i daniel blake pre-lim research

Using websites like Wikipedia, IMDB and Google research the following questions:

What happened during the pre-production phase?

• Whose idea was the film? Did the idea start with the writer, or were writers brought in to develop a preconceived idea?  The director Ken Loach frequently collaborated with the writer Paul Laverty.

• Where did the idea come from? Was it an original idea, or perhaps a book first, or TV series, or comic strip, or from some other source? The idea is based on the realistic lifestyles that many people live and have told about. 

• Was the film based upon an original script or developed over time by many writers? An original script done by one writer.

• Who financed the film - Production Company? What other films have they produced?
Sixteen films- jimmys hall, the spirit of 45, route irish

British film institute

Why not productions- Faute D’amour, Le taxi driver

Wild bunch- High Life, 12 days, joint custody

BBC films- 8 minutes idle, 360, a cock and bull story
• Casting – who were cast in the main roles and why? How important were stars? How did the film-makers think the chosen stars would appeal to audiences?
Daniel Blake- Dave Johns

Katie Morgan- Hayley Squires

These actors aren’t famous and was even dave johns debut film showing the amateurism of the film
• Who was the producer?
Rebecca Obrien
• Who was the director and why did they take the project on?
Ken Loach
• Did they have a track record of success?
Yes he did, a previous film of his was voted the 7^th best british film of the 20^th century.

 Kes 1969

Bread and Roses 2000

Looks and smiles 1981
• Was there anything interesting about the film soundtrack?


It was composed by George Fenton

What happened during the production phase?

• Was it an easy ‘shoot’? If there were difficulties what were they? Were there tensions between any of the creative personnel, often known as ‘the talent’?
There were not any issues as everyone agreed with the message the film was trying to convey and worked hard to understand their roles better.
• Was any part of the film shot on location? If so, where? Why were some locations chosen over others? Were costs a factor?
The entire film was shot in Newcastle. The only costs of this would be the filming permits.
• Where there any difficulties with casting or with acquiring the stars/actors the producer wanted?

• What did the film cost to make? How much did the stars get? Where did the budget go? Was the film shot within budget? Was it ever in any danger of going over budget?

• Were there any changes to the script during production? How many changes or re-writes?

The writer kept his script throughout

·      What technology was used in the production of the film such as camera?

Camera, microphone, computers

·      List some of the key people who made contributions to the production.

Directed by	Ken Loach
Produced by	Rebecca O'Brien
Written by	Paul Laverty
Starring	·       Dave Johns ·       Hayley Squires
Music by	George Fenton
Cinematography	Robbie Ryan
Edited by	Jonathan Morris

What happened during the marketing and distribution phase of your case study film?

• Who were the distributors? How well known was the company? What is their track record as distributors? (Other films/genres)
eOne films, Le Pacte. They are not very well known nor are they extremely successful.

• Were there any issues with the classification of the film?

It was classed as a 15 due to the swearing and reference to prostitution.

• Who was the target audience? How do you know?
The target audience was adults of all ages. This is because it is issues relevant to theses adults. Majoritorally those who have had similar experiences, however also those more fortunate to send a message and help them to understand the ongoing struggle of the less fortunate.
• How did the filmmakers decide where to release the film and when? What was the eventual release pattern?

Opening Weekend USA:

 $18,682, 2 June 2017, Limited Release

Gross USA:

 $258,168, 14 July 2017

• What was the marketing and advertising strategy for the film? Was there a premiere, and if so, where?
A hashtag they released got 65,993 likes on facebook. They had a website promotion on the BBC website. Trailers and interviews were posted to youtube.

• Analyse a trailer/teaser trailer and consider how the trailer persuaded and positioned British audiences to see the film.

The trailers purpose was to outline many of the struggles and obstacles the protagonist is facing. This caused the audience to either relate to the protagonist or sympathise with him.

• What outlets were used for advertising? Was TV used, for example?

Youtube and the BBC website

• Were there any merchandising tie-ins?

Some tshirts on red-bubble.

• Was any additional publicity gained, and if so, how?

Some through social media
What happened during the exhibition (audience) phase?

• When was the film released; also where and on how many screens?
2 June 2017
• Were there any other special restrictions placed on the exhibition of the film?
It premiered in Newcastle only, rejecting a London premiere.
• What were the reactions of the critics to the film? Was it considered a critical success? Has it been re-assessed since then?
Critics praised the film for addressing serious issues.
• Did the film create a particular media debate, or create news headlines?
Yes the film did create a large subject of debate.
• How much money did the film take? Was it considered a commercial/financial success?

Opening Weekend USA:

 $18,682, 2 June 2017, Limited Release

Gross USA:

 $258,168, 14 July 2017

• Did it run in the cinema for some time?

Not for very long