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Students study two set films as part of the Media Industries and Audiences topic in A Level Media Studies. For students starting their course from September 2023 onwards, the set films are Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021).

The new set films allow students to explore the evolution of the film industry from the 1930s to the present day. The films give students the opportunity to consider Disney’s development into one of the dominant media conglomerates in the industry.

Historical and economic contexts

The 1930s, often referred to as the ‘Golden Age of Hollywood’, operated under the principles of free market capitalism with one primary focus – to make money. This objective was made easier to achieve as many studios were vertically integrated, with the ‘Big Five’ studios, Paramount Pictures, Metro Goldwyn Mayer, Warner Brothers Pictures, 20th Century Fox, and RKO dominating the market. Most cinemas were owned by the ‘Big Five’ studios, ensuring that their films secured prime spots on opening weekends.

By 1948 the United States v Paramount Pictures Supreme Court case had taken place and the American film industry had undergone fundamental changes. The ‘Big Five’ could no longer practise block-booking and many major studios decided to sell off their theatre chains to focus on production and distribution. The ‘Big Five’ faced increasing competition from the ‘Little Three’ – Universal Pictures, Columbia Pictures, and United Artists, and although the ‘Big Five’ retained their influence, the industry began to see the emergence of smaller studios, including Disney.

Walt Disney Studios

Disney has always been innovative in its approaches to technology and where many studios struggled to break through in the system of block-booking, Disney found their niche in producing animated shorts. The development of the first Mickey Mouse cartoon Steamboat Willie (1928) came as a direct response to the industry’s shift towards use of synchronised sound. This YouTube video from Toons Mag, an online cartoons magazine, offers some interesting insights into Disney’s working practices.

In the 21st century, the film industry is still dominated by a handful of major studios (Universal Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Warner Bros, Walt Disney Studios, and Sony Pictures) which continue to operate within the principles of free market capitalism, maintaining Hollywood's oligopolistic market structure. Today the film industry is more global than ever before. International markets play a crucial role in a film’s box office success.

Disney as a studio has also experienced exponential growth. From a humble animation studio in the 1930s, it has since diversified into owning theme parks, television channels, and has made significant acquisitions including Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and, most recently, 21st Century Fox. The proliferation of technology and competition from streaming giants like Netflix has meant that Disney needed to diversify further to remain at the forefront. The launch of Disney+ exemplifies this shift and suggests a potential move back towards vertical integration.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Snow White was produced by Walt Disney Productions and distributed by RKO. It comprised 1.5 million individual illustrations which were composited into over 350,000 frames. The film, which had a budget of $1.5 million, made $7.8 million at the box office, setting a record as the top-grossing animated film in the industry at the time of its release. The film represented a huge advancement in the use of technology and story development in animation.

Groundbreaking production

The 1937 release of Snow White stands as a groundbreaking production and it was the feature film upon which Walt Disney built his empire. It was the first full-length cel animation to incorporate both colour and sound. Advertising and promotion highlighted its use of Technicolor which was often seen as a hallmark of a high quality film.

Many film critics were sceptical about its potential success, given the limited popularity of animated films at the time. Walt Disney needed to carefully balance realism and fantasy to ensure that the characters were both relatable and magical. For some sequences, actors were hired to perform live-action sequences which were either directly rotoscoped by animators or served as reference material for character design. This video from the Axel Malibu YouTube channel features some live action references from Snow White.

Sound and animation firsts

The realistic approach to animation marked a significant advancement from the previous Silly Symphony shorts. Settings and locations like the Evil Queen’s castle and the Dwarfs’ cottage echoed the style of early European fairy tale illustrations.

To enhance this sense of realism, Disney incorporated filming techniques and camera movements typically used in live-action films to really immerse the viewer into the reality of the fairy tale world. The multiplane camera was a significant invention which allowed animators to create a sense of depth and a more three-dimensional feel by moving different layers of illustrations at different speeds and in different directions. This video from the Ohio Rick YouTube channel demonstrates the multiplane camera in action.

The success of Snow White was also partly due to its pioneering use of synchronised sound and dialogue. While Disney had previously experimented with this in Steamboat Willie, it was the feature film where the potential of sound was truly realised and maximised.

Distribution

Snow White premiered at the Carthay Circle Theatre in Los Angeles on December 21, 1937. The distributor RKO opted for an initial limited release in select US cities, including New York and Miami before the film saw a broader release nationwide and eventually internationally. The film made more than $7.8 million at the box office during its initial release. Following Disney’s strategy of ‘vaulting’, the film was then subsequently re-released in theatres several times before being made available on VHS for home-viewing in the early 1990s.

In the 1930s word of mouth promotion was key to a film’s success. Given Disney’s size at the time, they cleverly began building anticipation for the film almost a year in advance. Merchandise such as toys and figurines played a pivotal role in drumming up excitement. This strategy ensured that Snow White was already a household name even before its cinematic release.

This documentary posted on the Diz Avenue YouTube channel explores Disney’s history and specifically the making of Snow White, and is great for students to watch to understand the processes involved.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

Shang-Chi serves as an interesting comparison to Snow White as it not only highlights the economic evolution of Disney as a studio but also demonstrates a shift in cultural values and attitudes. Shang-Chi is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), a franchise of interconnected films organised into ‘phases’. The MCU began as a series of comics but evolved into a franchise of films when it was acquired by Disney in 2009 for $4 billion. Shang-Chi itself grossed just over $432.2 million at the box office.

This video from the David Gluhaich YouTube channel offers an interesting insight into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. If you have access to Disney+, there is a ‘Making of Shang-Chi’ documentary which you could show to your students.

Production

Shang-Chi marked a significant step for Asian representation in the MCU both in terms of casting and behind the camera roles. Destin Daniel Cretton directed, while Dave Callaham wrote the screenplay, and both worked to try to create an authentic representation of the Asian-American experience. The film came on the back of the critical and financial success of Black Panther, a film with a largely Black cast.

Shang-Chi used a range of computer generated imagery (CGI) techniques which makes it an interesting contrast with Snow White. Digital Domain was the main VFX studio and produced close to 275 visual effects shots for the film. The opening sequence introducing Wenwu’s compound, for example, was entirely digitally rendered. A remote region in New Zealand was captured using LiDAR technology and then further digitally expanded using 3D modelling technology. This video from the Digital Domain YouTube channel shows the process.

Shang-Chi also used blue and green screen technology to capture and refine the environments where the action takes place. Many scenes were rotoscoped to create a more distinctive environment.

