Blinded By The Light case study

1) What is the story behind the production of the film?

Based on a real story about Sarfraz Manzoor who grew up in luton and was introduced to Springsteen's music by a friend.

2) What was the audience reaction to the film?

The most common responses to the film were in the ways that audiences found personal connections to the story.

3) Why is the Sundance Film Festival such an important part of the film industry - particularly for lower budget films? 

It gives lower budget movies the chance to be picked up and gain more awareness therefore, more sales ect.

Funding and industry contexts

1) What was the budget for Blinded By The Light and which companies contributed to the production budget?

It had a $15 million budget and Bend It Films, Levantine Films, Ingenious Media are some of the production companies behind it.

2) Research the Bend It Networks website. What other films and projects has the company been involved with?

Christmas Karma, Beecham house, Desi Rascals and Bend It Like Beckham.

3) Research Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema on the Warners website here. Summarise the history of New Line Cinema in a short paragraph.

4) Read this Variety interview with director Gurinder Chadha explaining how the project came about - including budget details. What attracted Gurinder Chadha to the project and how did she manage to get the film made? 

She related to Manzoor's story of being an outsider and also liked Springsteen's music. Worried about adding Bruce’s music to the film, Chadha was encouraged by the Springsteen camp to begin writing the screenplay and ‘something would be figured out,’ given the film’s modest budget. Blinded by the Light went in front of the cameras, and wowed the audience at Sundance earlier this year, setting up a spirited bidding war won by Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema, who acquired it for the $15 million it cost to make.

Distribution

Read this Deadline feature on the distribution deal for Blinded By The Light and answer the following questions: 

1) Which company won the distribution rights after the all-night auction and for how much?
New Line and Warner Bros are acquiring for $15 million for worldwide rights.

2) Which other companies were rumoured to be bidding for the distribution rights?
It was rumored to have included Fox Searchlight, Lionsgate and others.

3) According to the article, what was the 'allure' of Blinded By The Light?
Some of the allure of Blinded by the Light had to do with the surprisingly universal appeal of Springsteen’s coming-of-age tunes, which tell honest stories about a hardscrabble upbringing, ambition and the fight to break free of all shackles to do something worthwhile with one’s life. 

4) UK distribution was secured by eOne Entertainment. In 2023 eOne was bought by Lionsgate. Read this press release on Lionsgate acquiring eOne Entertainment and write one reason for the deal. 

1) What does the trailer suggest regarding genre and the potential audience pleasures of Blinded By The Light? 

Suggest the genre is a coming-of-age film and would likely appeal to a teenage audience who can relate but also an older generation who are interested in Springsteen's music.

2) What TV shows and websites did interviews with writer, director and stars of Blinded By The Light? Why are interviews a good way to promote a new film release? 

They've done an interview with the BBC One Show. Interviews are a good way to promote a new film as it lets a possibly new audience gain awareness of the movie but it also give extra insight which could make it appealing to audiences.

3) What did film posters for Blinded By The Light feature and where did they appear? You may need to research this on Google Images. 

Most of them had the protagonist on it and sometimes includes his friends.They appeared in many countries including America, England and France.

4) What social media accounts did Blinded By The Light use to promote the film? Note: some sites may be blocked if you are working in school - you will need to use your phone or complete your research at home. 

Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

5) Select three posts from the Blinded By The Light Instagram page and explain how they promote the film.
6) Go to the Bend It Networks YouTube channel. How does Gurinder Chadha introduce the channel?  What other content is on the Bend It Networks YouTube channel?

She introduces it by saying its a way to connect to her audience/viewers. There is trailers for her films and interviews.

7) Look at the box office figures for Blinded By The Light from The Numbers website. How much did it make at the box office and why do you think it was largely unsuccessful?

It made about $19 million overall at the box office which means that they likely didn't make much of a profit if you take into account the $15m budget and the money put into marketing.

8) Click on the tabs with further information (such as 'News', 'Box Office' and 'Video Sales'). Copy and paste some more statistics or sales figures to add to your understanding of the film's financial performance.