Section A: Case Study Approaches (FM2)

Prepare in depth knowledge of 2 Case Studies to use in Section A of the FM2 exam – 1 major Hollywood Production & 1 Independent or British release. These will give you a head start when it comes to discussing the details of specific releases for the exam. Consider:

What happened during pre-production of your chosen film/s? 

• Whose idea was the film? Did the idea start with the writer, or were writers brought in to develop a preconceived idea?

• Where did the idea come from? Was it an original idea, or perhaps a book first, or TV series, or comic strip, or from some other source?

• Was the film based upon an original script or developed over time by many writers?

• Who financed the film - Production Company?

• Casting – who were cast in the main roles and why? How important were stars? How did the film-makers think the chosen stars would appeal to audiences?

• Who was the producer?

• Who was the director and why did they take the project on?

• Did they have a track record of success?

• Was there anything interesting about the film soundtrack?




What happened during the production phase?

• Was it an easy ‘shoot’? If there were difficulties what were they?

• Where there any difficulties with casting or with acquiring the stars/actors the producer wanted?

• What did the film cost to make? How much did the stars get? Where did the budget go?

• Were there any changes to the script during production? How many changes or re-writes?

• List some of the key people who made contributions to the production.

What happened during the marketing and distribution phase of your case study film?

• Who were the distributors? How well known was the company? What is their track record as distributors? (Other films/genres)

• Who was the target audience? How do you know?

• How did the film-makers decide where to release the film and when?

• What was the marketing and advertising strategy for the film? Was there a premiere, and if so, where?

• Find film posters and analyse them for how they reach their audience(s)

• Analyse a trailer/teaser trailer and consider how the trailer persuaded and positioned British audiences to see the film.

• What outlets were used for advertising? Was TV used, for example?

• Were there any merchandising tie-ins?

• Was any additional publicity gained, and if so, how?



What happened during the exhibition (audience) phase?

• When was the film released; also where and on how many screens?

• Were there any issues with the classification of the film?

• Were there any other special restrictions placed on the exhibition of the film?

• What were the reactions of the critics to the film? Was it considered a critical success?

• Did the film create a particular media debate?

• How much money did the film take? Was it considered a commercial/financial success?

• Did it run in the cinema for some time?


Remember there are questions that you will not be able to answer; however there may be topics that you would like to include that are not covered in the questions set out. All the questions are only offered as guidelines; it is for you to work on the development of your own chosen product from concept to screen.

Adapted from: asanda2filmstudies