The film featured other interesting animation technology like rigging and key frame animation to bring the Great Protector and Morris characters to life. This video posted on Corridor Crew YouTube channel offers more insight into the VFX processes used in the film.

Distribution and marketing

Shang-Chi had a theatrical-only release for the first 45 days, before being made available on Disney+ which added value to its overall revenue stream, perhaps attracting and retaining subscribers.

The release of the film was put back several times because of the Covid pandemic but its eventual saturation release in 4,300 cinemas in the US guaranteed a degree of success. The Marvel brand has a large pre-sold audience so relies less on star marketing.

Much of the marketing for the film was traditional, for example the 2019 Comic-Con event, teaser and promotional trailers on Disney’s television channel ESPN. As well as this, the marketing campaign included press junkets with cast interviews. There were also several promotional partnerships including BMW, which involved product placement in the film and BMW adverts featuring the film.

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Early Cinema - Pre classical cinema

What are the 5 major technological developments in this period:

1- invention of motion picture cameras

2- development of celluoid film

3 - first public film screenings

4 advances in projection technology

5-introduction of narrative filmmaking

(5) Film History - YouTube

The birth of cinema can be traced back to the 19th century, with the invention of the first motion picture camera by Thomas Edison in the 1890s. The Lumière brothers in France also played a significant role in the early development of cinema, as they developed the Cinématographe, a device that combined a camera, a printer, and a projector.

In the early years of cinema, films were often short, experimental, and focused on capturing everyday events or people performing stunts. As the technology improved, films became longer and more sophisticated, with filmmakers exploring new ways to tell stories on screen.

One of the first feature-length films was The Birth of a Nation, directed by D.W. Griffith in 1915. The film was a landmark in the history of cinema, as it was the first film to use a number of cinematic techniques, including close-ups, fade-outs, and parallel editing. However, the film was also controversial due to its depiction of African Americans, which was seen as racist.

In the 1920s, cinema entered its golden age, with the rise of Hollywood studios and the development of the star system. Major studios, such as Paramount, MGM, and Warner Bros., emerged, and they began producing films on a massive scale. The introduction of synchronized sound in the late 1920s also revolutionized cinema, with films such as The Jazz Singer and All Quiet on the Western Front incorporating sound into their storytelling.

By the 1930s, cinema had become a major form of entertainment and a powerful cultural force. The Great Depression and the rise of fascism in Europe also influenced the types of films that were produced, with audiences turning to escapist fare, such as musicals and comedies. At the same time, a number of filmmakers, such as Frank Capra and John Ford, used their films to comment on the social and political issues of the day.

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Walt Disney

Who was Walt Disney and how did he become a success in the 1930s?

David Hesmondhalgh #Vertical Horizontal

#Formatting / Risk

#Different industries

Walt Disney was born in 1901 in chicago. Walt and his family moved to missouri when he was 4. He always did drawing from a young age. At 18 he got his first job as a commercial illustrator. Walt then moved to california. He then became an animator. Walt did experience multiple business failures however where he is now reflects his perseverance. In 1928 walt created Mickey mouse who quickly became a cultural icon. His release of snow white during the great depression was risky however it became a global phenomenon. Many believed it would fail “disney's folly” however it became a huge success.

History

The Walt Disney Company is a world-renowned entertainment company that was founded in 1923 by Walt Disney and his brother Roy Disney. Here is a brief history of the company up until 1937:

In 1923, Walt Disney and Roy Disney founded the Disney Brothers Studio in Los Angeles, California. The studio initially produced a series of short films featuring a character named Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, which was created by Walt Disney.

However, in 1928, Walt Disney lost the rights to Oswald the Lucky Rabbit and was forced to come up with a new character. That character was Mickey Mouse, who made his debut in the animated short film "Steamboat Willie."

The success of Mickey Mouse led to the creation of a number of other popular characters, including Donald Duck, Goofy, and Pluto. These characters became the basis for a series of successful short films produced by Disney throughout the 1930s.

In 1934, Disney produced its first full-length animated film, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." The film was a huge success, both critically and commercially, and it helped establish Disney as a major player in the entertainment industry.

Following the success of "Snow White," Disney went on to produce a number of other animated feature films, including "Pinocchio," "Fantasia," "Dumbo," and "Bambi." These films helped solidify Disney's reputation as a leader in animation.

By 1937, Disney had become a major force in the entertainment industry, with a successful film studio and a number of popular characters and franchises. The company would continue to grow and expand in the years to come, becoming one of the most successful and recognizable brands in the world.

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Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Watch this documentary and list 10 facts about the film.

Released during the great depression
Film was based on the german fairy tale by brothers grimm
Snow white was the first disney princess
Highest grossing film of 1938
Saved Disney financially
Won a special academy award in 1939
Many called the project Disneys folly
Disneys actors studied reali life actors to make the animated movements ultra realistic
First full length animated feature film
Used technicolour process

Film

The making of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was a significant achievement in the history of animation and filmmaking. Here are some key details about the production:

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was the first full-length animated feature film ever produced.

The film was based on the classic fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm, but Walt Disney and his team made a number of changes to the story to make it more appealing to a modern audience.

The production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs began in 1934 and took three years to complete.

The film employed a large team of animators, artists, and technicians, who worked tirelessly to bring the story to life. The team used a process called multiplane camera, which allowed them to create the illusion of depth and movement in the animation.

Walt Disney himself was heavily involved in the production, overseeing every aspect of the film from the story development to the animation to the music.

The film's score, composed by Frank Churchill and Larry Morey, included the iconic songs "Heigh-Ho" and "Someday My Prince Will Come."

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs premiered on December 21, 1937, and was an immediate critical and commercial success. The film went on to become the highest-grossing film of 1938, and its success paved the way for future animated feature films from Disney and other studios.

Today, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is widely regarded as a classic of animation and filmmaking, and it continues to be beloved by audiences of all ages.

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Advertising

Marketing Techniques:

How do the following promote the film? Add a slide with information on all Snow White marketing and re-release marketing and merchandise.

Posters

Trailers

Trade Cards

Synergy

Radio

Magazines

Premiere

Word of Mouth

Reviews

David Hesmondhalgh #Vertical Horizontal

#Formatting / Risk

#Different industries

Advertising

The advertising campaign for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 1937 was a significant undertaking, as Walt Disney and his team worked to promote the first full-length animated feature film ever produced. Here are some of the ways the film was advertised in 1937:

Theatrical trailers: The film's theatrical trailers were shown in movie theaters across the country, promoting Snow White as a "magic mirror musical" and highlighting its groundbreaking animation and music.

