Film Industry: I, Daniel Blake

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

Independent films have much smaller budgets, and are often supported financially by public service broadcasters, film institutions and charity funding. They are also distributed by smaller companies. Whereas Hollywood Blockbusters have millions for their budget and are supported by their conglomerates.

2) What is I, Daniel Blake about?

A man named Daniel Blake crosses paths with a single mother Katie and her two young children, Daisy and Dylan. Katie’s only chance to escape a one roomed homeless hostel in London is to accept a flat some 300 miles away. Daniel  stands up and fights for his dignity, leading a one-man crusade for compassion that will transform the lives of a struggling single mother (Katie) and her two children.   It is a drama that has a strong political message about Britain in an age of government austerity.

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

I, Daniel Blake was directed by Ken Loach this is important as Ken Loach has been a director for over 50 years. Loach’s style is social realism – telling stories that represent the lives of ordinary working-class people and the social issues they face, his goal is to expose and educate people to the issues that many people in society face.

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.

• Organize free (or ‘pay what you can’) screenings and talks in community centers across the UK to build local enthusiasm for the film’s message.
• Film was premiered not in London, but Newcastle (where the film is set) to gain local support. 
• Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn attended the London premiere and people that had been denied benefit payments were asked to placard the event.

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

It seems as if all of they're tactics are wrong like giving their movie out for free and not releasing it in a well known world city but a smaller outside city. This is extremely unusual in the film industry.

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

 It was estimated to have had a budget of around £2 million. I, Daniel Blake was exhibited in 24 countries and performed well in Europe and other smaller countries. The film grossed £11 million and received a wide range of positive critic reviews.

7) How can independent films like I, Daniel Blake compete with Hollywood blockbusters like Black Widow?

A director like Ken Loach isn't bothered by making money and profit however conveying a message to the audience to change peoples lives whereas big Hollywood  Blockbusters are just about making money.

8) In your opinion, was I, Daniel Blake a success?

Considering the circumstances the film makers had it is safe to say that this movie was a success as they made a big profit however when compared to Hollywood blockbusters it may have not been much.