Institutional Research

Who produces films?

• Marvel Studios- Marvel Studios has the money to make massive superhero films that would cost a large amount in production costs due to the amount of special effects, extras, costumes and professional actors required. Their primary source of funding is money from the comic books (which would've kick started them off) and eventually previous films, all of which are extremely popular and pull in huge profits. They're top grossing film is The Avengers, with a box office of $1.52 billion. Others high up on their list include Iron Man 3 ($1.215 billion), Captain America: Civil War ($1.153 billion), Spider-Man ($821.7 million) and Deadpool ($782.6 million).
• Paramount Pictures- this is a very old production company (founded in 1912), and their primary source of funding is? They're best known for the Titanic, which had an incredible box office of around $2.2 billion. It's still a classic today watched worldwide, which means it continues to bring in cash for the company. Some of their other high grossing films include; Transformers: Dark of the Moon ($1.1 billion), Shrek the Third ($799 million), Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull ($787 million) and Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted ($747 million).
• Image Ten- a small independent company that relies on investments from the people creating the films. They're best known for Night of the Living Dead, that grossed around  

Differences between major and independent

• Independent film companies are usually funded out the directors and/or producers pockets, whilst major film companies can get funding from private investors, film production studios, presales, product placements or a combination, meaning they have a much higher budget.
• Production teams working on a major film have access to more remote locations. They also stand the advantage of being able to hire professionals who specialise in creating rain, elaborate set designs, combat, explosions or any other ideal element that helps to increase a film's entertainment value. Independent films struggle financially and could go bankrupt attempting to afford to same equipment. They tend to rely on donations, simplistic locations and stunts. This seriously separates the quality of each type.
• Major production companies will be widely recognised for a lot of films, whereas independent production companies will be less known and would be responsible for less films (feature films)
• Films made by major companies can be widely distributed whilst films made by independent companies rely more so on film festivals

Distribution companies

Film distribution companies are responsible for the marketing and advertisement of a film. Whereas a film company has a specific producer, its distribution company will usually be different. 

A film distributor is responsible for the marketing of a film. They work alongside production companies by having strong input into when a film is distributed to the public. They may set specific release dates as to when the film is exhibited or made able to be viewed by the public. They do this mainly either theatrically or for home viewing. 

One example of a distribution company is 'The Walter Reade Organisation', who was the distribution company for the film 'Night Of The Living Dead'.

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My film will be a teen comedy, something light hearted and relatable for target audience. Production companies that are well known for this genre include Nickelodeon Productions (produced Angus, Thongs, and Perfect Snogging), Offspring Entertainment (produced 17 again), A&M Films (produced The Breakfast Club) and Walt Disney has even produced quite a few (one example being Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen).