie can gain such huge attention from the western movie industry. Its success was due to the special script but not globalization. Its success has mainly indicated that the preference of movie audience has changed from not only mass action scene but also the quality of script and maybe the culture shown in the movie.
All in all, most of the local small budget films cannot go into global market but only to Asian countries as far as they can. However, it is true that the technology helps local and Asian movies to be known by more people from all over the world through different channels and media. Somehow this is easier for those movies to go global in certain extent. Anyway, thanks for you guys detailed analysis. Good Job!! Hope we can exchange some more ideas of this issue. :)
Hi Elite,
ReplyDeleteIt’s enjoyable to read your blog, the series of “Infernal Affairs” is one of my favorite HK movies indeed.
I can read from your arguments that focusing on writing a good, inspiring script and to distribute and promote the local small budget films with the aid of the technology advancement is the “Golden formula” to make the small budget films successful. I do partially agree with it as I think there should be some more criteria for a local small budget film to be recognized by the global audiences.
It is undeniable that a good, original screen script can attract audiences. However, in contrast to what you’ve said, screen plots with lots of local culture may not always be the competition advantages to the local film to go global. For example, the “Echoes of The Rainbow” you’ve mentioned in the blog did win the Internationale Filmfestspiele Berlin in 2010, it was the only one HK film got that kind of laurel in the Berlinale. However, with a good script and highly recognized public praise is still not enough for the film to succeed in the global market. The “Echoes of The Rainbow” was not released in many countries (only Hong Kong, Singapore, China, Taiwan and Germany http://movie.mtime.com/102279/releaseinfo.html), though the box office of the film in Hong Kong was stunning (recorded an accumulated HKD23 million), it could not keep the record in other countries.
So my point is, if we only focus on a particular film, like the “Infernal Affairs”, it seems that when we apply the “Golden formula”, it will be effective. However, does that formula really a general formula that every single local small budget film should follow, in order to succeed in the global market? I doubt it. So if you girls are going to do the extension part for this blog, may be you can try to discuss if there is any nature that a film should have, so that they may succeed in the global filming market in spite of the small budget they have.
Dear Elite
ReplyDeleteI think your group is very creative to use Internal Affairs, which is our local pride in the film industry, as an example to illustrate the global indicator.It is undoubtedly true that with the "technology convergence",the marketing and also the production of movie are made easier and more convenient.
However, I doubt if "Internal Affairs" is the best example to illustrate the globalization.
I understand your argument is based on small local movies getting great popularity among the world. This is true, for instance, the recent Bollyhood movie,"3 idiots", which is an Indian comedy that has include in the whole movie the Indian culture and movie style and apart from breaking the box office record in India in 2009, 2 years later, it arrived Hong Kong and The becaome first aired Indian film in Hong Kong with breaking results HKD $22 million since its showing from September 1, 2011. This can show that your argument is undoubtedly true. This might due to changes in consumer preferences, maybe they are now interested in watching movies that include components of local cultures. Internet is another reason for this trend. With the popularity of Youtube.com, Tudou.com and Facebook etc., the trailors and advertisement could be accessed in all parts of the world only if you could accessed te internet.
However, all these could only show internet assisted the local small movies to gain popularity among the world and help them get globalization.
I think a better illustration of movies as a global indicator would be Disney movies. Unlike the past years, they are now searching plots from all part of the would to find out many interesting local story to be their movies.
Anyway, I think you guys did a great job and I enjoy reading your post.
Hi, Elite!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the interesting sharing. I really enjoy your logical and clear construction of the blog. I do agree with you on the point that technology development benefits cinema industry in going global. However, does digital technology always bring advantage to the films? I believe the answer should be no. For example, from the distribution aspect, there are as many as 500,000 digital movies being exchanged illegally over the web due to poor control of the content in the distribution process.
I believe that the technology will continuously affect the way of local film going global. In addition, the new technology will meet the requirements of the film industry in the following areas:
1. Security : it is necessary to secure the delivery of digital media;
2. Quality – The consumer needs to have a high quality experience, similar to what they’re used to getting when watching movies at home on TV both in the video quality and in the quality of the delivery.
3. Improved economics – With technology providers like Microsoft focusing on creating digital rights management technology to secure the content and building the technology to deliver a high quality consumer experience, the film industry can focus their more efforts on creating businesses for distributing content online.
In short, I agree with you technology is benefitting the film industry. However, it also brings some concerns. I believe the new digital technology will be improved and we could enjoy all the good films with high-quality in time together.
ELITE!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't wait to comment on your blog, because I think once again you have caught all our attention with a topic that many of us can relate to. "Internal Affairs" is one of Hong Kong's most popular films and the popularity it had gotten is definitely something I can be proud of as a local citizen.
I totally agree with what you are trying to demonstrate in your argument, that even small budgeted local films can make it to the big screens if the marketing and promotion is done correctly and the technology advancement is taken advantage of. When people think of movies, first thing that comes in mind would be the Oscars or Hollywood films that have big production values. Some viewers may enjoy watching more smaller production movies because these are the movies that really tend to have good scripts for them to stand out. I think the technological advancement not only benefited the movie producers itself, but also to the viewers, those who love watching movies can now catch a glimpse of different movies since the internet has helped make these lower budgeted films more recognizable with the help of globalization.