Merchandise tie-ins: Walt Disney and his team also worked with a number of companies to create merchandise tie-ins for Snow White, including dolls, books, and other items. These tie-ins helped to build excitement for the film and reach a wider audience.

Print advertisements: The film was also advertised in newspapers and magazines, with full-page ads highlighting the story, characters, and music of Snow White.

Radio promotions: Walt Disney and his team worked with radio stations to promote the film, with actors from the movie appearing on radio programs to discuss the making of the film and encourage audiences to see it.

Public appearances: Walt Disney and some of the film's voice actors also made public appearances to promote Snow White, attending events like movie premieres and fan conventions to interact with fans and build excitement for the film.

Overall, the advertising campaign for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was a significant effort that helped make the film a huge success. The film went on to become the highest-grossing film of 1938, and its success helped establish Walt Disney and his studio as major players in the entertainment industry.

Word of mouth had a large role in marketing films to audiences in the 1930s, as films would take a long time to reach most of them, but ‘marketability’ – the ability to create a big opening – was still crucial to film promotion. Actors dressed as the characters in Snow White welcomed audiences to the premiere in Los Angeles, where there was a full-scale model of ‘the magic land of Snow White’ and the events were described over NBC radio. Open air concerts of music from the film were played by the Disney Recording Orchestra. The trailer for Snow White deals with the issue of the lack of stars within the film by foregrounding Walt Disney’s ‘genius’ in creating a full- length animation, the technology involved, a glowing review in Time magazine, and the characters of Show White and the seven dwarves. There is a long sequence where Walt Disney explains each dwarf’s character using models. The emphasis is on quality and characterisation. Similarly the poster is dominated by an image of Snow White nurturing her ‘family’ of dwarves.For international distribution, Disney produced seven foreign versions of the film: Spanish, French, German,

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Marketing techniques- how they promote the film?

Posters promoted the film at the time as they were most likely big and caught peoples eye with the bright colours. Most people would have never seen animation before so this would have been an extremely unique and interesting poster to see in the 1930s

Trailers promoting snow white was an amazing way to get audiences interested in the storyline and characters. In the original trailer for snow white the storyline was not revealed however Walt himself introduced the dwarves with small models. Walt was a very admired figure at the time and it greatly promoted the film with references to the fact that it was an animated film and was in colour. The trailer for the live action snow white included a lot of the plot of snow white with particular scenes and gave alot of the storyline away. However it could be argued that Disney did this due to the fact snow white is a traditional story and alot of people already know the plot

Trade Cards are a very good way to promote snow white as after watching snow white it provided a way for the audience to immerse themselves with the world of snow white and also glorify the characters on cards and gave you the opportunity to become a collector

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Synergy greatly helped it aswel as it further helped the audience to immerse themselves in snow white and also provided more money for snow white and disney due to all the merchandise released

Radio was also a way to promote the movie as the more popular it got the more it was likely to be broadcasted on radio news and therefore people would hear abut its popularity and the amount of people wh have watched snow white and will go themselves

Magazines were also a very good way to promote snow white because magazines were a wideley read news/entertainment source and this allowed it to target people of all ages and attract them with interviews and images of the characters.

Premiere- the premiere was a very good way of promoting the movie because it provided anticipation up to that point. With all the advertisements that led up to it it wouldve been a grand opening and a lot of people would have wanted to get tickets

Word of mouth was also a great way to promote the movie because of how popular it was people would have been raving about it and have been excited to tell their family and friends about it, therefore greatly promoting it so they buy tickets.

Reviews also help if they are positive because people trust reviews alot. If the reviews of the movie are high, they will go to see it. The lower the reviews the less likely people will see the movie. The live action remake of snow white was very low reviewed.

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Original Trailer

Film Trailer Analysis, consider:

Genre

Narrative

Binary Oppositions

Semiotics

Stars

Mark of Quality

Intertextuality

The genre of the trailer is a musical fantasy based on a classic fairy tale. It has prominent themes of good and evil. The narrative tells the very known brothers grimm story. The main conflict is the evil queen being jealous of snow white. There are clear binary oppositions that create conflict - good vs evil, beauty vs ugliness happiness vs suffering. The semiotics are semiotic elements that create meaning. Colours as signifiers and iconography are some examples. The star was Walt Disney the creator of snow white .The mark of quality is that it is the first feature length animated film. The intertextuality is the brothers grimm fairytale.

The original trailer for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, released in 1937, primarily promoted the film as a groundbreaking achievement in animation and as a family-friendly entertainment.

The trailer starts with an opening title card that reads "Walt Disney presents the first full-length feature production in Technicolor," which emphasizes the technological and artistic achievements of the film. The trailer then showcases clips from the film, highlighting the colorful and whimsical visuals, the charming characters, and the catchy songs.

The narration in the trailer also emphasizes the film's appeal to audiences of all ages, saying, "Here's a motion picture that will be enjoyed by children of all ages. The youngsters will love it for its charming characters, colorful animation, and delightful story. And grown-ups will appreciate its true worth as a remarkable achievement in the field of entertainment.“

Additionally, the trailer highlights some of the film's comedic moments, particularly those involving the Seven Dwarfs, as a way to appeal to audiences looking for a lighthearted and fun moviegoing experience.

Overall, the trailer for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs promotes the film as a technical and artistic achievement, a family-friendly entertainment, and a fun and charming moviegoing experience. It effectively showcases the film's most appealing qualities and helped to generate excitement and anticipation for the film's release.

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Original Poster

Film Poster Analysis, consider:

Genre

Narrative

Binary Oppositions

Semiotics

Mark of Quality

Intertextuality

The genre is a fairytale and a child directed movie. The narrative isa beautiful princess with a jealous, evil stepmother (a Queen/witch) who fears Snow White's beauty, leading her to order Snow White's death in the forest. Snow White escapes, finds refuge with seven dwarfs, but the Queen, discovering she's alive, disguises herself and tricks Snow White into eating a poisoned apple, putting her in a death-like sleep until a prince awakens her with true love's kiss, leading to their marriage and happy ending.The binary oppositions are not present in this. The semiotics in the film poster are of snow white as the main character by her position being in the middle of the poster. The dwarves are all wearing varied clothing and have different facial expression, implying theres many varied personalities of the dwarves and that they all look up to snow white. Mark of quality is that the poster is in colour. This is very unusual for that time and the bright yellow attracted the audience. Intertextuality is that it is a brothers grimm fairy tale mentioned inthe smallprint.

