Blinded By The Light: case study

 Funding and industry contexts

1) What was the budget for Blinded By The Light and which companies contributed to the production budget?

The budget as $15 million which was contributed by Levantine Films and Ingenious Media.

2) Research the Bend It Networks website. What other films and projects has the company been involved with?

TV shows such as Beecham house which is a period drama set in Dehli before the British rule.

A reality TV series  such as Desi Rascals which follows the lives of people living in British Asian communities.

Movies such as Bend It Like Beckham which explore Women's football, especially when being Asian.

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.

Founded in 1967. Produced critically acclaimed hit films for both mainstream and niche audiences around the world. Produced Oscar winning 'Lord Of The Rings' which made a $3 billion box office. It is also known for making horror films 'Nightmare on Elm Street' and 'IT' . It is credited for revitalising the R-rated genre and comedies. Their new production model involves producing films for theatrical release and for release on HBO Max. 

4) Read this Variety interview with director Gurinder Chadha explaining how the project came about - including budget details. How did she manage to get the film made? 

Her and Sarfaraz Manzoor met up with  a various number of people who worked alongside Bruce Springsteen and 'enlisted' them to work for her. She got her funding for the BFI film fund, where they get their money from the National Lottery who help support UK companies develop, produce and complete film productions.

5) What attracted Gurinder Chadha to the project?

She was a fan of Bruce Springsteen as well and that she always wanted to make a movie about 'The Boss'.

Production and distribution

Read this Deadline feature on the distribution deal for Blinded By The Light and answer the following questions: 

1) Which company won the distribution rights after the all-night auction and for how much?

New Line Cinema and Warner Bros acquiring for $15 million.

2) Which other companies were rumoured to be bidding for the distribution rights?

Fox searchlight, Lionsgate and some other companies were rumoured to have been bidding for the distribution rights.

3) According to the article, what was the 'allure' of Blinded By The Light?

The universal appeal that Springsteen's music had a coming-of-age tunes which told honest and relatable stories about a hard upbringing and fighting for the individuals freedom. (Blumler and Katz: Uses and Gratifications Theory).

4) What does the article suggest about the significance of Bruce Springsteen's role in the production and promotion of the film?

Bruce Springsteen allowed them to use his music, which enabled them to make the movie with his support.

5) UK distribution was secured by eOne Entertainment. Visit the eOne About Us page on their website - what do they claim to offer under the heading 'Passion meets possibility?'

eOne Entertainment offers to help develop, produce, market and distribute. They create connections with global film companies, create world class TV, family brands and is recognised for landmark storytelling. 

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 there is a range of genres offering a range of different pleasure for the audience. For example there are element of musicals, coming-of-age, the 80's, drama, romance and also had some elements of Bollywood. This would offer nostalgia for audiences who grew up in the 80's and to teenagers with the struggles of growing up.

2) What did film posters for Blinded By The Light feature and where did they appear?

The film poster featured review quotes and appeared all around London, Luton and Asbury Park, where the film was premiered.

3) 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?

The BBC and HeyUGuys did interviews with the cast and crew. Interviews are a good way to promote new films as it informs the audience/public about the film and an insight on the production of it. It also creates a wider fanbase and influences people to watch films. 

4) How does the Blinded By The Light Twitter account create and maintain interest in the film?

The twitter page has a lot of clips from the film, talks and quotes from the crew and cast. This allows the awareness of the film to grow and to expand their fanbase.

5) How does the Blinded By The Light Facebook page use images and video content to promote the film?

The uses of using images and videos in the middle of scenes creates enigma (Barthes) making the audience wanting to find out about the narrative, which then makes them watch the film.

6) Select three posts from the Blinded By The Light Instagram page and explain how they promote the film.

Blinded by the Light Movie on Instagram: “Get ready for allll the feels... #BlindedByTheLightMovie rock and rolls onto Blu-ray™ in 4 DAYS!”

Blinded by the Light Movie on Instagram: “See why audiences gave #BlindedByTheLightMovie a 5 minute standing ovation - NOW PLAYING in theaters. Tickets at the link in bio.”

Blinded by the Light Movie on Instagram: “Springsteen fans! Get a first look at the movie based on Western Stars only in theaters on #BlindedByTheLightMovie – NOW PLAYING in…”

Having review quotes gives people a feel of what they will expect when they watch the films and what they will feel. 

The use of the video and stating the rating of the film and the audiences reaction at the Sundance hooks audiences due to the outstanding responses. 

Also, by having an image stating 'SPRINGSTEEN FANS' attracts a larger target audience, further promoting to the audiences.

7) 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?

She introduces her channel by using her native music and mother tongue (Punjabi). She talks about how she wants to unite everyone with all the content she produces as she sees a lot of people targeting towards a specific type of audience.

8) 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?

Blinded By The Light made $18,136,756 at the box office and was largely unsuccessful as it didn't have a specific genre and target audience. Also the time it was released, another movie 'Yesterday' was released which had competition, so more people went to see this rather Blinded By The Light as it was more appealing to the audience, and there were poor marketing decisions made.