The Basics:
1) Details about the film-
Name= James Bong Spectre
Director= Sam Mendes
Stars (notable)=
Daniel Craig
Christopher Waltz
Ralph Fiennes
Monica Bellucci
Naomi Harris
Type of film= Franchise (The James Bond Series)
Location= England
2) When was it released-
Release of film= 26 October 2016
3) Genre of film and generic conventions-
Genre= Action, Adventure and Thriller
Generic conventions=
Use of weaponry
Agent style film
Location is at MI5 (special ops team)
Explosions visible from trailer
Tone is dark and gritty
Use of location destruction
Fight sequences present during the trailer
4) Critical Reception-
Rating on IMDB= 6.9/10
Rating on Rotten Tomatoes= 64%
Broadcast:
1) MIGRAIN analysis of film:
Media language
Institution
Spectre had a budget of $245,000,000 which is known as a big budget film. The money used to fund this from came largely from, Sony Pictures who gave the majority of its money towards the films project. In Hollywood, this budget is roughly a normal and healthy budget for any film that is made in Hollywood. There were many different types of institutions involved in the making of this film that are well known for example, Columbia Pictures who helped to distribute the film. Columbia Pictures were involved in the film appeal to larger audiences such as, portrayal through poster, advertisements or even social media management.
Genre
The genre of the film is solely based off of an action genre. This is evident through out the trailer even. The first few second into the trailer is about 007 targeting a man in a building, soon after blowing it up. These are clear connotations towards an action related genre.
Representation
The film is represented in a professional way but the represent the male to be the stronger gender as the main protagonist is a male.
Ideologies
People who view this trailer will automatically perceive England as a powerful country. This is present in the character of 007 and the actions/things he does in this trailer. It seems to show the power of the country through the protagonist and to create a virtual image of Britain. The message that audiences would see would be 'Britain has many more agents like this...'. The message is trying to make people ideological thinking change by creating a virtual version in their mind.
Another ideology present in this trailer is that Britain if full of rich assets as well as rich/upper class people. This is apparent where most of the scenes take place in mansions or in high end apartments as well as people wearing luxurious clothing. These conventions are all used to portray this picture of a 'rich Britain' as all characters seen in this trailer are wearing expensive looking clothes as well as owning expensive assets. This shows audiences how rich Britain is as well as, how historical it can be as famous landmarks too are shown in this trailer to show the historical theme and context in the film.
Narrative
The narrative that audiences can pick up from the trailer is, a young male MI5 agent comes across an important piece of data that triggers a mission he must proceed with. It is a man of his past that is the villain and he doesn't know what is in store for him once he embarks on this journey.
Often, trailers use a variety of shots from the chronology placement of the entire film, but place little segments in the trailer to make the story flow and come across to the audience.
Print
1) The last three reviews a unexciting action movie
A fairly muddled entry into the Bond canon.
Most of the film plays like a game of Connect Four, piling up and grouping together characters and schemes from Craig's last three films in vaguely related ways, in the hopes that the connections to Bond's past will bring them some emotional heft.
A film that takes from the classic bond movies but lacks a fundamental element for it to work: a time period.
2) Examples of print promotion:
This simplistic design is enough to promote the film as its symbolises action. an example for this is the iconography the gun that is across his face suggest that this protagonist is the main character.
3) The Print is professionally represented as it has signs of iconography and not much text. this helps the audience interpret ate what the poster is trying to symbolise e.g action. as many people are aware of the James bond franchise they can identify the print by the "007" text bellow.
The idea of the main protagonist looking directly at the audience makes him look powerful and the gun that cuts half his face shows that he is also dangerous meaning capable of doing many things.
4) The film brand is professionally established as it also promotes the James bond perfume in which is really popular in retail stores around London and also the world. The brand image is strong as its repetitive in all James bond films which increases the popularity.
E- Media:
1) Films presence on social media-
Facebook
The Spectre Facebook is still active even though it is 6 months past the release of the film. They tend to post screengrabs from the official film to still keep the fans interactive about the film and not forgetting it. There have been a fair amount of likes on both the page itself as well as on each post they do. They have over 1,000,000 likes for the page and usually get under 5,000 likes per post. The like count shows how they are still promoting the film as it shows the number of people who are interested in the film still after its release..
