I, Daniel Blake

Question 1

Genre of ‘I, Daniel Blake.’

Answer 1

• Social Realist film released in 2016.

Question 2

Ken Loach

Director of ‘I, Daniel Blake.’

Answer 2

• Born June 17th 1936 in Nueton, Warickshire, England.
• British director whose works are considered the landmarks of the social realism genre.
• Often criticises the social structures that reinforce bleak conditions within society.
• Aims to maintains focus on family and celebrates community solidarity.
• Ken Loach is the UK’s foremost political filmmaker.

Question 3

Production of ‘I, Daniel Blake.’

Answer 3

• There are 8 independent film production companies that were involved with the production of ‘I, Daniel Blake.’: Canal+, France2, Why Not Productions, Sixteen Films, Wild Bunch, BBC Films, Les Films du Fleure, BFI Production
• A UK/French co-production
• Recieved funding from the BFI, through the National Lottery and BBC Films. -> All morally and ethically correct methods of raising funding and corresponds with th films message.

Question 4

Distrubtion/Marketting of ‘I, Daniel Blake.’

Answer 4

• Distrubutor= EOne
• Distrubuted with posts online.
• The trailer included the hastag ‘#I,Daniel Blake’ which trended on Twitter.
• Alongside the traditional trailer, EOne used disruptive marketting such as ‘Pay what you can’ screenings and talks in community centres across the UK to build local enthusiam towards the film’s message. Also used street displays and newspaper inclusions.
• The film did not premiere in London but in Newcastle instead where the film is set to gain local support.
• Labour Leader- at the time- Jeremy Corbyn attended the London premiere.
• People that had been denied benefit payments were asked to placard the event.
• Ken Loach also appeared on BBC question time and reinforced the message of the film.

Question 5

Target Audience of ‘I, Daniel Blake.’

Answer 5

• ‘I, Daniel Blake.’ is likely targetting mainly adults and teenagers.
• The origin of the film’s budget also draws the attention of a more progressive socialist audience who are intrigued and pleased with the, one of four production companies methods of raising money fo thee budget rather than just taking money.
• The social realism genre is an uprising popular genre in the UK and Ken Loach’s infamous repuation creates an impression of the film’s quality and what content to expect therefore drawing loyal fans of Ken Loach’s works to ‘I, Daniel Blake.’

Question 6

Demographics of ‘I, Daniel Blake.’

Answer 6

• ‘I, Daniel Blake.’ attempts to target both male and female demographic however that is not the product’s main piority.
• The product tries to appeal to individuals struggling with their occupation status as the main protagonist is also depicted to struggle with his occupational status.
• ‘I, Daniel Blake.’ targets those with an average to low annual income as they be more inclined to emphasise with the struggles depicted by the main protagonist.
• Location: Underrepresented part of thee UK illustrated -> British people, specically northerners, are targetted.

Question 7

Psychographics of ‘I, Daniel Blake.’

Answer 7

• ‘I, Daniel Blake.’ appeals to those with more socialistic and progressive beliefs as the film criticises the functionality of the welfare system which a right-wing supporter is less inclined to agree with. –> Less likely to agree with encoded message within ‘I, Daniel Blake.’
• Fans of the social realism genre. –> Film covers subjects they may be passionatee about.
• Fans of Ken Loach and his portfolio.

Question 8

Success of ‘I, Daniel Blake’

Answer 8

• Film became Ken Loach’s largest grossing film at the box office (Taking over $8 Million).
• The Film was highly critically acclaimed and generated much debate and discourse due to the contemporary social and political issues addressed in the film
• The film was exhbited at many film festivals.
• The Film won the Palme d’Or at Cannes, and as nominated for many awards including several BAFTAs.

Question 9

BBC Remits

Answer 9

• The main objective of thee BBC as the promotion of six public purposes are:
• Sustaining citzenship and civil society
• Promoting education and learning
• Stimulating creativity and cultural excellence
• Representing the UK, its nations, regions and communities
• Bringing the UK to the world and the world to the UK
• In promoting its other purposes, helping to deliver to the public benefit of emerging communications technologies and services and, in addition, taking a lead role in the switchover to digital television.

Question 10

Relevant Theories

Answer 10

• David Hesmondhalgh: Porduction spread across 8 production companies. Funding derived from the BFI, through the National Lottery, and BBC Studios. –> However, the product is not intended for commercial success.
• Curran and Seaton: Subverts Curran and Seaton’s notions surrounding media industries. –> Marketting and Distrubution lies outside of the logic of profit and power message and, instead, the film aims to deliver a socio-political message rather than gain profit or status. –> Topics discussed in ‘I, Daniel Blake.’ demonstrate creativity that opposes Curran and Seaton’s ideas surrounding the limitations of creativity in the commercial media.

Question 11

Name the director of I, Daniel Blake

Answer 11

• Ken Loach

Question 12

Identify two target audiences for the film I, Daniel Blake

Answer 12

• Reformers
• 18-60+

Question 13

Identify two marketing methods used by the distributors of I, Daniel Blake

Answer 13

-Guerilla Marketting
- Trinity Newspaper Campaign

Question 14

Give one example of an independent film company

Answer 14

-BBC

Why Not Productions, BFI