Blinded By The Light: case study blog tasks

 Background reading and production research

1) What is the story behind the production of the film?

A 1980s based film where a pakistani boys love for Bruce Springsteen is conflicted with his family 

2) What was the audience reaction to the film?

The audiences reaction was positive as many people could relate to it and also coming from the same director as bend it like beckham 

3) Why is the Sundance Film Festival such an important part of the film industry - particularly for lower budget films? 

Sundance plays a crucial role in promoting independent cinema and supporting filmmakers who might struggle with a platform somewhere else 

Funding and industry contexts

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

15 million budget and contributed by bend it films, ingenious media and more  


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

Bend it like beckham, bride and prejudice and viceroys house 

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.

New Line Cinema was founded in 1967 and has built a reputation as a film in the industry, particularly known for its innovative approach to filmmaking. Initially starting as a distributor of foreign and independent films, it gained significant recognition in the 1980s. Over the years, New Line has produced a variety of critically acclaimed films, including the Lord of the Rings trilogy , solidifying its legacy as a creative force in the industry. It continues to produce compelling storytelling and groundbreaking entertainment that resonates with audiences worldwide.

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? 

As blinded by the light reflected immigrant communities in the 1980s and she saw it as her own experience. She was able to get springsteens approval in order to get the film made and use his music.

Distribution

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

Warner bros won the distribution rights after the auction for £15 million 

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

Other companies such as universal pictures and focus features were rumoured to be bidding for the distribution rights

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

The unique blend of music and storytelling, is shown by Bruce Springsteens songs on the protagonists 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. 

Adds 6,500 films 

Marketing, promotion and reception

1) What does the trailer suggest regarding genre and the potential audience pleasures of Blinded By The Light?

It suggests that it’s a musical and audiences can relate to the protagonist as they may be fans of musicians and they may of grew up in the same era of the 1980s

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? 

Various tv shows like the tonight show and good morning America, this is a good way as people can relate to the popular film bend it like beckham as it’s the same director and the American audience may be attracted due to Bruce Springsteen 

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. 

In America they were like the traditional red blue and white colours to attract them and in England it was orange and white with the protagonist wearing traditional 80s clothes and the mention of bend it like Beckham 

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.

Blinded By The Light used various social media platforms for promotion, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. These platforms helped engage audiences with trailers, and interactions with fans, creating excitement  around the film's release and its themes related to music and cultural identity.

5) Select three posts from the Blinded By The LightInstagram page and explain how they promote the film.

One post is trailers, this gives audiences ideas about the films and intrigues them to watch it.

Another post is behind the scenes, this can create fun and entertaining moments where audiences can create relationships with the cast.

The last post is quotes from the film, this is important as they can highlight the films themes and from characters that the audience can relate to 

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 uses the channel to present her films and projects as YouTube can attract the target audience. On the channel it mostly talks about her most famous film bend it like beckham while also talking about other films and showing trailers.

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?

It made 19,529,914 million, I think it was largely unsuccessful due to the British audience maybe not relating to such a musician in America and also that it did not live up to the likes of bend it like beckham 

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

Domestic Box Office	$11,901,145
International Box Office	$7,628,769
Worldwide Box Office	$19,529,914
Est. Domestic DVD Sales	$599,761
Est. Domestic Blu-ray Sales	$551,394
Total Est. Domestic Video Sales	$1,151,155