In addition, the screengrab above show one of many ways the film page has tried to promote the film. The post shown above shows the awards that the film has currently received and this form of post acts as a big way to persuade people to watch the film. Those who have liked the page (which is under 1 million) will likely see this post and therefore, may want to see it due to its success for receiving a highly reputable and well known award. The post acts as a way to remind people of how popular and great the film is and that if it receives an award like this, there is no reason why people shouldn't go and see it; this is the message that the post is trying to give out.
Twitter
This is an example of promotion for the film on the films Twitter age. Although the screengrab above isn't of the actual page posting the tweet, but the ability to re-tweet the tweet makes it seem like a form of promotion as the film wants its twitter fans to see this post as well as those who haven't seen the movie. By the films twitter page re-tweeting this post, it is as if they are trying to promote the film using other and actual fans words to do that. This is because if someone sees this post, they are more likely to watch the film after seeing a 'fan' or another person share their opinion for it. Furthermore, by re-tweeting the post, they are trying to get the message to a even wider audience so that their fan base can see the post as well as other Twitter users who haven't yet seen the movie.
Instagram
Here is an instagram post from the James Bond instagram page. This is another form of promotion for the film. In this post, the film is trying to make fans interact with them with a chance of winning the prize. The prize is to go and see the official Aston Martin from the actual film Spectre. This is a form of promotion as it has been 6 months since the film has been released and people will stop 'hyping' and getting excited for it and therefore forgetting about it. However, this post is used to gain those audiences back and make them still remember the film by giving them the chance to win a prize. By posting this, they are making their fans and users interact with them and acts a a way of promoting the film.
2) Analysis of official website-
Source: http://www.007.com/spectre/
The films website is very neat and portrays itself well. This means that it presents itself to the audience of being a big-budget and famous known film. Like most film websites, the protagonist is clearly seen on the first page which is typical for film websites. In addition to this, the banner is updated to the new title of the film known as 'Spectre' and this too is typical of many other film websites. The website seems to draw attention more to the characters of the film more than the production. There is a synopsis of the movie which instantly acts as a way to draw the viewers attention into making the decision if they like or dislike the film.
The theme of the film runs through each link. The website contains mini games to do with spies as well as making the film seem real through the link, Q's workshop which is a way for uses to interact with the films site and content.
There are many forms of synergy seen on the website for Spectre. One of which is the cross promotion of the Aston Martin vehicle which was used for the film. The webpage dedicates an entire page of all the vehicles used to make the movie and this acts as a form of synergy as it is promoting the car as well as the car promoting the film. When people see the exact car, they will refer to the film as it was first sighted there. Furthermore, there is a cross promotion with the music industry as there is a dedicate song for promoting the film. The song as made by Sam Smith who made a song promoting the film. Those who are fans of the film and hear its main theme (done by Sam), then the film is promoting the singer in a way.
3) Any type of e-media based campaign-
There was no form of e-media campaign that was major big compared to the Ill Manors tag London campaign. There was one which I have noticed on Twitter, where the page posted a tweet telling users to wear a suit for the opening weekend of the films release. However, this campaign didn't go as viral as compared to other campaigns which could be the reason for people not knowing of its presence.
4) Examples of the two-step theory online-
There have been posts largely on Twitter where famous celebrates have posted their love for the film Spectre and how the actor had done a fantastic job again. Those who follow these fans but are not aware of this film, once they see this post they are more likely to listen to them and therefore believe that the film is good without even watching it. Another example is on IMDB where there are many famous and reputable critic which most of the public rely on before watching the film- to know if the film is worth it. This is another example of the two step flow model as people will ultimately take in the opinion and judgement of another person and will take it into consideration without even making up their own mind. Reviews and critics for a film come from the opinion of the critic and the review is based off of their experience for the film. However, those who really consider these people's opinion would be influenced through opinion leaders rather than the media itself.
