Discuss the issues raised by media ownership in the production, distribution and exchange of media texts in your chosen media area.(Institutions and Audiences) Plan

Introduction

Production

Advantages 

Conglomerate - won't need to collaborate to secure funding (vertical integration). Can be more ambitious with films getting bigger stars, have more special effects and are able to travel to bigger and better locations. 

Independent- Only has to satisfy a niche market and can take bigger risks over the content of the film. (iLL Manors not relatable to everyone). Film doesn't have to do as well at the box office as a conglomerate film as production value is less 

Disadvantages 

Conglomerate- Film has to satisfy a mass market and creatively film makers cannot take as many risks as so many large companies to satisfy and revenue to achieve. The film has to do well at the box office 

Independent - Less budget so films will less ambitious with a smaller scale cast, location and special effects. Can't withstand losses at the box office. Have to secure extra funding and finance (horizontal integration) 

Case Study - iLL Manors vs Skyfall

Distribution

Advantages 

Conglomerate - Sheer size and power in the industry - more money and better links to related companies. E.g. Sony Pictures Entertainment (production companies) and Sony Picture (distributors ) and Sony Platforms to exhibit the film. Can use synergy and cross convergence through games and soundtracks 

Independent - Can be done with a very small budget through social media such as Facebook and Twitter

Disadvantages 

Conglomerate- Film has to satisfy a mass market and creatively film makers cannot take as many risks as so many large companies to satisfy and revenue to achieve

Independent - Marketing has to be targeted as there is less money spent on distribution campaign. Film is expected to make less revenue at the box office. Have to persuade other people to help promote their film as they don't have as many contacts as conglomerates. 

Case Study - iLL Manors vs Skyfall 

Exhibition

Advantages 

Conglomerate- easier to get film in to the cinema and sites such as Netflix are more likely to buy the film and put it on their sites because of the buzz that has been created about the film and because it is an easy way for the companies to make money 

Independent - 

Disadvantages 

Conglomerate-

Independent - harder to get film in to the cinema and sites such as Netflix are less likely to buy the film and put it on their sites because of less of a buzz  has been created about the film and because it may not make them much money as a film produced by a conglomerate would. 

Case Study- iLL Manors vs Skyfall 

Conclusion