OCR A Level Media (2017 Onwards)

A Level Media
H409/2: Evolving Media
What do I need to know to answer a film question
on the 2016 Jungle Book?

Student Name: Tobie Dunnett

Exam Revision Guide

(The Jungle Book)

Remember a response to this question only requires you to consider the film in
relation to media industries including economic contexts so you need
research information on the following:
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The Walt Disney Company - how is the company made up? Any general
company details like when it started and popularity of animation etc.

The Walt Disney Company is a conglomerate. It is part of the Big 6 production

companies. It contains smaller companies such as Pixar and Disney Motion Pictures.
This allows vertical integration because Disney can produce and distribute their own
films without the need for third parties. Walt Disney founded the company in 1923. The
current CEO of Disney is Bob Iger, who has acted since 2005. The companies
headquarters are in California. Disney is responsible for creating some of the worlds
most famous animated films. The first full-length feature film produced by Disney was
Snow White and The Seven Dwarves in 1937. Disneys distribution company was re-
named from Buena Vista to Walt Disney Motion Pictures in 2007. It was founded in 1953.

What is a conglomerate how does Disney fit this profile?

A conglomerate is a company that owns lots of smaller companies. Disney fits this profile
because they own lots of smaller companies, such as Pixar and Disney Motion Pictures
(formerly Buena Vista Productions). Both of these companies are owned by Disney.
Disney is part of The Big 6 Conglomerates.

How diversified is the Disney Company? List its other companies in

addition to film production.

The Disney Company is very diversified. As well as film production and distribution
companies, Disney owns a wide range of other companies. They own a music record
label, water companies, water and theme parks, hotels and more.

What is vertical integration?

Vertical Integration is when a company is able to produce and distribute their own
products. For example, some film companies can produce and distribute their own films.
This means that everything is done in house and there isnt any need for the involvement
of a third party.

What is horizontal integration?

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Horizontal integration is when a company cannot produce and distribute their own
products, meaning another company has to be involved. For example, a film production
company will make a film and then pass it on to a distribution company to distribute the
film. Less efficient then vertical integration because it costs more.

How is Disney vertically and horizontally integrated? What does this enable
them to do in terms of production, distribution and circulation?

Disney is vertically integrated because they are able to produce and distribution their
own films in house. The films are distributed by Disney Motion Pictures, which is their
own distribution company. Horizontal integration also takes place. Disney would design
merchandise, which would be sent to a third party to manufacture.

How has Disney made use of convergence and synergy to make more
money?

Convergence is when two companies work together to create a media products. Synergy
is very similar but it involves a non-media product, such as merchandise and clothing.
CMC and Synergy can be used to make money because the more extra product that is
sold, the more money will be brought into the company. For example, if a company
makes a film, they can use Synergy to create merchandise and toys for example. The
sales of this product will create extra profit.

In terms of new industry techniques what technologies have Disney

employed to make this film? Try and find out about cameras used, use of
computer technology and other modern cutting edge techniques that
contributed to the popularity of the film (production).

The Jungle Book (2017) is the first completely live action film that Disney have ever
produced. This means that the only person acting on set is Mowgli and every other
character is CGI. This done to make everything seem as realistic is possible.
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How many platforms did Disney release The Jungle Book on and why?

The Jungle Book was released in 95 countries in 2016. It was shown in cinemas
worldwide. The film is now available on DVD and Blu-Ray, and can be viewed on
streaming sites such as AmazonPrime Video and Sky Movies.

Who directed the film?

The film was directed by Jon Favreau. It was written by Justin Marks, and was based on
the book by Rudyard Kipling. It was produced by Brigham Taylor.

Who were the main stars used and what did they bring to the film?

The main stars of the film are Idris Elba (Shere Khan), Scarlett Johansson (Kaa), Bill
Murray (Baloo) and Ben Kingsley (Bagheera). These well known figures are used to
bring an older audience to watch the film. This also introduces the idea of pressed
audiences.

Why Disney decided to do a live action version of the film? (Have there
been any other live action versions of Jungle Book? if so who produced
them check out the Jungle Book franchise)

Disney decided to make a live action version of the film so that it looks very realistic and
appeals to a wider audiences. If the film was animated and childish like the original it
would not appeal to adults and therefore less revenue would be generated. Furthermore,
live action is a new technology, so people would be interested to see how it works.
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The certificate the film received and how this could impact on potential
target audiences
Who would have certified and provided an age rating in the UK? What is
this organisations role?

The film was rated as being PG. This means that it can be viewed at any age with
parental guidance. This would increase the range of target ages because families would
not be worried about taking very young children to see the film, because the rating
ensures that it will not be unsuitable.