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The Blockbuster

The Blockbuster. Blockbuster origins. The term ’blockbuster’ 1st appeared in the early 1940’s when referring to a bomb capable of destroying an entire city block Was used as a metaphor when referring to films, indicating something successful on a dramatic scale

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The Blockbuster

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  1. The Blockbuster

  2. Blockbuster origins • The term ’blockbuster’ 1st appeared in the early 1940’s when referring to a bomb capable of destroying an entire city block • Was used as a metaphor when referring to films, indicating something successful on a dramatic scale • A ’Blockbuster’ is typically used when referring to a film with a large budget ($100+ million) and an ensemble of the top Hollywood actors

  3. Blockbuster origins • Steven Spielberg’s Jaws, released in 1975, was the 1st film of the ”Blockbuster Era” • Jaws was seen as a cultural phenomenon, fast-paced exciting entertainment, which became a common topic of conversation, inspiring repeated viewings • Jaws grossed more than $250 million in America, which established a standard for ’Blockbuster’ movies • In 1977, Star Wars was released & set a new box office record and lasted more than 1 year in theaters

  4. Blockbuster origins • After the success of Jaws & Star Wars, Hollywood producers attempted to create similar “event” films w/ wide commercial appeal and increasingly large budgets, while relying extensively on massive advertising campaigns leading up to the theatrical release • Jaws & Star Wars were prototypes for the “summer blockbuster” trend, in which production companies & distributors planned their annual marketing strategy around a big release by July 4th, hoping to attract audiences over the summer, typically a slow time for ticket sales

  5. Blockbuster Origins • Over the next 10 years after Jaws & Star Wars, ‘Blockbuster’ movies released included: • Close encounters of the third kind (1977) • Superman (1978) • Alien (1979) • Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) • E.T. (1982) • Ghostbusters (1984) • Beverly Hills Cop (1984) • Back to the Future (1985)

  6. Elements of a blockbuster • Because they are designed to attract the broadest possible audience, most blockbuster movies share 4 common elements • Very simple storylines • easy to understand & have universal appeal • created to be accessible to a global audience • created around “good vs. Evil” (Lord of the Rings, Spiderman) & storylines where global destruction is averted (Armageddon, Independence Day). • They engage audiences with stories that relate to universal hopes & fears.

  7. Elements of a blockbuster • 2. Easy to understand characters • have simple psychological states that are easily understood by younger audiences • Includes characters whose motivation is to ‘save the world’ or save the one they love

  8. Elements of a blockbuster 3. Blockbusters are marketed on their ‘Look’ • Include exciting special effects, such as pyrotechnic displays & computer-generated imagery (CGI) • Excite audiences through visual display • The huge action set pieces of Pearl Harbor, pirates of the Caribbean, & Titanic are examples

  9. Elements of a blockbuster 4. Blockbusters become a brand • Merchandising, the sale of toys, apparel, games, & myriad of other merchandise, are typically the greatest reward & provided the greatest financial return after box-office ticket sales

  10. E.T. The Extra-terrestrial • Released in 1982 by Universal Pictures • Directed by Steven Spielberg • Produced by Kathleen Kennedy & Steven Spielberg • Budget of $10.5 million • Grossed $359 million in North America; $619 million worldwide • Won 4 Academy Awards • Best Original Score • Best Sound • Best Sound Effects Editing • Best Visual Effects

  11. E.T. The Extra-terrestrial • The idea of E.T. was developed after an imaginary friend Spielberg created after his parent’s divorce in 1960 • Henry Thomas was cast to play Elliott • Pat Welsh voiced E.T. She smoked 2 packs of cigarettes a day which gave her voice a quality that sound effects director ben burt liked. She recorded her part for 9.5 hours and was paid $380 for her work • Drew Barrymore was cast as Gertie because she had the right imagination to play the mischievous character

  12. Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark • Releasedin 1981 • Genre: Action-Adventure • Directed by Steven Spielberg • Written by George Lucas • Released by Paramount Pictures • First installment of the Indiana Jones film franchise

  13. Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark • Stars Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones • Production was based at Elstree Studios in England; Also filmed in France, Hawaii, Tunisia, & California • Nominated for 8 Academy Awards; Won 4 • Best Art Direction • Best Film Editing • Best Sound • Best Visual Effects • Won Best Picture at the People’s Choice Awards • Grossed $383 million Worldwide; one of the top Grossing films of all time • Considered one of the Top 100 Movies of all Time • 3 more Indiana Jones movies: Temple of Doom (prequel), The Last Crusade, Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

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