The original poster for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, released in 1937, promotes the film to audiences in several ways.

Firstly, the poster prominently features the film's title in bold, capital letters, drawing attention to the film's name and its significance as a full-length animated feature. The title is also surrounded by colorful illustrations of the characters, including Snow White, the Seven Dwarfs, and the Evil Queen, which immediately conveys the film's whimsical and fantastical nature.

Secondly, the poster features a tagline that reads "The greatest picture in the history of entertainment," which promotes the film's significance and sets high expectations for its quality. This tagline emphasizes the film's groundbreaking status as the first full-length animated feature, and its significance as an important milestone in the history of cinema.

Finally, the poster includes several quotes from reviewers who have seen the film, praising its beauty, artistry, and appeal to audiences of all ages. These quotes aim to create buzz and generate interest in the film among potential audiences.

Overall, the original poster for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs promotes the film as a groundbreaking achievement in animation, a visually stunning and whimsical story, and an entertaining experience for audiences of all ages. It effectively uses bold typography, colorful illustrations, and positive reviews to create excitement and anticipation for the film's release.

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Cinemas in the 1930s

How does the 1930s cinema experience differ from today?

In the 1930s you brought tickets in person in ticket boxes. You would pay with cash and then go into a grand theatre to watch it. It was also extremely cheap to see a movie, now it is a bit more.Alot of them are black and white. Now you can pay online for movie tickets and also select where you want to sit and get food and sit in premium or normal seats.

Cinemas in the 1930s were a popular form of entertainment for people around the world. Here are some characteristics of cinemas during this era:

Movie palaces: Many cinemas in the 1930s were large, ornate buildings known as "movie palaces." These theaters often featured elaborate architecture, plush seating, and luxurious amenities such as air conditioning and marble restrooms.

Double features: In the 1930s, it was common for cinemas to show two feature films for the price of one admission ticket. This practice, known as a "double feature," allowed moviegoers to see more films for less money.

Newsreels and cartoons: Before the main feature film, cinemas often showed newsreels and animated cartoons. Newsreels were short films that provided news and current events from around the world, while cartoons were often comedic or musical in nature.

Intermissions: During long films, cinemas would often have an intermission halfway through to allow moviegoers to stretch their legs, use the restroom, and buy refreshments.

Censorship: In many countries, films were subject to censorship by government bodies or industry associations. This meant that some films were edited or banned outright if they were deemed to be inappropriate or offensive.

Overall, cinemas in the 1930s were a popular form of entertainment that offered people a chance to escape from their everyday lives and immerse themselves in the glamour and excitement of Hollywood.

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Distribution

1930s context - go to Great Depression chapter

How was Snow White different to other films of the time?

Snow white was revoloutionary as it was the first full length animated film. Animation could tell stories with emotional depth. This made it attractive as audiences had never seen animations before and short comedies were played by real people

Film distribution in the 1930s was dominated by major Hollywood studios such as Warner Bros., MGM, Paramount Pictures, and 20th Century Fox. These studios controlled the production, distribution, and exhibition of their films, which gave them significant power and control over the industry.

The distribution process typically involved sending copies of films to theaters around the country through a network of regional and national distributors. The distributors would negotiate with theaters to secure exhibition rights for the films, and theaters would pay a percentage of their box office revenue to the distributors and studios.

During the 1930s, movie theaters were a popular form of entertainment, with many people visiting their local theater regularly to watch the latest films. The industry experienced a significant boom during this time, with attendance reaching an all-time high in 1930. However, the Great Depression of the 1930s also had a significant impact on the industry, as people had less disposable income to spend on entertainment.

Despite these challenges, major Hollywood studios like Disney continued to produce and distribute films during the 1930s, with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs becoming a significant success in 1937. While the distribution landscape has changed significantly since the 1930s, with the rise of digital streaming services and other platforms, the legacy of Hollywood studios and their role in shaping the film industry remains an important part of film history.

The film premiered in Los Angeles in late December 1937, and was shown in two cinemas in New York and Miamiin January 1938. At this point, RKO decided on a general release in February 1938 due to good box office in its limited release, successful promotional strategies, andpositive critical response.

The film was a huge success both in the US and overseas. In one London cinema the film ran for well over half a year. These long runs reflect the much slower pace of distribution in the 1930s. Big city cinemas could attract audiences from further afield who didn’t want to wait months or even years for a successful film to reach their local cinema, so could show the film on their one screen for long periods until demand dropped off. Films also had longer ‘legs’, despite the larger number of films available to cinemagoers, because of the lack of competition from other media, meaning that total cinema attendances were far higher in the 1930s than today.

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Box Office

How successful was the film at the box office? Research budget and profits up to and including the present day

1937 was a financial success and earnt 8 million during initial release. Total over 2.3 billion highest money making film. However the 2025 live action remake of snow white was a flop financially. It only got 205.7 million worldwide. The film lost disney over 100 million.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was a major success at the worldwide box office, grossing over $8 million during its initial release in 1937 and 1938. This was an unprecedented amount for an animated film at the time and it was considered a commercial breakthrough for Walt Disney and his studio.

In terms of budget, Snow White was a very expensive film to produce. It cost approximately $1.5 million to make, which was an enormous amount of money for an animated feature film in the 1930s. In fact, many people in the film industry believed that the project was too risky and would be a financial disaster for Disney.

However, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs proved to be a tremendous success, earning back its production costs many times over. The film continued to be re-released in theaters over the years, and it went on to gross an estimated $418 million worldwide over the course of its various releases.

Overall, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was not only a creative triumph but also a financial one. It demonstrated that animated feature films could be both artistically and commercially successful, and it paved the way for the future of animation in cinema.

BoxOfficeMojo.com estimates that Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is the tenth most successful Hollywood film of all time, judging by lifetime adjusted gross box office. This takes inflation in ticket prices into account. At the time of its release, it was the most successful sound film of all time.

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Why was it a success?

Curran and Seaton

#Power and Profit

#Limit Creativity

#Social Diversity

David Hesmondhalgh #Vertical Horizontal

#Formatting / Risk

#Different industries

What makes a film a success? Apply these to Snow White.

