Blinded By The Light case study
Background reading and production research
1) What is the story behind the production of the film?
The story behind the production of the film is about Sarfraz Manzoor and his life events. It's about when he meets Amolak for the first time and he inspires him to listen to Bruce Springsteen's music because he believed that his music was a direct line to all that was true in this world. The music changed Sarfraz' life and it inspired him to follow his dreams and become a writer despite his parents being against him.
2) What was the audience reaction to the film?
Most of the audience found personal connections to the story and many people from all over the world thanked Sarfraz for telling their story.
3) Why is the Sundance Film Festival such an important part of the film industry - particularly for lower budget films?
The Sundance Film Festival is such an important part of the film industry because it was very diverse. Women made up 44% of the directors and there were a range of background on both sides of the camera. There were extremely good quality films and masterpieces.
Funding and industry contexts
1) What was the budget for Blinded By The Light and which companies contributed to the production budget?
The budget for blinded by the light was $15 million and Bend It Films developed the film with support from Levantine Films and Ingenious media.
2) Research the Bend It Networks website. What other films and projects has the company been involved with?
2) Research the Bend It Networks website. What other films and projects has the company been involved with?
Bend It Networks has been involved with films such as Bend It Like Beckham, Beecham House, Desi Rascals and Bride and Prejudice.
3) Research Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema on the Warners website here. Summarise the history of New Line Cinema in a short paragraph.
3) Research Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema on the Warners website here. Summarise the history of New Line Cinema in a short paragraph.
After building on 57 years of innovation and creativity, the New Line Cinema continues its long and successful history of producing critically acclaimed hit films that resonate with audiences around the world.
4) Read this Variety interview with director Gurinder Chadha explaining how the project came about - including budget details. What attracted Gurinder Chadha to the project and how did she manage to get the film made?
4) Read this Variety interview with director Gurinder Chadha explaining how the project came about - including budget details. What attracted Gurinder Chadha to the project and how did she manage to get the film made?
The budget for the movie was $15 million. Gurinder Chadha was attracted to the project through the fact that she also had a personal connection towards the story of the film and she knew firsthand what it was like to feel like an outsider. Chadha is also a huge Springsteen fan and pursued her dream of making a movie about The Boss' music based on the true life memoir of Sarfraz Manzoor.
Distribution
1) Which company won the distribution rights after the all-night auction and for how much?
The company that won distribution rights was New Line and Warner Bros. They acquired it for $15 million.
2) Which other companies were rumoured to be bidding for the distribution rights?
2) Which other companies were rumoured to be bidding for the distribution rights?
Fox Searchlight, Lionsgate and others were rumoured to be bidding for the distribution rights.
3) According to the article, what was the 'allure' of Blinded By The Light?
3) According to the article, what was the 'allure' of Blinded By The Light?
Some of the allure of Blinded By The Light had to do with the surprisingly universal appeal of Springsteen's coming-of-age tunes, which tell stories about a difficult upbringing, ambition and the fight to break free of all shackles to do something worthwhile with a your life.
4) UK distribution was secured by eOne Entertainment. In 2023 eOne was bought by Lionsgate. Read this press release on Lionsgate acquiring eOne Entertainment and write one reason for the deal.
4) UK distribution was secured by eOne Entertainment. In 2023 eOne was bought by Lionsgate. Read this press release on Lionsgate acquiring eOne Entertainment and write one reason for the deal.
One reason for the deal is that it adds 6,500 film and television titles to Lionsgate's library. This means that it becomes one of the largest and most valuable in the world and strengthens its scripted and unscripted television businesses. This also extends its portfolio of brands and franchises and expands its presence in Canada and the UK.
Marketing, promotion and reception
1) What does the trailer suggest regarding genre and the potential audience pleasures of Blinded By The Light?
The trailer suggests that the genre of the movie is coming-of-age. The potential audience pleasures include the journey of finding yourself, nostalgia for the 1980s and the influence of Bruce Springsteen's music.
2) What TV shows and websites did interviews with writer, director and stars of Blinded By The Light? Why are interviews a good way to promote a new film release?
An interview on 'The One Show' (BBC1) was done with the writer, director and stars of Blinded By The Light. Interviews are a good way to promote a new film release because it provides insight to the film and creates a bond with the cast and audience.
3) What did film posters for Blinded By The Light feature and where did they appear? You may need to research this on Google Images.
Film posters for Blinded By The Light featured the main character with an 80s image background. These posters appeared in cinemas, billboards and many online platforms so that it can reach the target audience.
4) What social media accounts did Blinded By The Light use to promote the film? Note: some sites may be blocked if you are working in school - you will need to use your phone or complete your research at home.
The film used social platforms such as Twitter, Instagram and Facebook in order to promote and engage with audiences.
5) Select three posts from the Blinded By The Light Instagram page and explain how they promote the film.
These posts contain review quotes that give some sort of insight to the movie. Most of these posts have the main character on it but some show Bruce Springsteen's music, which targets an audience from the 80s as its is nostalgic.
6) Go to the Bend It Networks YouTube channel. How does Gurinder Chadha introduce the channel? What other content is on the Bend It Networks YouTube channel?
Gurinder Chadha introduces the channel as a place that highlights diverse stories, especially focusing on Asian's experiences in Britain.
7) Look at the box office figures for Blinded By The Light from The Numbers website. How much did it make at the box office and why do you think it was largely unsuccessful?
The film made $19.5 million worldwide. I think it was largely unsuccessful because of competition from oyher new movies and from the lack of marketing.
8) Click on the tabs with further information (such as 'News', 'Box Office' and 'Video Sales'). Copy and paste some more statistics or sales figures to add to your understanding of the film's financial performance.
Opening Weekend: $4,333,305 (36.4% of total gross)
Domestic Share: 60.9% (domestic box office/worldwide)
Production Budget: $15,000,000 (worldwide box office is 1.3 times production budget)
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