As we approach the idea of film production - it is percieved as being a glamourous pursuit through our personal understanding of cinema experiences and the exhibition of film. It is the process which focuses on processes such as casting and the important stages of film making - starting from the initial story idea of the film. Changed into script form, the idea is then shot (which is a long repeated process), directed, edited and then screened until released to a suitable viewing audience. With film production taking form of three stages; Pre-production (shoot preparation, location selections, film and cast hired and rights to books), Production in itself (raw elements filmed) and the Post production process (Editing, music production/ sound effects, graphic and visual effects) - The process of film production requires a lot of work, but let's think about film distribution. Looking at the concept of film distribution; contrasting to the idea of film production, it is barely even recognised - referred to as being the 'invisible art yet film distribution is the most important part of the film industry. Film distribution is the process in which a movie is released by the distributor and sustaining their place in the market and these ways vary from a theatrical release or a home entertainment release (in forms of a DVD-video or Blu-Ray disc) - promoting their film through many different forms of advertising to see if it is worth being released for home advertisement. Looking at distribution and production company logos/ idents and de-constructing them; it can suggest a lot about the types of films that would be released by them and the types of audience they would attract.
Film Production Companies
WARP FILMS
Warp Films, launched in 2001 is an independent and creative film production company based in London and Sheffield, England is originally composed from Warp Records - record label since 1989 known to be a platform for boundary-breaking talent with many great artists under the labels name. The film production company has released many critically acclaimed and award winning films including several BAFTAs; the company's release including Rubber Johnny, Dead Man's Shoes, This is England, Four Lions and Submarine.
It is clear that with the history of films released by the production company; it is home to many independent releases staying true to it's bold artistic vision - producing films with an original twist and creative signature. By looking at the logo and de-constructing it; we can begin to understand what visually it is trying to portray to the audience therefore it can be interpreted in a particular way as it suggests what kind of films/records it may produce. The ident is very bold with simple use of black and white; it seems to be making a statement yet not over the top - subtle suggesting that there is more than that meets the eye. The way the titling is presented on a globe can suggest that it has gained a wider interest from around the world and the lighting bolt shape can seem striking almost. It emphasises that released items under this production name are different - and that there is more to what meets the eye from the 'striking' lightening bolt - presented in such a simple manner.
VERTIGO FILMS
Not just a British production company, Vertigo films is also a distribution company created in 2002 for commercially driven independent cinema. Vertigo films aims produce and distribute up to 4 films yearly as it's original purpose was to produce and distribute 2 films - The Football Factory and It's All Gone Pete Tong. It has released a total of 22 films with 7 currently in development - a great success for the film adaptation of Horrid Henry which became a box office hit in 2011.
Visually; the logo for Vertigo is not very exciting as it seems to be black titling on a red background and two forward slashes. It could suggest that this company is obviously not as active or exciting as other production companies considering very little films are released annually. It could just be that it is trying to look unusual considering it aims to release independent and doesn't want to have a cliché OTT design...? The colour red could suggest emotionally/ intense connotations which could maybe tell the audience something about the films that are released - however it is not very visually interesting.
Film Distribution Companies
MOMENTUM PICTURES
Known to be one of the leading independent motion pictures distributors founded in 2000, Motion Pictures (also known as Alliance Films UK) releases approx. 20 theatrical films annually winning 8 BAFTA awards in 2011 for The Kings Speech and The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. Some of it's most successful theatrical releases include P.S I Love you, Amelie, The Young Victoria and Let The Right One In - It is home to great largely known films that include foreign language films emphasising the independent status it runs by.
The ident is presented with a black slanted font against a white background; with 'pictures' in blue underneath in smaller font. It emphasises the name of the company and seems to be quite plain; and doesn't really show what types of films are released under it the company but presents the name professionally and the viewers can guess that it is a highly acclaimed distributor.
STUDIO CANAL UK
The logo for the production company doesn't contain a lot; as the titling is in a slanted white bold font against a black background for 'Studio' and a grey background for 'Canal'. It seems to be quite simple looking and shows a contrast or difference in the two background colours yet the same titling colour could suggest that the films are similar/ have something in common (independent/ theatrical releases perhaps?). Overall the logo isn't very expressive yet seems professional and subtle in suggesting to the audience what kind of films released as it isn't assigned to a particular genre.
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