Paper 1 section B Film Marketing: Mainstream and independent films

 Main differences between mainstream and independent films

A mainstream film has a mass, passive audience and is associated with commercial success. It is a film for escapist entertainment, it brings out emotions e.g. making you laugh or cry. The main genres its associated with are superhero, action and science fiction. Many Mainstream films are film franchises. They tend to have a big film budget and are often funded by a major studio. They contain big stars. Young audience. They are shown in the cinema.

An Independent film has a niche active audience and contains key social themes and messages. they are on a low budget and are likely to be funded by multiple different studios. They don't contain big stars they contain 'cheap' stars. They are not really identified to one specific genre they could be many genres in one film. They have open endings. Older audience. Associated with critical success. The films tend to get the audience to think of the deeper meaning. The films tend to be more of a cultural expression or an art. Independent films are less likely to be shown in a cinema and are shown online instead.

Why is Black defined as a mainstream film. And does it have any key features of an independent film?

Black Panther is defined as a mainstream film as it confines into all three of the mainstream genres, superhero, action and science fiction. The film also has a big film budget and is sponsored by a major studio (marvel studio), the film was also shown in cinema which is another reason it is a mainstream film. The film also gained a massive financial success of  1.3 billion dollars. However even though Black Panther is a mainstream film it has qualities of an independent film, such as the film contains key social concepts such as feminism and women empowerment, black identity and many more. The film is also identified to three genres and not only one which is common in an independent film.

What makes Black Panther different from the other marvel films?

Black Panther is different to the other Marvel films as it is the first marvel film to contain a prominently black cast with the main character the hero being black. The film also explores black African culture throughout the movie this can be seen through the way the characters were dressed in traditional African clothing. It is also different from the other marvel movies as it is mainly set in Africa whereas most marvel films are set in America. 

How does Black Panther fit into the Marvel Universe?

Black panther fits into the marvel universe as we first saw some of the characters such as T'Chacka in marvels Captain America Civil War