Revision
DKT (2016): past exam questions
Q3(a) Explain the importance of co-productions to the Welsh film industry. Refer to
the film made in Wales you have studied. [10]
Introduction:
The concept of co-productions can be seen as rather crucial to the Welsh film industry. In
this case, the co-productions for the film ‘Don’t Knock Twice’ (2016) will be explored.
Paragraph One:
In regards to the UK film industry, co-productions are important nationally partially because
financing is a risk and also because grants are so heavily relied upon. Only one grant or loan
would not suffice when funding a film, and so, the film industry is almost structured so that if
a company relies on these financial supports, they are by default going to have to enter into
a co-production. Financial contribution required to develop and produce a film like ‘Don’t
Knock Twice’ is crucial, so that if the film is not as successful as it was intended to be then
the loss will not be as significant. This is because the risks are shared between the
companies since production costs are decreased.
Paragraph Two:
Co-productions are also important as it allows an expansive source of creativity, technical
expertise and artistic contribution from a wide range of people with different sets of skills and
ideas that could potentially be useful. Additionally, a film made of co-productions can be
spread over a larger area, even though it is made in one area in one country of the nation,
through marketing and promoting the film in all the countries the co-production belongs to.
Thus, allowing a film to gain a larger audience base. As a low-budget, independent film,
‘Don’t Knock Twice’ relies on conglomeration for global distribution
Paragraph Three:
Other than co-productions, economic factors which could involve support from film agencies
and grants are equally significant. ‘Don’t Knock Twice’ was supported by Ffilm Cymru and
also co-financed by Altara and the Welsh Government. Red and Black studios, based in
Cardiff, received funding from the Welsh government’s media budget, stipulating that to use
the funding, half of ‘Don’t Knock Twice’s production must be must be filmed in Wales. ‘Don’t
Knock Twice’ was the first ever film to receive such funding and this ensured employment for
the Welsh industry.
Paragraph Four:
Patterns of ownership in the film industry is rather significant. The media that exists in the
UK is heavily influenced by the ownership form it takes. For example, the conglomerate
ownership pattern is rather useful as the multiple companies involved falls under one
corporate structure. It has the advantage of diversification, as diversity reduces risks, not
only for unforeseen events such as particularly adverse conditions in one sector or
unexpected bankruptcy in one company but also in the differing effects of the business cycle
on individual businesses. Furthermore, companies will consistently lower relative costs as
they grow.
Conclusion:
- To conclude, co-productions are quite crucial in the film industry of Wales.
DKT (2016): past exam questions
Q3(a) Explain the importance of co-productions to the Welsh film industry. Refer to
the film made in Wales you have studied. [10]
Introduction:
The concept of co-productions can be seen as rather crucial to the Welsh film industry. In
this case, the co-productions for the film ‘Don’t Knock Twice’ (2016) will be explored.
Paragraph One:
In regards to the UK film industry, co-productions are important nationally partially because
financing is a risk and also because grants are so heavily relied upon. Only one grant or loan
would not suffice when funding a film, and so, the film industry is almost structured so that if
a company relies on these financial supports, they are by default going to have to enter into
a co-production. Financial contribution required to develop and produce a film like ‘Don’t
Knock Twice’ is crucial, so that if the film is not as successful as it was intended to be then
the loss will not be as significant. This is because the risks are shared between the
companies since production costs are decreased.
Paragraph Two:
Co-productions are also important as it allows an expansive source of creativity, technical
expertise and artistic contribution from a wide range of people with different sets of skills and
ideas that could potentially be useful. Additionally, a film made of co-productions can be
spread over a larger area, even though it is made in one area in one country of the nation,
through marketing and promoting the film in all the countries the co-production belongs to.
Thus, allowing a film to gain a larger audience base. As a low-budget, independent film,
‘Don’t Knock Twice’ relies on conglomeration for global distribution
Paragraph Three:
Other than co-productions, economic factors which could involve support from film agencies
and grants are equally significant. ‘Don’t Knock Twice’ was supported by Ffilm Cymru and
also co-financed by Altara and the Welsh Government. Red and Black studios, based in
Cardiff, received funding from the Welsh government’s media budget, stipulating that to use
the funding, half of ‘Don’t Knock Twice’s production must be must be filmed in Wales. ‘Don’t
Knock Twice’ was the first ever film to receive such funding and this ensured employment for
the Welsh industry.
Paragraph Four:
Patterns of ownership in the film industry is rather significant. The media that exists in the
UK is heavily influenced by the ownership form it takes. For example, the conglomerate
ownership pattern is rather useful as the multiple companies involved falls under one
corporate structure. It has the advantage of diversification, as diversity reduces risks, not
only for unforeseen events such as particularly adverse conditions in one sector or
unexpected bankruptcy in one company but also in the differing effects of the business cycle
on individual businesses. Furthermore, companies will consistently lower relative costs as
they grow.
Conclusion:
- To conclude, co-productions are quite crucial in the film industry of Wales.