Snow white was revolutionary as it was the first full length animated film in colour. Animation could tell stories with emotional depth. This made it attractive as audience had never seen animations before and were used to short comedies made and containing people. It was also a unique story with interesting chracters

There were several reasons why Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was a success with audiences in 1937:

Innovation: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was the first feature-length animated film, which was a significant technological and artistic achievement at the time. Audiences were amazed by the film's technical innovations, such as the use of cel animation and the multiplane camera.

Storytelling: The film's storytelling was engaging and accessible to audiences of all ages. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was based on a well-known fairy tale, which made it familiar to audiences, and the film's characters were charming and likable.

Music: The film's score, composed by Frank Churchill and Larry Morey, featured several memorable songs, including "Whistle While You Work" and "Heigh-Ho," which became popular hits at the time.

Marketing: The film's marketing campaign was extensive and effective. Disney used a variety of promotional techniques, including trailers, posters, and tie-in merchandise, to generate interest and anticipation for the film's release.

Reception: The film was well-received by critics, who praised its technical achievements and storytelling. Positive reviews helped to generate positive word-of-mouth and sustained interest in the film.

Overall, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was a success with audiences in 1937 because it was a groundbreaking, entertaining, and well-marketed film that captured the imagination of audiences around the world.

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Disney after 1937

Curran and Seaton

#Power and Profit

#Limit Creativity

#Social Diversity

David Hesmondhalgh #Vertical Horizontal

#Formatting / Risk

#Different industries

What happened to Disney after the success of the film?

There was immense financial security.studio expansion and success made way for other animated movies. Silenced critics who called it “disneys folly.”

After the success of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 1937, the Walt Disney Company continued to produce animated feature films and expand its reach into other areas of entertainment. Here are some key developments:

Feature films: The success of Snow White paved the way for a series of other animated feature films, including Pinocchio (1940), Fantasia (1940), Dumbo (1941), and Bambi (1942). These films further solidified Disney's position as a leader in the animation industry and helped to establish many of the conventions of modern animated storytelling.

Expansion into television: In the 1950s and 1960s, the Walt Disney Company began to expand into television, producing popular shows such as The Mickey Mouse Club and Disneyland (later known as Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color). These shows helped to introduce Disney's characters and stories to a wider audience and paved the way for the company's eventual domination of the theme park industry.

Theme parks: In 1955, the Walt Disney Company opened Disneyland, the world's first theme park, in Anaheim, California. This was followed by the opening of Walt Disney World in Florida in 1971, and the expansion of the Disney brand into theme parks around the world. Today, Disney theme parks and resorts are major destinations for tourists from around the world.

Acquisition of other companies: Over the years, the Walt Disney Company has acquired a number of other entertainment companies, including ABC in 1995 and Pixar Animation Studios in 2006. These acquisitions have helped to diversify Disney's business interests and expand its reach into other areas of the entertainment industry.

Digital and streaming: In recent years, the Walt Disney Company has made a major push into digital media and streaming, with the launch of Disney+ in 2019. This streaming service features a wide range of content from Disney's extensive library of films and TV shows, as well as new original programming. The success of Disney+ has helped to solidify the company's position as a major player in the entertainment industry for years to come.

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Merchandise

Find examples of merchandise for Snow White and share your findings with the group.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs has had several soundtrack releases since its original release in 1937. Here are some of the notable releases:

Original 1937 Soundtrack: The original Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs soundtrack was released in 1938, featuring songs and music from the film. This release included popular songs like "Whistle While You Work" and "Heigh-Ho," as well as the score by composer Frank Churchill.

1987 Soundtrack: In 1987, Disney released a new soundtrack for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs as part of the film's 50th anniversary celebration. This release included a remastered version of the original soundtrack, as well as new songs and recordings by contemporary artists like Linda Ronstadt, David Bisbal, and Luis Miguel.

Legacy Collection Soundtrack: In 2015, Disney released a special edition Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs soundtrack as part of its Legacy Collection series. This release included a remastered version of the original soundtrack, as well as bonus tracks and behind-the-scenes content.

Vinyl Releases: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs has been released on vinyl several times over the years, including a limited edition picture disc release in 2017 for the film's 80th anniversary.

Digital Releases: The Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs soundtrack is also available on digital platforms like iTunes and Amazon Music, where fans can purchase and stream the music from the film.

Overall, the Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs soundtrack has remained popular and beloved by audiences over the years, with its catchy songs and memorable score continuing to be celebrated and enjoyed by fans of all ages.

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Home Release: Super 8mm

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#Power and Profit

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David Hesmondhalgh #Vertical Horizontal

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What were the advantages and disadvantages of owning a copy of the film on Super 8mm?

Advantages- there is superior image quality, they became collectibles, it also provided a cinematic viewing experience that was very unique at the time

Disadvantages- it was very expensive it had limited availability and selection. There was also alot of equipment and maintenance provided for viewing it was also very fragile

The history of releasing films on 8mm film to audiences dates back to the mid-20th century, when small-gauge film formats like 8mm and Super 8mm became popular among amateur filmmakers and hobbyists. These formats allowed people to shoot and project their own films at home, and they quickly became popular for family home movies, travelogues, and other personal projects.

In the 1950s, companies like Kodak and Ansco began producing pre-packaged 8mm films for consumers, including edited versions of popular Hollywood films. These films were typically around 10-15 minutes in length and were sold in small reels that could be projected using a standard 8mm film projector.

As the home movie market grew, some companies began to specialize in producing and distributing 8mm versions of feature films. These films were typically edited down to fit on a single 200-foot reel, and they were often marketed to collectors and enthusiasts who wanted to watch their favorite movies at home.

However, the quality of these 8mm film versions of feature films was often poor, as the films had to be heavily edited and compressed to fit on the small reels. Additionally, the projectors used to play 8mm films were often low-quality and prone to breaking down, making the viewing experience less than ideal.

With the advent of new home video formats like VHS and Betamax in the 1970s and 1980s, the market for 8mm films began to decline. Today, 8mm films are primarily used by collectors and enthusiasts, and they are no longer a mainstream format for distributing or exhibiting films.

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Home Release

Curran and Seaton

#Power and Profit

#Limit Creativity

#Social Diversity

David Hesmondhalgh #Vertical Horizontal

#Formatting / Risk

#Different industries

What was Disney’s video release strategy?

How did this boost sales?

Apply the same to Laserdisc, DVD, BluRay and 4K.

