I, Daniel Blake: blog tasks

 1) What is independent cinema and how is it different to Hollywood blockbusters?

Hollywood blockbuster often follow established formulae, rely on big-name actors, and prioritise commercial success over artistic experimentation. Independent films, on the other hand, are produced by smaller companies and may use alternative sources of funding.
2) What is I, Daniel Blake about?

I, Daniel Blake is an award-winning independent British Drama film. The main character, Daniel Blake, 59, who has worked as a joiner most of his life in the North East of England needs help from the State for the first time ever following an illness.

3) Who directed I, Daniel Blake and why is this important?

I, Daniel Blake returns to Northern Stage this autumn after its sell-out run in spring. Adapted by Dave Johns from the film directed by Ken Loach, written by Paul Laverty, and produced by Rebecca O'Brien for Sixteen Films. Dan is a carpenter. A Geordie through and through.

4) How was I, Daniel Blake promoted to an audience? List at least three different methods used by the film's marketing campaign and how they targeted their audience.

I, Daniel Blake made use of grassroot campaigns including taste maker screenings, street marketing, 'takeovers of refional cinemas, I, Daniel Blake speech video, etc.

5) What unusual or creative marketing methods were used to get audiences talking about the film?

Along with traditional trailer and print adverts, the film makers eOne also used disruptive marketing such as: Organise free (or 'pay what you can') screenings and talks in community centres across the UK to build local enthusiasm for the film's message.

6) What was the estimated production budget for I, Daniel Blake and how much did it make at the box office?

budget was £2 million and the box office made £11 million 

7) What were some of the companies involved in funding or producing I, Daniel Blake? 

I, Daniel Blake is a low budget social realist film, funded by the BFI and BBC. It was filmed largely on location (hospital, job centre etc.), features lesser known actors and does not rely on special effects.

8) What is the name of the film regulator in the UK and what was the age rating for I, Daniel Blake?

I, Daniel Blake was released in 2016 and was directed by Ken Loach. The film was rated by the BBFC as a 15. A UK/French co-production, the film is a classed as a drama due to the nature of the narrative and themes within the film.

9) What aspects of the film contributed to the film's age rating?

Other issues in the film are sex references, including to prostitution out of necessity, prescription drug use, criminality; and some unintentional racism, which may have been acceptable at the requested 12A with appropriate advice for consumers in the BBFCinsight for the film .

10) Finally, considering everything you have learned about I, Daniel Blake, do you think the film was a success? Explain your answer in a well developed paragraph. Try and compare it to Black Widow if you can.

I, Daniel Blake was successful as he used a variety of marketing strategies to make sure Ken Loach's points got across to his targeted audience and that the film reached a wider audience, including disruptive marketing, street displays and newspaper inclusions.