Audience:
1) Target audience for the film-
The film has a 12A certificate which has been judged by the BBFC. This doesn't necessarily mean that the film makers intended their film to reach that audience, it is just what category (or the amount of points) the film has received according to their criteria. If the intended audience was to be 12 and over then, they would be from a middle and higher class background due to the style and theme of the film being about a rich white male who does dangerous things for his country. The film seems to follow a more mainstream story which best targets this class range. In addition, the film would be 50/50 gender split as these films don't always focus around the male character. This franchise is well known for having a Bond girl rather just having a male Bond character. People want to (or feel eager) to know who the new Bond girl is as they tend to change through out each film.
Pyschographics, would generally be aspirer and mainstreamer as they all want a source of escapism from their daily lives. The film involve violence and dangerous missions which is what people don't often see in their daily lives, therefore the film is for escapism purposes. In addition, the story of a man seeking revenge for the death of his family is a very similar story line in films and therefore, it is for a mainstream audience as it is similar to other content.
2) How does synergy target the audience-
There are two examples of cross media platforms linked with this film that target this audience, one of them being the music element of this film. Every Bond film will tend to be sung by a different singer and would have an entirely different tune than the one before and after it. Before Spectre, it was Skyfall and its main theme song was sung by Adele. There is a cross promotion for this film due to the fanbase of the singer. The singer who sung the main theme for Spectre is called Sam Smith. This is a British singer who has a wide fanbase. Now considering, this is a new and well known singer, by using him to sing a song for the main theme for Britain's most famous film would join many fans and consumers. Fans of Sam's content (even international ones) would go and see the film as he has participated in creating and singing the main theme song.
3) Possible audience pleasures-
One main pleasure that audiences would have is the historic element to Britain. Stereotypically, Britain is seen to be a country who is built up of ancient and historical laws and aesthetics as there are so many famous landmarks taking people back 100's of years such as, the Big Ben. In addition. audience want to see more difference in the tone and theme of British films. People are so used to viewing American films and they would like to explore into other nationalities of film types such as this.
Furthermore, considering that the majority of films are from America, people don't actually see films based around Britain unless it is filmed in Britain etc. Often, British films tend to show knowledge about the monarch and audiences from America may fee fascinated by this as they haven't experienced a monarch before and this can be portrayed through a film such as this.
4) Similar films for audience-
Kingsman the secret service
Johnny English
Bridge of spies
Taken
Institution:
1) Details about the film studio:
Production company-
Columbia pictures
What other films have they produced-
The Amazing Spiderman
Robocop
Men In Black 3
Terminator
Surfs up
Track record with the type of film and audience-
Columbia Pictures have a variety of films that they create and is a multi film company that doesn't focus around a central theme or idea. They do tend to base their films under the 12A certificate and do a lot of family related movies. Most of their movies are either PG or under the 12A category. Moreover, they do not just focus on this type of film. They have a wide range of genres that their movies appeal to.
2) Distribution company:
Sony Pictures Entertainment
Other films they produced-
Elysiam
Paul Blart: Mall Cop
Hancock
Spiderman 2
3) Track record in terms of audience and type of film:
Sony seems to do the same type of films as Columbia Pictures do as Columbia Pictures is part of the Sony branch and therefore, is likely to produce or distribute films from similar category. Sony often has their films rated below the 12A mark as well as focus of a variety of films, not just one.
4) Budget for the film:
Budget- $245,000,000
5) Financial success of film:
Grossed- £200,000,000 in USA alone
Opening weekend- $70,500,000
USA- $200,000,000
UK- £623,433,808.69
International- 679,500,000
6) Success nationally or internationality:
The data shows that the film did better nationally in England than compared to other countries such as America which is where most of the viewers are from (for other movies). England has made 400,000,000 more than compared to America. However internationally, the film still beat England's box office hit record. The film managed to gain nearly 700,000,000 at the box office. Films now days are not always dominated nationally. This is because it is considered mainstream in one country, but can attract a whole segment of viewers in another. And the type of film can actually attract a larger group of people due to its content being different.
7) Certificate for the film and reason:
The film Spectre was given a 12A and I do agree with this decision to an extent. This is because the film contained a lot of violence and action scene which is the primary reason for the 12A certificate and cannot be viewed by a younger audience. However, I do disagree with this as Bond films do tend to have sexual activity within them and according to the points for a 15 certificate, sexual encounters would be closer to a 15 certificate. Furthermore, the film doesn't structure its entire film around this,
it is mostly filled with action and violence which is probably why it isn't with the 15 certificate as there is not much sexual or even strong language present during the film. This is why the film is a 12A certificate, as it focuses on the action sequences which is what makes a Bond film great in the public's eyes.