Disney's 1937 Snow White release strategy focused on building massive anticipation through merchandise, Walt Disney's personality and word-of-mouth it was the novelty as the first feature-length animated film, with a theatrical strategy of limited premieres followed by wide release, then re-releasing it theatrically every few years before its first home video debut in 1994.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs has been released to home audiences in a variety of formats since its original theatrical release in 1937. Here are some of the key home video releases of the film over the years:

VHS: Snow White was first released on VHS in 1994, marking the first time the film was available for home viewing. It was subsequently re-released on VHS several times over the years.

DVD: In 2001, Snow White was released on DVD for the first time, as part of the Walt Disney Platinum Editions series. This release included a restored version of the film, along with a range of special features and bonus content.

Blu-ray: Snow White was released on Blu-ray in 2009, as part of the Walt Disney Diamond Editions series. This release included a high-definition transfer of the film, along with a range of new special features and bonus content.

Digital: Snow White has also been released digitally, both for purchase and rental, on platforms like iTunes, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Play.

4K Ultra HD: In 2019, Snow White was released on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray as part of the Walt Disney Signature Collection. This release includes a 4K Ultra HD transfer of the film, along with a range of special features and bonus content.

Overall, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs has been released to home audiences in a variety of formats over the years, allowing fans of the film to enjoy it in the comfort of their own homes. These releases have also allowed new generations of viewers to discover and appreciate the groundbreaking animation and storytelling of this

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Re-Releases

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David Hesmondhalgh #Vertical Horizontal

#Formatting / Risk

#Different industries

Why did Disney re-release the films 6 times in cinemas?

1944, 1952, 1967, 1983, 1993, 2016

Because before VHS and DVDS existed the only way you could see a movie again was if it was released again in cinemas. In 1937 snow white came out and was very popular. 10 years later in 1947 a whole new group of kids have never seen snow white. There is no other way to watch it so it has to be re released. Disney usually waited 7-10 years between releases. This was because there was usually a whole new generation of kids ready at that time to see snow white.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs has had several re-releases at the cinema since its original release in 1937. Here are some of the notable ones:

1944: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was re-released in 1944 as part of the film's first national re-release. This was done to help boost morale during World War II and to introduce the film to a new generation of children.

1952: The film was re-released in 1952 as part of a double feature with Disney's Alice in Wonderland. This re-release helped to introduce the film to a new generation of children who had not seen it before.

1967: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was re-released in 1967 as part of the film's 30th anniversary celebration. This re-release included a new promotional campaign and merchandise tie-ins.

1983: The film was re-released in 1983 as part of a double feature with Disney's newly released film, Mickey's Christmas Carol. This re-release was also timed to coincide with the film's 50th anniversary.

1993: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was re-released in 1993 as part of a limited engagement in theaters to celebrate the film's 56th anniversary. This re-release was also used to promote the film's upcoming release on VHS and Laserdisc.

2016: In 2016, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was once again re-released in theaters as part of a special event screening to celebrate the film's 79th anniversary. This re-release included a special introduction by Walt Disney's daughter, Diane Disney Miller.

Overall, these re-releases have helped to keep Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in the public consciousness and to introduce the film to new generations of fans. They have also provided an opportunity for fans to see the film on the big screen, as it was originally intended to be seen.

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Popularity today?

Curran and Seaton

#Power and Profit

#Limit Creativity

#Social Diversity

David Hesmondhalgh #Vertical Horizontal

#Formatting / Risk

#Different industries

How has Disney maintained audiences for its older products?

Disney has a self renewing audience for snow white and does not rely on the audience aging with the product. Children watch disney films, these children grow up and then introduce it to their own children. This continues happening and the movie is very age friendly so it can be shown to many age groups. It is also a great achievement in animation and a “classic” and “traditional” movie that many parents would want their children to watch.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs remains popular with audiences today for several reasons:

Nostalgia: The film holds a special place in the hearts of many people who grew up watching it and has become a beloved classic that is passed down from generation to generation.

Timeless storytelling: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is based on a classic fairy tale that has been told and retold for centuries, making it a timeless story that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.

Groundbreaking animation: The film was a pioneering achievement in animation, introducing techniques and innovations that are still used in the industry today. Its artistry and technical brilliance continue to be admired by animation enthusiasts and professionals.

Memorable characters and music: The film features memorable characters, including the Seven Dwarfs, the Evil Queen, and Snow White herself, as well as iconic songs like "Whistle While You Work" and "Heigh-Ho," which have become cultural touchstones.

Disney brand: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was the first feature-length animated film produced by Walt Disney and helped to establish the Disney brand as a leader in animation and family entertainment.

Overall, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs has endured as a beloved classic due to its timeless storytelling, groundbreaking animation, memorable characters and music, and the lasting impact of the Disney brand.

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Live Action Remakes

Who are the major film studios during this period?

What where some of there biggest successes?

The major film studios today, sometimes referred to as the big 5 is Disney who made successful live action remakes of the lion king and beauty and the beast which were very successful however live action snow white was not successful and heavily criticized. Warner bros were very successful with harry potter and Barbie. Universal pictures is the 3rd and was very successful with jurassic park, fast and furious and minions/ despicable me which are all crowd pleasers. Sony pictures is the next with the spider man films and jumanji ghostbusters and men in black. The 5th is paramount pictures with Top Gun maverick and mission impossible, scream and quiet place.

Disney is making live-action remakes of their classic animated films for several reasons.

First, it allows them to breathe new life into their classic stories and characters, introducing them to a new generation of viewers. By updating the stories and characters with modern technology and filmmaking techniques, they can make the films more visually stunning and appealing to modern audiences.

Second, it's a way for Disney to leverage their existing intellectual property, which is a valuable asset for the company. By adapting their animated films into live-action versions, they can continue to generate revenue from these beloved stories and characters.

Third, it's a response to the changing film industry and audience preferences. With the rise of streaming services and competition from other studios, Disney is looking for ways to differentiate themselves and stand out in a crowded market. Remaking their classic animated films in live-action form is a way to capture audience attention and build brand recognition.

Finally, it's a way for Disney to take advantage of the nostalgia factor. Many people grew up watching Disney's classic animated films, and by remaking them in live-action form, Disney can tap into that sense of nostalgia and emotional connection that people have with these stories and characters.

Overall, there are multiple reasons why Disney is making live-action remakes of their classic animated films, including introducing the stories and characters to a new generation of viewers, leveraging their intellectual property, responding to changing industry and audience preferences, and tapping into the power of nostalgia.