Yes, I do agree with the fact that technology has brought some great benefits to both viewers and producers, but some cons also exist with this improvement. It has been a pain in the *** for the movie industry for online access for movies can now be downloaded and viewed online rather than the old fashion way of visiting the theaters or purchasing the DVD version. Overall, internet has created a setback for producers to yield the same profit they used to when these entertainment resources were more difficult to attain. I think there have been pros and cons to the advancement of technology, but I do agree with your theory that low budgeted films have found a way for easier promotion channels to get more recognized in the global market.
It is quite difficult for me to write a comment this time around. Everyone else made some very good points; similar points as the ones that were revolving around my head as I read your paper. First I would like to say, that I, along with everyone else, really enjoyed your paper. You chose a really interesting topic and I wouldn't have ever thought of cinema and the film industry as a global indicator. I really liked how you had a clear example throughout the paper and it makes me really want to watch Infernal Affairs. I had meant to watch it on Netflix before coming to Hong Kong and now I want to watch so much more badly.
ReplyDeleteI also really agree with the point you made regarding international film festivals helping the release and spread of international movies as I have seen quite a few films due to film festivals.
Although I really liked the example you used, I'm not too sure if it's a very good approach to compare it with Hollywood films because the direct consumers are different. The culture and expectancy of Americans are different from those in Asia. I do understand that the ultimate goal is globablization and the world-wide spread of the film, making everyone your consumers. But I also think that there may be an underlying reason for the lack of explosives and flashiness.
I agree with everyone about the pros and cons of technology being a means of globalization when it comes to films. I honestly can't tell you a single person I know who has never downloaded a form of media for free, besides my parents who can't even sign on to a computer that is. It is unfortunate but when people want to watch a movie and have a particular song on their mp3 player or ipod, first thought of mind is to look for a free copy.
40041500
ReplyDeleteHello ELITE,
I have to say that I was very surprised by the topic of your second blog! I really enjoyed reading it because I’m very curious about the HK movies industry in general. The information given by your team is formative and the structure is well organized.
To start, I agree on the fact that the production team should keep the local culture as the framework for the movie. I think that thanks to the process of globalization and the mass social media platform, the issues of cultural differences are somehow minimized. Therefore, the world audience can easily enjoy and understand several types of movies. For example, western jokes and eastern jokes are sometimes very different but the audience can still accept and understand it. With the example of Internal Affairs, you mentioned that it is important for small budget film to have good film scrip in order secure its success. However, I think regardless of the size and the origin of a movie, it is crucial for all type of movies to have a good script; especially under globalization because there are more competition in the industry and the audience has much more choice compared to a decade ago.
I agree with ELITE point of views about the distribution and marketing strategies that has been changed under globalization in this particular sector. One factor that could also increase the number of low-budget films and its success is the government support. According to Film Business Asia, the Hong Kong's Film Development Council has a fund, since 3 years, that is intended to help low-budget film and news talents. Moreover, in Canada, there is the Low Budget Independent Feature Film Assistance Program that supports low-budget feature films in its post-productions process. In conclusion, I also think that small and low budget films are not only a medium of entertaining but also a way to promote culture diversity in today globalized world.
40041500
ReplyDeleteI have to say that I was very surprised by the topic of your second blog! I really enjoyed reading it because I’m very curious about the HK movies industry in general. The information given by your team is formative and the structure is well organized.
To start, I agree on the fact that the production team should keep the local culture as the framework for the movie. I think that thanks to the process of globalization and the mass social media platform, the issues of cultural differences are somehow minimized. Therefore, the world audience can easily enjoy and understand several types of movies. For example, western jokes and eastern jokes are sometimes very different but the audience can still accept and understand it. With the example of Internal Affairs, you mentioned that it is important for small budget film to have good film scrip in order secure its success. However, I think regardless of the size and the origin of a movie, it is crucial for all type of movies to have a good script; especially under globalization because there are more competition in the industry and the audience has much more choice compared to a decade ago.
I agree with ELITE point of views about the distribution and marketing strategies that has been changed under globalization in this particular sector. One factor that could also increase the number of low-budget films and its success is the government support. According to Film Business Asia, the Hong Kong's Film Development Council has a fund, since 3 years, that is intended to help low-budget film and news talents. Moreover, in Canada, there is the Low Budget Independent Feature Film Assistance Program that supports low-budget feature films in its post-productions process. In conclusion, I also think that small and low budget films are not only a medium of entertaining but also a way to promote culture diversity in today globalized world.
Hello Elite, Great work on the cinema as a global indicator. Your blog was very informative and descriptive about how the movie industry works and it’s down turn in today’s global market. What I like though is how the movie Infernal Affairs took on its own local identity instead of trying to copy the western Hollywood culture theme and story line due to small budget. Instead of trying to be accepted by another culture, they remained within their own ideology and became successful for it, though they had a very small budget, by focusing on creativity of the perfect local script. I am happy that you displayed this because it shows that people and cultures do not need to follow the western point of views at all to be successful or correct, because a lot of times we are wrong anyway. Because countries like Europe and America are the world’s super powers, many nations monkey see monkey do. Uniqueness, differentiation, and creativity are key components to success because only close minded people do not like new, different, and interesting things. With globalization, it is getting quite difficult, for me at least, to not be open minded, especially when exposed to diverse things in every aspect every day. When all of these items listed above are in effect and produce something great, this film proves that word of mouth is more effective than any advertisement in the world. It proves that GREAT NEWS travels just as fast and effective as bad news. It is very interesting how since the change of the movie market due to technology, distribution and marketing of their product was made much simpler and much more cost effective, from DVD’s to internet subscriptions. This blog has given me a different insight on how to create, market, and distribute my products once I create my own business.
ReplyDelete40041781HighlyAdaptable