Representation:
1) Representation of people, groups and location seen in the film:
The most common representation is of the British male. The character James Bond is seen to represent the country, portraying it to the world that Britain has men like this; men who take risks and care for society.
Another representation is Britain being portrayed as a white dominant country. There are a few non-white characters in this film and is largely dominated by white ethnic people. This represents Britain being more of its historical ethnicity.
Furthermore, the white characters are seen to be fairly upper class. Even in the scene where James is in public, we see a lot of white people smarty dressed showing their class.
Finally, the foreigners are seen as the villains. We see that the villain (or part villain) is a foreigner and is not from Britain. This shows that the film carries those ideologies of non-Britons being a threat.
2) Aspect of Britishness within the film (extent):
The location of the film is the biggest aspect of Britishness and it is the location than theme that makes this film stand out. Most films that are released are from America and are often set in America, however one of the biggest soy films is British and it is the location and type of character that makes British people want to watch it. It makes Britons proud that they have a successful film franchise like James Bond.
The British people is another aspect of Britishness that is represented through the film. The film seems to be conveying to the world that Britain has people like this, like James Bond who are dedicated towards their country. Its as if the film is portraying the typical British person through their most well known film character.
3) Representation of Britain compared to Ill Manors:
Both films portray Britain is a different way. The slogan of Ill Manors even states their portrayal of Britain. First of all, Ill Manors, basing it off of them, tone and style of the film the audience can see a negative view point of Britain. There is very little colour and if there was, it would be dull and grey colours. In addition to this, the people are portrayed very differently. In James Bond the characters are presented as strong and loyal to their peers whereas Ill Manors have their character speaking slang and dressed like criminals.
In addition, Ill Manors was created on political ground and had a political aspect to it whereas Spectre didn't. The main purpose for creating Spectre was to carry on the franchise of the well known James Bond franchise as well as to continue and entertain the public. Ill Manors director Ben Drew even stated that his film is to create a message to the government and to the people around the world. He dislikes the changes made to the country and its affect on young people. He wanted to make a film that would show how the youth are suffering from this change and how the government are doing wrong.
4) Values and ideologies seen in the film:
Another value and ideology is that Britain can make as good films as America.This film is to counter the American films and show how Britain can still create fine films such as this. The film is seen to represent the country. Furthermore, another film that represents Britain in an equal state is Harry Potter. The film is set around London and is themed around the country. This franchise represents Britain as holding the most amazing franchises as well as authors.
Case study comparison:
Similarities-
Both films consider and relate to justice in a way. Ill Manors is about, how young teenagers need to watch themselves from the police as they may be seen doing criminal related things. The idea of justice is also the main motive for the director Ben Drew to make the film Ill Manors. This is because he wants to create justice for the youth and how they are being ill treated by society, and by him creating this film he is trying to create a message to society to change their view of the youth. Spectre on the other hand, is about a man who is trying to bring the bad guys to justice due to them harming James and his country.
Ill Manors and Spectre both take place in the same country/location- Britain. Even though they are both created and set around these locations, it doesn't mean that their portrayals of these locations is going to be the same. Both Ill Manors and Spectre are themed and are known to be set around Britain/London. Their characters are also there to reflect their environments. This is clearly evident as both characters from both films seem to be different due to the different take/portrayal of their environment.
Differences-
Ill Manors is more accurately based on truth and true event that have occurred whereas Spectre is mostly made up and is not based around reality. Ill Manors isn't a films for just entertainment purposes. It is also their to inform and educate the consumer/viewer of the content. Ben Drew wanted the viewers to understand the problems that the youth face due to the changes made by the government. Spectre on the other hand, is primarily there to entertain audiences and those who are fans of this franchise. Spectre has generated this big fan base that goes back to 70 years worth of James Bond related content. The current James Bond films link with one another and therefore, it is needed for another movie to come about to finish off the story line or perhaps continue a new one.