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Synergy

Who are the major film studios during this period?

What were some of their biggest successes?

The partnership between mcdonalds and disney are an example of synergy. This began in 1980s when mcdonalds started disney themed toys in their happy meals. This also greatly helped in promoting disney movies and characters. Mcdonalds continue to sponsor disney and make themed food to promote them and sponsored theme park disney rides

Disney and McDonald's have a long-standing partnership that has been beneficial for both companies. The partnership began in the 1980s when McDonald's began offering Disney-themed toys in their Happy Meals. This proved to be a successful marketing strategy for both companies, as it helped to promote Disney's films and characters to a wider audience while also increasing McDonald's sales.

Over the years, the partnership has expanded to include other initiatives, such as joint marketing campaigns and co-branded products. For example, McDonald's has sponsored Disney theme park attractions and even created Disney-themed food items, such as a Mulan-themed Happy Meal and a Disney-themed McFlurry.

The partnership between Disney and McDonald's is an example of synergy, which is when two companies work together to achieve a mutually beneficial outcome. In this case, Disney and McDonald's have been able to leverage their respective strengths to promote their brands and increasee sales. For Disney, the partnership has helped to promote its films and characters to a wider audience, while for McDonald's, the partnership has helped to increase sales by attracting families and children to their restaurants.

Overall, the partnership between Disney and McDonald's has been a successful example of synergy and a valuable marketing tool for both companies.

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Maintain Audiences

Production Budget

Box Office Revenue

Merchandising

Historical Significance

Long-Term Impact

Streaming and Distribution

Production costs for snow white wer 1.5 million however they earned back much more than that. Box office revenue was very high earning over 8 million at its initial release. It helped disney became financially stable and invest in a studio. Merchandising was used by disney very early on. They created toys, books clothing and many other products enhancing the popularity of the film. Snow white is very historically significant as it was the first feature length animated film. It also brought disney as a major company and put them in the spotlight. The long term impact was that it set brand identity and paved the way for more very popular animated movies. It is now available to stream on disney plus.

Applying economic context to Disney and the classic film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs involves considering factors such as production costs, revenue streams, merchandising, and the film's historical significance.

Production Costs: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was released in 1937 and was the first full-length animated feature film. At the time, it was a groundbreaking and ambitious project for Disney. The production costs were reportedly around $1.5 million, which was a significant investment for an animated film in that era.

Revenue Streams: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was a critical and commercial success. It was the highest-grossing film of its time, earning over $8 million at the box office during its initial release. The film's success contributed to Disney's financial stability and allowed the company to expand further in the animation industry.

Merchandising: Disney recognized the potential for merchandising early on and was among the first to market licensed merchandise tied to a film. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs paved the way for the Disney merchandising empire, with toys, books, clothing, and other products capitalizing on the film's popularity. The success of the film's merchandise further contributed to Disney's revenue streams.

Historical Significance: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs holds immense historical significance as the first feature-length animated film. Its success not only established Disney as a major player in the animation industry but also revolutionized the medium itself. The film demonstrated that animation could be a viable and profitable form of storytelling, leading to the growth of the animation industry as a whole.

Long-Term Impact: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs set the foundation for Disney's subsequent animated films and its brand identity. The success of the film allowed Disney to finance and produce future animated classics like Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and The Lion King. The ongoing popularity of Snow White and its characters continues to generate revenue through re-releases, home video sales, and licensing deals.

Overall, the economic context of Disney and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs highlights the film's groundbreaking success, its impact on Disney's financial stability and brand identity, and its role in shaping the animation industry. The film's enduring popularity and financial success laid the groundwork for Disney's subsequent ventures and established a legacy that still contributes to the company's economic growth today.

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This is Disney apologising for racial and wrong stereotypes in the past like shown in dumbo and assuring the audience they want an inclusive future with a lot of diversity.

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Assessment:

Explain how changes in production and/or distribution methods have affected the film industry. [15]
Explain how the arrival of digitally convergent media platforms has impacted film producers. [15]
How do film producers guarantee their success? [15]
How is the film industry regulated? [15]
How does the film industry maintain audiences? [15]

Refer to Snow and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021) to support your answer. Refer the economic and historical contexts in your answer.

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Component 2: Evolving Media

SECTION A Media Industries and Audiences

Film: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)andShang-Chi andThe Legend ofThe Ten Rings (2021) OverviewSnow White and the Seven Dwarfs funded the emergence of Disney as a successful animated feature film producer at a time when the American film industry was dominated by the classic Hollywood studio system of the 1930s.Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Ringsillustrates the importance of franchises to blockbuster film-making aimed at global audiences. These films act as prestige content for multi-media conglomerates such as The Walt Disney Company who will use exclusivity to drive subscribers to streaming services.This factsheet uses these two films as a case study to illustrate the changes and continuities between Hollywood film- making in the 1930s and the present day, looking at the role of ownershipand funding, processes of production, distribution and exhibition (circulation), strategies to maintain audiences, and the influence of media contexts.ocr.org.uk/medi

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How much did Disney pay for each company?

What IPs do the companies own?

What revenue have they generated?

Economic Context

IPs (or Intellectual Properties) refer to popular movies, TV shows, and video game series. Disney franchises such as Star Wars, Toy Story, the Lion King, the Avengers, and more are some of the most famous examples

TOBY RONN.

Disney payed pixar 7.4 billion in 2006, They payed lucasfilms 4.05 billion. They payed Marvel 4 billion. They payed 20th century fox . pixar owns the IPs- intellectual property-

Horizontal integration and vertical integration are two common strategies used by companies to expand their operations and increase their market power.

Horizontal integration involves the acquisition of or merger with a company that operates in the same industry and at the same level of the value chain. The goal of horizontal integration is to increase market share and reduce competition by combining resources and capabilities with similar companies.

An example of horizontal integration by Disney is its acquisition of 21st Century Fox in 2019. This acquisition allowed Disney to expand its media and entertainment portfolio by acquiring Fox's movie and television studios, cable networks, and other assets. By combining its resources with those of Fox, Disney was able to increase its market power and reduce competition in the media and entertainment industry.

Vertical integration, on the other hand, involves the acquisition of or merger with a company that operates in a different level of the value chain. The goal of vertical integration is to improve efficiency, control costs, and gain greater control over the supply chain.

