To begin, yes, Box Office figures are falling as firstly, starting with the obvious there is a lot more variety of different medias to chose from. For example, we now have the likes of Netflix,, video games, online streaming sites, 'catch-up' websites such as, BBC iPlayer, SKYGO etc...
The likes of these sites are more common now as it is a cheaper alternative than going to the cinema as, there has been a drastic rise in the price of cinema tickets in recent years with a ticket now costing 11 pounds. Cinema now is becoming a lot more narrower in its choice of offers. Bob Iger, head of Disney has said that Disney are making less films than ever before, however making the films that they produce, the studio makes them spectatular as possible. Box Office figures are also falling because, it can become an inconvenience to the audience, with time slots etc... Another thing being that cinematic experiences can be ruined by other people in the cinema watching the film, as disruptions are made by talking throughout the film... Too much marketing is made through films now-a-days for example, audiences could see the trailer for Avatar and not want to go and see the film as it gives such an insight into what the film is about, the audience could think that they've already seen the majority so whats the point in going to watch a 2 hour 42 mins length version of it and pay 11 pounds.
Further more as to why there has been a decline in Box Office figures is due to a decline in star power as people in modern society are literally obsessed with stars and their previous roles in films.
Box Office figures keep on declining due to the fact that Hollywood is too reliant on Franchise re-makes, re-imagines etc... With Global Recession however, this is the reason why that Hollywood treats its audiences as idiots as we keep getting the same things over and over and over again, as there is just too much reliance on 'Tent Pole' films were more money is spent on Franchises and less smaller films are being seen.
2015 was a year of success in the film industry for Box Office as there were appeals to International Audiences such as Jurassic World, Transformers and Star Wars: The Force Awakens. There was a 48% increase in Chinese attendance up on 2014's figures, and it is predicted that it should be the largest cinema market by 2017.
Another thing being that there is a greater gender equality in films than there ever was in the 90s. 2015 was also the year of success for Box Office was because there were 5+ films made that were the big franchises of the year which made over $1 Billion. Even though there is less choice of original films, there is a greater focus on 'cinematic experience' as 3D is an option that is chosen by many members of an audience, however they can easily choose 2D, which personally is the better option- but with movement of technology by this year, 2015, we are able to consume 3DTV which when Avatar came out was boasted that we couldn't see this in our homes. Finally is that Franchises meet expectations. They operate on a 2 year cycle- meaning that there is a new franchise every 2 years so dips in Box Office are expected to dip slightly. They now become 'Universes' with many characters and can make films for release every year. But we know that franchises/ The 'Tent Pole' is not going anywhere anytime soon!
Why I think that Box Office figures are falling is because of other alternatives and now piracy. The internet now provides many piracy websites with are illegal by sharing, uploading and downloading. However we do have digital distribution such as iTunes, Apple TV, XBOX Live etc...
Another reason why Box Office figures are dropping is because of the increase in TV Production values. Despite best efforts however, studios are finding it increasingly difficult to combat the alternatives to the cinemas. With research, the MPPA has estimated that the piracy and illegal downloading process costs the film industry around $20 Billion every year. These figures are disputed with some claiming that the industry only losses $446 Million per year, as illegally downloading films, does not potentially mean that money has been taken from the studios, but prevents potential profit; as a result of this, it is extremely difficult to say accurately how much piracy does cost the film industry.
Another reason as to why Box Office figures are falling is because technological development is also affecting the way that films are financed, produced, distributed and exhibited. Examples of these are the likes of Youtube, Kick Starter, Vimeo and Daily Motion.
These websites offer aspiring film makers the chance to store distribution and exhibition by their work to a global audience, and most important of all, for free!
Successful film makers can use the internet to profile their abilities and the studios can use it to discover future talents.
In 2011 alone, Youtube financed the education of 25 up coming film makers which each cost $35,000 ,in attempt to guide future talents. The corporations do not do this to seem nice, however they do this to prepare the future talents for their careers, an example of this is Director, Patrick Jean and in 2010 he produced and uploaded his short film 'PIXELS' to Youtube, which was later discovered by Sony and made into a film that actually hit cinemas internationally, starring Adam Sandler, Tim Herlihy and Patrick Jean.
Kick Starter is a website that allows people to search through a database of media projects and contribute money to any media projects that catch their interest, which esentially allows audiences to finance the prospects they want to see! An example of a successful project from Kick Starter is the film Kung Fury, a spoof 80's cop film, which is now a 30 minute film on Netflix, however, the budget of this film was through donations of $630,019 and was shot in an office with a green screen.
This was an advantage to producers as they: had their film made, with free distribution and exhibition, it could go on to be a franchise, there was a freedom of creativity, and finally a guaranteed audience.
Be careful with the point about cinema being part of a larger night out. This may be true, but without any real evidence to support it it is easy to challenge the point. Instead you should make the point that cinema is becoming narrower in the choice it offers. Bob Iger, head of Disney said they are making less films than before but making the films they do make as spectatular as possible. -We go to the cinema for big budget films that offer unique or exciting 'cinematic experience' and may go elsewhere for drama, comedy etc.
ReplyDeleteThe point about stars can be refocused to explain that with the growth of international audiences (china specifically) stars are less reliable and they may not be recognisable in other areas. This is one of the reasons for their decline and a shift towards franchise films with recognisable characters. I.e Transformers - they are huge in asia and Asian audiences will recognise them, but not necessarily Shea LaBouff etc
The points about Tent Pole films are: we have less choice and less variety so we go the cinema less often
The points about franchises operating two year cycles is correct, but you must expand and include examples. What films were released in 2013 compared to 2014?
You have only addressed the first part of the question. What about 2015? Do you think this is the start of a rise in attendances or is it a one off? We now have 'Universes' releasing films every year instead of the two year cycle (Star Wars & Marvel in particular) and they are the primary driving forces behinds 2015's huge box office figures.
Your answer contains the correct talking points but you must expand with more case studies and SLOW DOWN! Do not rush your answer, consider all of the implications before making your points.