An example of vertical integration by Disney is its ownership of its theme parks and resorts. By owning and operating its own theme parks, Disney is able to control the entire customer experience, from the characters and attractions to the food and merchandise. This allows Disney to create a seamless and immersive experience for its customers while also controlling costs and maintaining quality standards.

Overall, both horizontal and vertical integration have been important strategies for Disney to expand its operations and increase its market power in the media and entertainment industry.

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Intellectual properties of disney

Name	picture	date	Price then	Price adjusted to inflation	Revenue generated
Pixar		January 2006	7,400,000,000	11,184,000,000
Marvel Entertainment		August 31, 2009	4,400,000,000	6,249,000,000
Lucasfilms		October 30, 2012	4,050,000,000	5,375,000,000
21st Century fox		March 20, 2019	71,300,000,000	84,970,000,000

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What are cinematic universes?

Create a timeline of the MCU and how much did each film make at the box office? Aaron

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is a series of interconnected superhero films and TV shows produced by Marvel Studios and based on characters from Marvel Comics. The MCU is one of the most successful and expansive movie franchises in history, with over 25 films and TV shows released to date.

The MCU began with the release of "Iron Man" in 2008, which introduced the character of Tony Stark (played by Robert Downey Jr.) and set the stage for a shared universe of interconnected stories. The subsequent films in the MCU, including "Captain America," "Thor," and "The Avengers," introduced more characters and expanded the universe with each new installment.

The films and TV shows in the MCU are interconnected, with events and characters from one story affecting and influencing others. This has allowed for complex and interwoven storylines that span multiple films and TV shows, creating a rich and immersive fictional universe.

The MCU has also introduced a number of iconic characters, such as Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Black Widow, and the Hulk, and has helped launch the careers of actors such as Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, and Tom Holland.

Overall, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has become a cultural phenomenon, with fans eagerly anticipating each new installment and speculating about what's next for their favorite characters and storylines.

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Marvel movie chronological timeline-

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings 2021

Spider-Man: Far From Home 2019

Eternals 2021

Spider-Man: No Way Home 2021

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness 2022

Thor: Love and Thunder 2022

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever 2022

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania 2023

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 2023

The Marvels 2023

Deadpool & Wolverine 2024

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Captain America: The First Avenger 2011 Captain Marvel 2019 Iron Man 2008 Iron Man 2 2010 The Incredible Hulk 2008 Thor 2011

The Avengers 2012 Thor: The Dark World 2013 Iron Man 3 2013 Captain America: The Winter Soldier 2014 Guardians of the Galaxy 2014 Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 2017

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Avengers: Age of Ultron 2015

Ant-Man 2015

Captain America: Civil War 2016

Black Widow 2021

Spider-Man: Homecoming 2017

Black Panther 2018

Doctor Strange 2016

Thor: Ragnarok 2017

Ant-Man and the Wasp 2018

Avengers: Infinity War 2018

Avengers: Endgame 2019

Spider-Man: Far From Home 2019

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Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings 2021

Spider-Man: Far From Home 2019

Eternals 2021

Spider-Man: No Way Home 2021

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness 2022

Thor: Love and Thunder 2022

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever 2022

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantum Mania 2023

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 2023

The Marvels 2023

Deadpool & Wolverine 2024

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Marvel Cinematic Universe (Films Only) Toby S

Infinity Saga

Multiverse Saga

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Ishaan What other cinematic universes exist in competition to the MCU?

List the films of the DCU. How much money did each make at the box office.

Click on the images to play a video

The MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) and DCU (DC Extended Universe) are two of the most popular and successful franchises in the superhero film genre, and they have some key differences in terms of their approach to storytelling, characters, and tone.

Approach to Storytelling: The MCU has a more interconnected and cohesive approach to storytelling, with many of the films and TV shows building upon and connecting to each other. This allows for a more complex and interwoven narrative that spans multiple films and characters. In contrast, the DCU has a more disjointed approach, with less emphasis on interconnectedness and more standalone films.

Characters: Marvel has a wide range of characters with different personalities and abilities, and the MCU has successfully brought many of these characters to the big screen. Marvel has also focused on developing characters over time, allowing audiences to become invested in their journeys and relationships. DC, on the other hand, has a smaller roster of well-known characters and has struggled to develop some of them fully.

Tone: The MCU is known for its humor, wit, and light-hearted tone, even in the face of high-stakes action and drama. The DCU, on the other hand, has been criticized for being overly dark and serious in tone, with less emphasis on humor and levity.

Box Office Success: The MCU has been consistently successful at the box office, with many of its films grossing over $1 billion worldwide. The DCU has had some success with individual films, such as "Wonder Woman" and "Aquaman," but has struggled to match the MCU's consistent and widespread success.

Overall, while both the MCU and DCU have their strengths and weaknesses, the MCU has been more successful in terms of box office revenue and critical acclaim. However, DC has made some strides in recent years with well-received films like "Wonder Woman" and "Shazam," and it remains to be seen how both franchises will continue to evolve and compete in the future.

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Click on the images to play a video

What are legacy characters within superhero films?

How does this maximise audiences?

SUMMER

In the upcoming Flash movie, it has been confirmed that there will be multiple legacy characters appearing alongside the main character Barry Allen/The Flash. These include:

Michael Keaton's Batman: Keaton is reprising his role as Batman from the 1989 film, and will serve as a mentor figure to Barry Allen.

Ben Affleck's Batman: Affleck will also appear in the film as an alternate version of Batman, who is older and more experienced than Barry Allen's version of the character.

Sasha Calle's Supergirl: Calle will make her debut as Supergirl in the film, taking on the mantle from previous versions of the character.

In Spider-Man: No Way Home, it has been heavily rumored that there will be several legacy characters appearing alongside Peter Parker/Spider-Man. While it has not been officially confirmed, it is widely speculated that these characters will include:

Tobey Maguire's Spider-Man: Maguire played Spider-Man in the original Spider-Man trilogy directed by Sam Raimi.

Andrew Garfield's Spider-Man: Garfield played Spider-Man in the Amazing Spider-Man films directed by Marc Webb.

Alfred Molina's Doctor Octopus: Molina played the villainous Doctor Octopus in the second Spider-Man film directed by Raimi.

Jamie Foxx's Electro: Foxx played the villainous Electro in the second Amazing Spider-Man film directed by Webb.

Overall, the inclusion of legacy characters in these films is a way to pay homage to previous iterations of beloved characters, while also expanding the story and bringing in new audiences.

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